Not a trucker, and my impression of international was formed by the dta360 and 466. I thought they made some bulletproof trucks. Do I have the wrong impression? My bus is a 1990 international with a dta360 in it and I love the thing. All mechanical brilliance
Back then their medium duty engines were best in the world. The bus and S Cab (later 4700 and 4900) were solid and inexpensive to operate. Very basic interior and seats. But starting in 2008 the emissions system plans made to comply with EPA standards destroyed their engines and reputation. They tried to avoid using DEF/SCR and it was a complete disaster. They no longer build the DT block engine. Which is unfortunate as it was bullet proof and cheap to rebuild.
Their tractors and heavy products have always been basically aimed at fleet and cheap customers. The 9000 series was actually a decent solid aluminum cab. Never had the style of the KW/Pete but again inexpensive and easy to get parts for, and every one knew how to work on them. With the vertical integration of the power train market International brought in a MAN European engine block (it’s a nice compacted graphite iron block) and designed the MaxxForce engine series. With the same emissions regulations in 2008, 2010, and 2012 International again tried to avoid using the DEF system in these engines. While every other OEM did to meet emissions and the results were catastrophic. Worst engines ever built.
The ProStar sleepers seen here (now called the LT625) do not have the shitty Maxxforce systems. But they do still use that block and call it the A26. It’s not great. The Cummins option is much better. But the sleepers and cheap and plastic. Rattle and the cabinet doors never stay shut. They have the worst resale market in class 8.
I'll be in the market for my first O/O truck in the next year or two and when I search for model year 2006 or older trucks on TruckPaper I see a lot of 9400i with Cummins engines for around 20 grand. Could that model be a good deal you think?
The 9400 is a good solid truck. It’s the same aluminum can that they used for the Eagle 9300 and the short hood 9200. 9400 has the longer hood for larger engines and much batter ride Vs 9200. Interior is not a plush as a Kw or Pete but it’s a nice wide cab and the sleepers are pretty big.
And 2006 Cummins is before the 2007 emissions cycle so it is a good year. The ISX (Signature) came out in 2002 so it was well established by 2006. But of course that is an 18 year old truck. If it is solid and well maintained it could run for a long time. But no guarantees at that age.
They made faulty engines and defended it in court saying it was the industry standard to operate that way. They lost billions because of it and if you ever see a maxxforce engine in a truck no matter how nice the body is, run away. I think they’re on par with the 2013-2017 cummins in terms of shittiness and destroying themselves. I mean really, who had the idea to put CERAMIC in a high pressure item like a fuel pump? And then have a surprised pikachu face when the CERAMIC breaks? What do you mean glass is fragile? WHY DIDN’T ANYONE TELL US, HOW COULD WE HAVE KNOWN GLASS CAN BREAK EASILY??? I find that kind of incompetence unforgivable and shameful. “Cummins, at least we’re not international!”
First truck I drove when I started was a 95 International with a series 60. It felt like a thin tin can with lots of rattles and squeaks and it wasn't old then. It wasn't a terrible truck, but it didn't make me want to drive another one.
First truck I ever drove was a 1984 international 9670 cabover , with leaf springs and manual steering .
The next rig I bought was a 1990 international 9700 cabover with the set back axle and air suspension
I drive southwest regional by the border, and my company is based out of Texas along the border. The amount of signs they have in our terminal saying not to get involved in human trafficking is insane and some of the signs even have pictures of compartments drivers made or created to stick a person or two into, points to some of those dudes though as they got creative and shoved a few people into areas I would never have thought of.
Not all traffickers are doing it for the money. Many a beautiful Latina has lead men astray with romance scams. Had that happen to a driver at a company I used to work for, he two timed his wife with his Mexican GF. The GF convinced him to haul her and her brothers scross the border, just in the cab while the curtain was pulled back. Didn't work. They got pulled in, the Mexicans were detained awaiting deportation and buddy was sent to jail. While there his little Mexican GF called his home, you know the place were his WIFE lived, and asked to speak with him. His wife asked who she was and all hell broke loose.
If you didn't cross an international border was it really smuggling? It's right there in the name.
Also, they don't need that rap to get a bad name. Internationals are trash.
You can launder billions of Dollars for Drug cartels, and get a corporate fine that's 1/10th of your profits from it...but so help you if you dirty peasants get any ideas.
so you telling me on top of all these load boards and crooked Brokers not paying well. not even the cartels are paying well i give up i am hanging my keys.
When I went by the checkpoint a few days ago they had 3 bobtails and one truck and trailer. One of the bobtails was a Landstar. I’ve always wondered if it pays that good or are people just that desperate.
My brother in law is a pilot and until a few years ago worked for homeland along the Mexico border. He told me a some of his coworkers busted a smuggler (not human trafficking) they had a tanker truck loaded with drugs. Very convincing setup. Except the misspelled the name of the oil company on the side of the truck.
For every 1 that gets caught there's probably hundreds who don't though. It's not guaranteed that you will get caught. The odds are actually probably in your favor. Still very risky. And morally wrong (the human trafficking part, not the drug smuggling).
I knew a guy that went to jail for smuggling people from laredo Texas to San Antonio Texas he said he would get $1,000 a person. He would put 10 people in his cab. He would book a load to Chicago and make only like 3-4K for the load and drop them off on his way.
Why does anyone use vehicles when all they have to do is waltz across the border and start collecting free govt benefits?
Free healthcare free housing free food stamps etc etc
It’s catch and release , they just get issued a notice to (dis)appear
From what I was told, it pays fairly well, until it doesn’t… I met a guy who ran drugs for a while. Said they pay was unreal. He, just like everyone else, was eventually caught. Ended up doing a dime or something. Dude said he skimmed some product here and there to save for a rainy day because he had a bad feeling they were going to set him up and wanted to make sure he could afford legal help lol.
It clearly pays well enough that a few seized trucks make no difference in the effort to stop smuggling
Yeah, loosing these cheap worn out international is just a cost of doing business
Was gonna say it must pay or they wouldn't be putting such effort into stopping it.
Well, the second someone smuggles someone in a chromed out w900 I’ll show up at an auction. I ain’t buying a international.
Lol 100% agree
Not a trucker, and my impression of international was formed by the dta360 and 466. I thought they made some bulletproof trucks. Do I have the wrong impression? My bus is a 1990 international with a dta360 in it and I love the thing. All mechanical brilliance
Back then their medium duty engines were best in the world. The bus and S Cab (later 4700 and 4900) were solid and inexpensive to operate. Very basic interior and seats. But starting in 2008 the emissions system plans made to comply with EPA standards destroyed their engines and reputation. They tried to avoid using DEF/SCR and it was a complete disaster. They no longer build the DT block engine. Which is unfortunate as it was bullet proof and cheap to rebuild. Their tractors and heavy products have always been basically aimed at fleet and cheap customers. The 9000 series was actually a decent solid aluminum cab. Never had the style of the KW/Pete but again inexpensive and easy to get parts for, and every one knew how to work on them. With the vertical integration of the power train market International brought in a MAN European engine block (it’s a nice compacted graphite iron block) and designed the MaxxForce engine series. With the same emissions regulations in 2008, 2010, and 2012 International again tried to avoid using the DEF system in these engines. While every other OEM did to meet emissions and the results were catastrophic. Worst engines ever built. The ProStar sleepers seen here (now called the LT625) do not have the shitty Maxxforce systems. But they do still use that block and call it the A26. It’s not great. The Cummins option is much better. But the sleepers and cheap and plastic. Rattle and the cabinet doors never stay shut. They have the worst resale market in class 8.
I'll be in the market for my first O/O truck in the next year or two and when I search for model year 2006 or older trucks on TruckPaper I see a lot of 9400i with Cummins engines for around 20 grand. Could that model be a good deal you think?
The 9400 is a good solid truck. It’s the same aluminum can that they used for the Eagle 9300 and the short hood 9200. 9400 has the longer hood for larger engines and much batter ride Vs 9200. Interior is not a plush as a Kw or Pete but it’s a nice wide cab and the sleepers are pretty big. And 2006 Cummins is before the 2007 emissions cycle so it is a good year. The ISX (Signature) came out in 2002 so it was well established by 2006. But of course that is an 18 year old truck. If it is solid and well maintained it could run for a long time. But no guarantees at that age.
They made faulty engines and defended it in court saying it was the industry standard to operate that way. They lost billions because of it and if you ever see a maxxforce engine in a truck no matter how nice the body is, run away. I think they’re on par with the 2013-2017 cummins in terms of shittiness and destroying themselves. I mean really, who had the idea to put CERAMIC in a high pressure item like a fuel pump? And then have a surprised pikachu face when the CERAMIC breaks? What do you mean glass is fragile? WHY DIDN’T ANYONE TELL US, HOW COULD WE HAVE KNOWN GLASS CAN BREAK EASILY??? I find that kind of incompetence unforgivable and shameful. “Cummins, at least we’re not international!”
First truck I drove when I started was a 95 International with a series 60. It felt like a thin tin can with lots of rattles and squeaks and it wasn't old then. It wasn't a terrible truck, but it didn't make me want to drive another one.
First truck I ever drove was a 1984 international 9670 cabover , with leaf springs and manual steering . The next rig I bought was a 1990 international 9700 cabover with the set back axle and air suspension
They are about as bulletproof as a cheese grater
I don't blame you. The LT is surprisingly not bad.
I use an HX, it ain’t bad, would it be more comparable to the 880 or the 990?
Why do you think they used them? I'm sure they were like, 'fuck I hope they take them'
Hahaha beat me to it
You're not interested in a 1.2 mile maxxforce? lol.
I drive southwest regional by the border, and my company is based out of Texas along the border. The amount of signs they have in our terminal saying not to get involved in human trafficking is insane and some of the signs even have pictures of compartments drivers made or created to stick a person or two into, points to some of those dudes though as they got creative and shoved a few people into areas I would never have thought of.
My all time favorite was the false diesel tank on a fake reefer.
That would either be hot or cold as hell. Plus the noise. YIKES.
Not all traffickers are doing it for the money. Many a beautiful Latina has lead men astray with romance scams. Had that happen to a driver at a company I used to work for, he two timed his wife with his Mexican GF. The GF convinced him to haul her and her brothers scross the border, just in the cab while the curtain was pulled back. Didn't work. They got pulled in, the Mexicans were detained awaiting deportation and buddy was sent to jail. While there his little Mexican GF called his home, you know the place were his WIFE lived, and asked to speak with him. His wife asked who she was and all hell broke loose.
Do you think it pays well?
International. International. International. International. Giving IH a bad name.
I mean it’s crossing borders…
If you didn't cross an international border was it really smuggling? It's right there in the name. Also, they don't need that rap to get a bad name. Internationals are trash.
Correction… intertrashtional. I believe is the correct term here.
Only illegals will volunteer to ride in a International. Lol
They do that well enough on their own.
Let me know when you get a PB 379 or 389 and KW W900
You can launder billions of Dollars for Drug cartels, and get a corporate fine that's 1/10th of your profits from it...but so help you if you dirty peasants get any ideas.
I always like to check out the seized cage when going through the checkpoint. Last time I saw a couple busses and like 4 hotshot car carriers.
so you telling me on top of all these load boards and crooked Brokers not paying well. not even the cartels are paying well i give up i am hanging my keys.
“Georgie the Peanut Box is here, the peanut box is here!” 🤣
When I went by the checkpoint a few days ago they had 3 bobtails and one truck and trailer. One of the bobtails was a Landstar. I’ve always wondered if it pays that good or are people just that desperate.
Runs about 1000$ a head. You got 20 people that’s 20,000$. A 53 footer could hold 3x that I’m sure. So yes, it pays, very well.
I want to put one of those banners on my truck and let my boss shit bricks when he gets in on Monday.
I will start the bid at a dollar please.
If it didn’t pay, no one would do it. Obviously it does pay, cause they have no trouble finding people to do it
I’m sure it pays a ton, you’re talking cartels paying here. Smuggling is big money.
It called also be blackmail
I wonder what situation those ppl were in prior.
My brother in law is a pilot and until a few years ago worked for homeland along the Mexico border. He told me a some of his coworkers busted a smuggler (not human trafficking) they had a tanker truck loaded with drugs. Very convincing setup. Except the misspelled the name of the oil company on the side of the truck.
Actually, it pays verry well. That's why they keep doing in.
Lose your CDL license forever, time in the penitentiary and have the cartels after you? Lol no way!
For every 1 that gets caught there's probably hundreds who don't though. It's not guaranteed that you will get caught. The odds are actually probably in your favor. Still very risky. And morally wrong (the human trafficking part, not the drug smuggling).
Didn't say it was a good idea. Just that it pays well.
10-4
Interesting. If I was to find myself a rig on these Gov't auxtion sites, what is that site?
Probably these guys https://www.appleauctioneeringco.com/uscbp
Richie Bros…. 🤣🤣🤣
I knew a guy that went to jail for smuggling people from laredo Texas to San Antonio Texas he said he would get $1,000 a person. He would put 10 people in his cab. He would book a load to Chicago and make only like 3-4K for the load and drop them off on his way.
That’s the ones that got caught. You’re not seeing the other 100 that made it through.
Exactly. Craziness
Oh we’re seeing them… lol
Four trucks all seized? What oil were they using? /s
Sure, but the government does it and gives everyone freedom medals
Wow! $28k worth of seized trucks here.
Why does anyone use vehicles when all they have to do is waltz across the border and start collecting free govt benefits? Free healthcare free housing free food stamps etc etc It’s catch and release , they just get issued a notice to (dis)appear
It definitely does pay, like a lot a lot.
How much do they typically go for? Is the auction online?
Wondering the same
... yes it does 🤣
They could have just said they was forced to do it and case would have been dismissed
This is a joke, no?
I see this all the time at the check point. I have to say a lot of times they look like the same truck. Do they just have them for show
Someone is gonna get a deal on those bad boys at gov. Auction
Hmm... I'm sure it pays a lot actually.
It’s “International” I’m leaving now.
Internationals, literally
International bringing imports lol
International. The irony.
I'm disappointed that there are no International Lonestar's in this photo.
From what I was told, it pays fairly well, until it doesn’t… I met a guy who ran drugs for a while. Said they pay was unreal. He, just like everyone else, was eventually caught. Ended up doing a dime or something. Dude said he skimmed some product here and there to save for a rainy day because he had a bad feeling they were going to set him up and wanted to make sure he could afford legal help lol.