The recall affects approximately 644 Mack trucks and 155 Volvo trucks.

According to recall information, the affected vehicles may have an issue related to wheel and hub mating surfaces. Because of the potential for wheel separation, affected trucks should not be driven until they have been inspected and repaired.

The recall includes the following models:

• 2026 Mack Anthem
• 2026-2027 Mack Pinnacle
• 2026-2027 Mack Pioneer
• 2026-2027 Mack Granite
• 2027 Mack Anthem
• 2026 Volvo VAH
• 2026-2027 Volvo VNL
• 2026-2027 Volvo VN
• 2026-2027 Volvo VHD
• 2027 Volvo VNR

To address the issue, dealers will inspect the wheel and hub mating surfaces, remove any masking material, and replace worn components if necessary. Repairs will be performed at no cost to owners.

Owner notification letters were expected to be mailed beginning June 5.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 19, 2026

Source: Truckers News

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Despite serving many of the same applications, these trucks have developed very different identities within the industry.

The Cascadia has become one of the most common fleet trucks on the road, while the VNL has built a reputation around driver comfort and ergonomics. Those differences often influence how drivers evaluate each truck and explain why the comparison remains one of the most discussed in trucking.

Why These Trucks Are Compared So Often

The Freightliner Cascadia and Volvo VNL compete directly in one of the largest segments of the trucking industry.

Many fleets evaluate both trucks when purchasing equipment. Drivers who frequently change companies move from one model to the other. Owner-operators also compare them when looking for a truck capable of handling highway freight while providing a comfortable work environment.

Unlike comparisons between trucks designed for different jobs, the Cascadia and VNL often compete for the same routes, freight, and drivers. That direct competition is what keeps the comparison relevant year after year.

Why The Freightliner Cascadia Became So Popular

Few trucks have achieved the level of fleet adoption seen by the Freightliner Cascadia. One reason is availability. Freightliner maintains one of the largest dealer and service networks in North America, making support easier for fleets operating across multiple states.

The Cascadia also became known for providing a consistent driving experience. Drivers moving between fleet trucks often find the layout familiar, which can reduce the adjustment period when switching equipment.

As a result, many drivers spend at least part of their careers operating a Cascadia, even if it is not their preferred truck.

That widespread adoption helped establish Cascadia as one of the industry’s benchmark highway tractors.

Why The Volvo VNL Built a Loyal Following

The Volvo VNL followed a different path. Rather than becoming known primarily through fleet volume, the VNL gained attention for the driver experience.

Volvo has long emphasized ergonomics and workspace design. Drivers frequently mention the seating position, steering wheel adjustment range, and overall cab environment when discussing the truck.

Because drivers spend thousands of hours behind the wheel each year, comfort can become a major factor in long-term satisfaction.

That emphasis on the driver experience helped the VNL develop a loyal following throughout the industry.

How The Driving Position Compares

One of the first differences many drivers notice involves the seating position. The Cascadia offers a familiar and straightforward driving environment. Most controls are positioned for easy access, and drivers transitioning from other fleet trucks often adapt quickly.

The Volvo VNL takes a more ergonomic approach. The seating position, dashboard design, and steering wheel adjustments are intended to help reduce fatigue during long workdays.

While both trucks provide comfortable driving environments, drivers often have strong opinions about which seating position feels more natural after extended time on the road.

Visibility Differences Between the Cascadia and VNL

Visibility affects nearly every aspect of truck operation. Backing into docks, navigating traffic, changing lanes, and maneuvering through customer locations all depend on what a driver can see from the cab.

Both trucks provide strong visibility compared to older truck designs, but the Volvo VNL is often praised for its sightlines and driver’s field of view.

Drivers switching between the two models frequently mention visibility as one of the most noticeable differences during the first few weeks behind the wheel.

For many drivers, confidence in traffic starts with visibility, making this one of the most important comparison points.

How the Interior Design Philosophy Differs

The Cascadia and VNL approach interior design differently. Freightliner focuses heavily on practicality and ease of use. Controls are organized in a way that many drivers find familiar, particularly those with fleet driving experience.

Volvo places greater emphasis on creating a driver-centered workspace. Storage locations, dashboard layout, and control placement are designed around how drivers interact with the truck throughout the day. Neither approach is inherently better.

The preference often comes down to whether a driver values familiarity and simplicity or a workspace designed around ergonomic principles.

How Sleeper Areas Compare for Long Haul Drivers

Long-haul drivers spend enough time in a truck that sleeper design becomes an important consideration. Storage accessibility, organization, and day-to-day usability can influence how comfortable life on the road feels over time.

The Cascadia has proven itself in long-haul operations through widespread adoption and years of use across major fleets. The Volvo VNL often earns praise from drivers who prioritize comfort during extended trips.

Because the truck serves as both a workplace and a temporary living space, long-haul drivers often evaluate sleeper functionality differently than regional drivers.

How Technology Shapes the Driver Experience

Technology now plays a larger role in truck design than it did a decade ago. Both the Cascadia and VNL offer advanced safety systems, driver-assistance technology, digital displays, and telematics capabilities depending on model year and specification.

The difference is often not the technology itself but how drivers interact with it. The Cascadia generally emphasizes straightforward operation and familiarity. Volvo tends to focus on integrating technology into the overall driving environment. Both approaches can be effective, but drivers often prefer one style over the other.

What Owner Operators Often Consider

Owner-operators frequently evaluate trucks differently from fleets. A fleet may focus on standardization, maintenance planning, and operating costs across hundreds of trucks.

Owner-operators often place greater emphasis on comfort, daily satisfaction, and how the truck fits their personal style of operation.

For that reason, owner-operator purchasing decisions are often influenced by factors that extend beyond specifications alone.

A truck that feels better after several years of ownership can become a better investment even if another truck offers similar capabilities.

Similarities That Keep the Competition Close

The Freightliner Cascadia and Volvo VNL remain close competitors because they share many strengths.

Both trucks:

• Support regional and long-haul freight operations
• Offer modern safety technology
• Provide multiple sleeper configurations
• Benefit from extensive service networks
• Continue receiving updates focused on efficiency and driver experience

If the trucks were dramatically different, the decision would be easier.

Instead, both have proven themselves capable of handling modern freight operations, leaving drivers and fleets to evaluate which approach best fits their needs.

How To Choose Between the Freightliner Cascadia and Volvo VNL

The best truck depends on the priorities of the driver and operation. Drivers who value familiarity, widespread fleet support, and a straightforward driving environment often appreciate the Freightliner Cascadia.

Drivers who prioritize ergonomics, visibility, and overall comfort frequently gravitate toward the Volvo VNL. Neither truck has established a clear advantage across every category.

That is why the comparison continues. Both models succeed because they meet the demands of modern trucking while approaching the driver experience in different ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest difference between the Freightliner Cascadia and the Volvo VNL?

Many drivers point to ergonomics and driver comfort. The Cascadia is often associated with familiarity and practicality, while the VNL is frequently associated with comfort and workspace design.

Which truck is more common in large fleets?

The Freightliner Cascadia is one of the most widely used fleet trucks in North America.

Is the Volvo VNL known for driver comfort?

Yes. Driver comfort and ergonomics are among the qualities most commonly associated with the Volvo VNL.

Are both trucks used for long-haul freight?

Yes. Both models are widely used in long-haul and regional freight operations.

Do both trucks offer advanced safety technology?

Yes. Both trucks can be equipped with modern safety and driver-assistance systems, depending on specification and model year.

Which truck is better for drivers?

The answer depends on personal preference. Some drivers prefer the familiarity of the Cascadia, while others prefer the ergonomics and comfort of the Volvo VNL.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 12, 2026

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In a first for the heavy-duty truck segment, Volvo partnered with the Center for Pet Safety to evaluate its new long-haul Volvo VNL for in-cab pet travel. The result was a successful pass in a formal pet safety evaluation conducted earlier this month.

Why Pet Safety Matters in Long Haul Trucking

Volvo estimates that roughly 800,000 pets travel in commercial trucks across the United States. For drivers, pets are not accessories. They are companions and family. That makes secure travel and reduced distraction a real safety issue, not a lifestyle feature.

“To my knowledge, our Volvo VNL is the first heavy-duty truck ever to pass a pet safety test,” said Maddie Sullivan, product manager, Volvo Trucks North America. “Safety is in our DNA at Volvo, and that commitment extends to everyone who shares the road, including the pets that so many drivers consider family.”

Inside the Volvo VNL Pet Safety Evaluation

The evaluation took place on December 12 at the Volvo Customer Center in Dublin, Virginia. Specialists from the Center for Pet Safety conducted a hands-on assessment of the Volvo VNL cab design, focusing on how pets can be restrained and transported safely during real-world driving.

The review included inspection of interior layouts, strength-tested anchor points, available restraint connection options, and cab climate control. Dogs also rode along on the Volvo Customer Center test track using Center for Pet Safety-approved harnesses and carriers. This allowed evaluators to observe pet positioning, movement, and comfort under normal driving conditions.

“Evaluating the Volvo VNL in person allows us to examine how vehicle design, securement points, and cab layout all work together to impact pet safety,” said Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of the Center for Pet Safety. “By working directly with Volvo’s engineers and product teams, we can evaluate real-world cab features, identify the safest places for pets to ride, and help drivers make choices that keep pets secure while reducing distractions, especially during busy holiday travel.”

What Helped the Volvo VNL Pass the Test

According to Volvo, several built-in features contributed to the successful evaluation. The VNL includes strength-tested anchor points that are compatible with Center for Pet Safety-certified harnesses and carriers. These anchor points help keep pets restrained during sudden stops or evasive maneuvers.

The truck also features the Volvo Parking Cooler, a climate control system designed to maintain safe interior temperatures for up to eight hours without idling. This is especially important for drivers traveling with pets during temperature extremes.

In addition, Volvo noted that the VNL’s strength-tested mesh bed design showed strong potential as a safe rest area for pets, with only minor adjustments needed to support secure travel.

“The Volvo VNL was designed to support life on the road, and working directly with the Center for Pet Safety helps us better understand how our design choices can support safer, more comfortable travel for drivers and their furry co-pilots,” Sullivan said.

Practical Takeaways for Drivers and Carriers

While the evaluation focused on one specific truck model, the findings highlight broader lessons for the industry. Proper restraint systems matter. Anchor points and certified harnesses reduce risk for both pets and drivers. Climate control is critical for safety, not just comfort. Cab layout and secure rest areas can help minimize distraction during long hours behind the wheel.

For fleets, the evaluation reinforces how in-cab design can support driver wellbeing and focus. For owner operators, it provides reassurance that pet travel can be done responsibly with the right equipment and planning.

Holiday Travel and Pet Safety on the Road

As part of the event, the Center for Pet Safety also shared seasonal reminders for drivers traveling with pets during the winter months. These included securing pets properly, packing essentials, planning rest stops, and preparing for cold weather conditions.

The guidance aligns with the Center’s ongoing mission to improve safety for families and pets traveling year-round.

For drivers who rely on a four-legged copilot to make the road feel like home, the Volvo VNL evaluation marks a meaningful step forward in acknowledging that reality and designing trucks that support it safely.

Source: The Trucker

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“For many long-haul drivers, their dog is their constant companion through every mile,” said Maddie Sullivan, product marketing manager, Volvo Trucks North America. “Safety is in our DNA, and that extends to everyone on the road, whether they have two legs or four. We’re proud to partner with the Center for Pet Safety to understand better how drivers travel with their pets and to share practical guidance that supports their comfort and safety.”

According to Volvo, more than 60 percent of truck drivers have pets, and nearly 40 percent bring them on the road. For these drivers, animals provide more than companionship. They get a sense of home in life on the highway.

“For many professional drivers, traveling with a pet is part of the lifestyle, offering comfort, companionship, and a sense of home on every route,” Volvo said. “This new collaboration aims to help drivers make informed choices to keep their pets safe and relaxed while on the road.”

Testing the New Volvo VNL for Pet Safety

As part of this partnership, specialists from the Center for Pet Safety are visiting the Volvo Customer Center in Dublin, Virginia, to review the new Volvo VNL. The team will explore how the truck’s design, comfort, and safety systems support both drivers and pets.

One major focus is the Volvo Parking Cooler and the systems that regulate in-cab temperature. For drivers who travel with animals, these details matter. Through Volvo’s connected app, drivers can monitor and adjust cab conditions remotely. That means pets stay safe and comfortable during breaks, no matter what the weather brings.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Volvo Trucks North America to spotlight the unique needs of commercial drivers traveling with their pets,” said Lindsey Wolko, founder and chief executive officer of the Center for Pet Safety. “By combining Volvo’s engineering leadership with our rigorous safety standards, this partnership will deliver practical guidance, product recommendations, and travel resources tailored for the long-haul driving community.”

A New Online Guide for Drivers Traveling with Pets

Volvo Trucks and the Center for Pet Safety are developing a digital guide that will launch in early 2026. It will include detailed advice for drivers who travel with pets, covering safe restraint options, wellness tips, and a directory of pet-friendly rest areas across the country.

For truck drivers, pets often make the road feel more like home. This partnership between Volvo Trucks and the Center for Pet Safety shows how much the industry values both driver and companion. Each new safety step helps ensure that every journey is safer, calmer, and more connected for the people and pets who keep America moving.

Image Source: Volvo

Other Source:  The Trucker

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Pushing Boundaries in Extreme Cold
To guarantee that the next-generation VNL truck meets the highest standards of performance, reliability, and driver comfort, Volvo’s testing team braved some of the most severe winter conditions on the planet.

“Alaska is one of the harshest places on Earth to operate a truck, and that is exactly why we are here,” explained Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “We test in extreme environments so when our customers face unpredictable conditions, they can count on their Volvo to perform.”

Testing Beyond the Lab Walls
Every year, Volvo’s cold weather testing team embarks on a demanding journey spanning more than 3,000 miles from Colorado up to Alaska. This extended field test lasts several months and covers a variety of driving conditions, mimicking the real-world challenges truck drivers face daily.

From long-distance highway stretches to congested urban routes with frequent stops, the all-new VNL endures a comprehensive evaluation aimed at refining its capabilities. Experienced professional drivers—many with decades navigating Alaska’s toughest terrains—offer invaluable feedback, paired with real-time data collected by Volvo engineers. This combination allows fine-tuning of everything from engine response to in-cab ergonomics.

The Crucial ‘Cold Soak’ Test
One of the hallmark procedures in this validation process is the “cold soak.” Here, trucks are left outside overnight with engines off, allowing all components to reach Arctic-level subzero temperatures. After 12 hours in this frozen state, the expectation is that the truck will start effortlessly and operate as seamlessly as drivers would need in real, harsh conditions.

Voorhoeve emphasized the importance of this real-world testing approach: “The all-new VNL was designed to change everything and that includes how we approach testing and refinement in real-world conditions – to challenge our trucks and gain insights that would be impossible to replicate in a lab. What we learn in Alaska helps us deliver a truck that is not only innovative but proven where it matters most: on the road, in the real world, and in the hands of our customers.”

Built for North America’s Diverse Environments
According to Volvo’s official press release, the VNL was purpose-built for the wide-ranging North American landscape. Its design draws inspiration from five distinct biomes: urban centers, deserts, prairies, coastal forests, and the Arctic tundra. This ensures the truck is well-equipped for demanding coast-to-coast operations, capable of handling up to 3,000 miles across diverse climate zones.

Image Source: Volvo
Source: The Trucker

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“When most people hear design, they think of automotive or fashion, not heavy-duty trucks. However, for our team, design plays a critical role in everything from fuel efficiency to driver comfort,” shared Brian Balicki, head of design at Volvo Trucks North America. “With the all-new Volvo VNL, we started with a blank sheet of paper and reimagined the truck from the ground up. The streamlined, wedge-shaped cab and dramatically sloped windshield are not just visually striking, they reduce aerodynamic drag and help deliver up to 10% better fuel efficiency compared to the legacy model. Inside, we transformed the driving environment and sleeper into a space that feels more like a home away from home.”

Cutting-edge redesign and features

Revealed in January 2024, the all-new Volvo VNL represents six years of intensive research and represents a complete rethinking of the long-haul truck. With a nearly 90% redesign from its predecessors, the truck offers enhanced productivity, safety, profitability, and sustainability, addressing the demands of the North American freight transport sector.

The Volvo VNL is visually distinguished by its dynamic lines, aerodynamic efficiency, and innovative wedge-shaped profile. Its curved windshield reduces drag, while the angled front grille, headlights, and intakes enhance both form and function. Volvo described this design as “a significant industry shift” that exemplifies its brand strengths.

Inside the cabin, driver-focused features fuel innovation. An all-new 24-volt electrical system hosts technologies like dynamic displays, a Camera Monitor System, inductive charging, and task/ambient lighting. Comfort is redefined with customizable cab configurations, upgraded materials, and amenities like versatile bunk setups and airline-inspired window shades designed to meet drivers’ needs.

Revolutionizing the driver experience

“The all-new Volvo VNL was designed to change everything for heavy-duty trucks, and we evaluated every detail of the driver experience from selecting materials that provide a premium look and feel to incorporating innovative safety features that help protect drivers in case of an accident,” remarked Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “Winning this prestigious design award validates the six years of dedication that went into transforming our flagship VNL model. We created a vehicle that not only connects with customers but also delivers exceptional performance and comfort.”

The design innovations are aimed at creating a driver experience that reflects their needs on the road, earning praise from drivers and the broader trucking industry along the way.

About the Red Dot Award

The Red Dot Design Award is a globally celebrated mark of recognition, honoring exceptional design across industries. Originating in Essen, Germany over 70 years ago, it spans 51 categories, including vehicles, electronics, household goods, and more. Winning the Red Dot Award reflects not only design excellence but also innovation and functionality.

The official award announcement will occur on July 8 at the Designers’ Night hosted at the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen.

Volvo Trucks continues to push industry boundaries, setting a new standard for functionality, comfort, and design with the Volvo VNL.

Source: The Trucker
Source: Volvo Trucks

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Volvo Trucks’ Enduring Support

The American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference & Exhibition recently saw Volvo Trucks recommit to backing the ATA’s America’s Road Team. Established in 1986, this initiative is dedicated to acknowledging the significant role of truck drivers in economic support and improving quality of life. Since 2002, Volvo Trucks has been the sole sponsor of this esteemed program.

Spotlight on the 2025 Road Team Captains

Every two years, a select group of exemplary drivers is chosen to become captains of America’s Road Team. These captains, recognized for their impeccable safety records, driving expertise, and commitment to the industry, exemplify the pinnacle of professional standards. In 2025, they will have the unique opportunity to operate the cutting-edge Volvo VNL, after previewing it at the Volvo Customer Center in Dublin, Virginia, earlier this year.

These captains will travel nationwide to educate various audiences about road safety and the indispensable nature of the trucking industry.

Volvo Trucks’ Vision for Safety

“Our Road Team Captains have logged millions of accident-free miles; a testament to their dedication to safety, which aligns with our vision at Volvo Trucks of zero accidents—a future in which no Volvo Truck is the cause of an accident,” shared Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “These professional drivers have demonstrated that with safe driving practices, we can make the roads a safe place for trucks, passenger cars, and other road users like pedestrians and cyclists. The members of this outstanding group serve as champions and role models who represent what being a professional truck driver is all about.”

Innovative Contributions to the 2025 Campaign

Volvo Trucks is further supporting the 2025 campaign by donating a fully equipped Volvo VNL 860 sleeper. This advanced vehicle will be used to transport the ATA Interstate One mobile classroom during its nationwide tour. Designed to revolutionize heavy-duty trucking, the all-new Volvo VNL sets unprecedented safety standards.

“The all-new Volvo VNL is the truck designed to change everything, just like these captains are the ambassadors for change and constant improvement in their profession,” Voorhoeve added. “We are confident that the all-new Volvo VNL is the safest, most connected, and most fuel-efficient Class 8 truck ever built, making it the perfect partner for our America’s Road Team Captains. These men and women deserve our respect and recognition for all they do to deliver essential goods and materials safely and securely, day after day.”

With this continued partnership, Volvo Trucks reinforces its dedication to innovation, safety, and the recognition of those who drive progress in the trucking industry.

Source: FleetOwner

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