PORTLAND, OR – Freightliner Trucks was recognized by the Truck Writers of North America (TWNA) in its annual competition for its state-of-the-art rack and pinion steering system. Freightliner Trucks is the world’s first heavy-duty truck manufacturer to offer rack and pinion steering, which provides more accurate and responsive steering. Freightliner was among just six finalists chosen by TWNA.

The selection was made by five truck journalists working from nominations submitted by TWNA members. The criteria for the award include product innovation; the product must have been commercially available within the calendar year; and it had advanced the art of trucking in a significant manner.

The rack and pinion steering system is available as an option on the Freightliner Century Class S/T, Coronado, Classic, and Classic XL Class 8 models. The rack and pinion steering system offers a number of significant benefits to customers. The system is 45 pounds lighter than integral gear systems, allowing for greater payloads. It also offers more accurately controlled wheel direction because it has fewer parts and pivot points. All of this contributes to better driver comfort and control and less fatigue.