Much better Sequel in the 18WOS series following the disappointment of 18WOS Convoy.
Haulin does have a few improvements over the PTTM and earlier versions. (Convoy was between these but it was such a disappointing TURD, i dare not speak of its existence) The graphics in Haulin are a bit more crisp, the AI drivers are more realistic (but still needing improvement). The roads, roadways, on and off ramps, etc.. have been improved and are more realistic and easier to navigate. The HUD and interior cab views have changes a little bit making used of more gauges and much better appearance and individuality between each different truck. There was an addition of 2 or 3 new trucks, but the rest of the trucks and their paint schemes remain the same from PTTM. The biggest change was the gameplay. It is much different when compared to PTTM. You start out on your own with a truck already picked for you and a small loan (or more depending on level of difficulty). The whole job scheduleing process has changed but holds some similiarities. Certain differences here are the fact, money isn't easily made, there is alot more traffic and certainly more truck traffic (good if you like the CB chatter) and the lack of a star rating or 'prestige' system. The jobs just don't pay what they did in PTTM and that only part of it. Johnny lawman seems to make swiss cheese out of your earnings in a hurry if you try to drive any different that a good catholic boy. And let me tell ya, they really stick it to you... the fine are ridicouls and really NOT realistic at all, especially when compared to the lesser earnings in Haulin. Unaffortunately, johnny law seems to be more frequent than in PTTM too, which in my opinion is a real drag as I'm one who likes to turn and burn hauling loads. Keeping an eye on your logbook is also a must now. I have yet to find out how to turn off that yawning idiot. So what if i like to drive for 25 straight hours!?! Johnny law ensures that you pull your butt over after you've exceeded your daily allowable road time. .....booorriiinng.... One of the biggest changes is how you maintain your rig. Now there is actually normal wear and tear on your rig and you need to maintain it as well as the lovetaps with poles and jersey barriers. All mechanical repairs and upgrades can only be done at Garages, not in the notebook at just any cargo depot anymore. Even the areas of general maintenance are broken down into groups so one can actually repair certain parts of the truck in the event cash is tight. The dealerships are there for you to order new trucks with all the options you desire. From the notebook, about the only thing you can do is order a new truck with selection of basic options. Further upgrades are done at Garages or Dealers. Fuel stations are certainly fewer and far between! Gotta watch your fuel milage or you will be paying $$$ for a roadside re-fill. And above all..... NO DIRECTION ARROW! If you like having that little arrow help guide your way, you are outta luck. Time to learn how to read maps and signs, sonny. The whole jobs and scheduling thing I'm not 100% on just yet and I'm still trying to get a grasp on it. I'll tell ya this... the job portion of PTTM is far easier to comprehend and deal with than this abortion they now have in Haulin. From what I can tell, the jobs really never change. Same loads, in the same towns to the same destinations for the same price.... pfftttt. As far as I can tell, though, you can set it up to haul specific loads and haul for specific companies or between specific cities. Probably more logistically friendly, but who cares about logistics... I just wannna haul and make money! You do have the ability to buy your own trailers and as I progress in the game I'll figure out how you benefit from that as all the loads I've been haulin, were waiting on trailers for me to get. (may have something to do with hauling exclusively for a particular company)
Bottom line is, they are trying to make it more realistic and certainly more challenging in different ways. I like the fact that the trucks are getting so that you do really need to maintain and manage them. I like that driving in traffic is much smoother and more realistic without cars comming to a dead stop in the middle of the highway on or an onramp merging onto the freeway. I'm a bit disappointed that they removed the prestige system (your 'star' rating that you gain as you successfully haul loads) that was inplace in PTTM which kept you hooked to unlock the cooler and bigger dollar loads and more experienced drivers you are allowed to hire. I really enjoyed PTTM but I'm sure once I get use to the logistics end of Haulin and avoiding Johnny Law I'll enjoy it just as much if not more.
If you're looking to buy or upgrade from PTTM I I think you're gonna like Haulin althought right now there is a sequel already out, 18WOS American Long Haul that is exactly the same in every way other than the fact you are able to go more into Canada and into Mexico, which you cannot in Haulin. Haulin is certainly a breath of fresh air after the STINK of Convoy....