White Western Star trucks in that era typically used cabs from its sister company, Autocar.

Western Star production was moved to Ogden, Utah, but the brand was not included in the 1981 sale of White's truck business to Volvo, instead being sold to Bow Valley Resources and Nova Corporation, each owning 50%.

[7] In 2000, Western Star was purchased by DaimlerChrysler, becoming part of the Freightliner Trucks division.

[3][8][9] In 2002, Western Star production was moved to a plant in Portland, Oregon.

The 47X is the entry-level model, used mostly for vocational purposes, such as adding a dump bed or cement mixer.

[12] The 57X is the on-highway variant which a uses Freightliner Cascadia chassis and cab but has many improvements such as reinforced cabin bones, different doors, and an aerodynamic front end with two stage heated headlights and stainless steel chrome grille.