There is a certain competition between Daimler and the executors of Panhard, who built the first truck, probably already in series. The former shows in his museum a vehicle with 2,500 kg curb weight, half of that payload.

The Panhard people report first reflections on the construction of a truck in 1893 and the production of probably four vehicles in 1895. The two data can be proved via images in a book*. Important to mention that Gottlieb Daimler and Emile Levassor were in constant correspondence and probably technically exchanged.

Who was one step ahead technologically, shows the comparison of the Daimler picture above with the three following. In the Panhards the motor is arranged already at the forefront, while at Daimler it operates still as underfloor drive. Daimler failed 1891 in his offer to supply trucks to the military. May be he had the idea, but the French were faster in the realization.

More easy to search for the first truck with a steam engine. It is attributed the Briton John Yule for the year 1870. A two-cylinder with 250 rpm brought the 9-meter-long vehicle on at least 1.2 km/h.
*Pérot: Panhard la doyenne d'avant garde, S. 110