Peterbilt facts for kids

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Peterbilt Motors Company

Type	Division
Industry	Manufacturing
Founded	1939; 86 years ago (1939)
Founder	T.A. Peterman
Headquarters	Denton, Texas, U.S.
Products	See listing
Parent	PACCAR

Peterbilt Motors Company is a famous American company that makes trucks. It started in 1939. Peterbilt builds big, strong trucks (called Class 8) and also medium-sized trucks (Classes 5-7). These trucks are used for many jobs, like hauling goods or construction.

The company is named after its founder, T. A. "Al" Peterman. Since 1958, Peterbilt has been part of a larger company called PACCAR. It works alongside its sister company, Kenworth Truck Company. Even though they are sister companies, they have been rivals in the truck market for a long time.

You can easily spot a Peterbilt truck by its big red-oval logo. This logo has been used since 1953. Many Peterbilt trucks also have a cool "bird" shaped ornament on the front hood. This design has been around since 1965.

Peterbilt's main office is in Denton, Texas, in the U.S. They also build trucks in Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, Canada, and Mexicali, Mexico.

Peterbilt's Story: How It All Began
Current Peterbilt Truck Models
- Medium-Duty Trucks (Class 5-7)
- Heavy Trucks (Class 8)
Peterbilt Factories
Images for kids
See also

Peterbilt's Story: How It All Began

Starting with Lumber Trucks

In the early 1900s, moving logs for the lumber business was slow. People used steam tractors or horse teams. T.A. Peterman was a lumberman in Washington. He wanted to find a faster way to get logs to sawmills. He needed to make plywood more quickly.

In 1934, Peterman bought a huge forest. Instead of using trains, he built roads. He bought many trucks from the U.S. Army. These old military trucks were fixed up for logging. They were made stronger and got new features. For example, they got electric starters instead of hand cranks. They also got air brakes to make them safer.

In 1938, Peterman heard that a company called Fageol Truck and Motor Company was for sale. He saw a chance to start making new vehicles. He bought Fageol for $50,000 in 1939. This deal included their factory in Oakland, California, and all their tools and parts.

First Trucks and Early Years (1939-1940s)

In 1939, Peterbilt Motors Company opened its doors at the old Fageol factory. T.A. Peterman and his engineers asked truck owners and drivers for ideas. They wanted to build the best trucks. At first, they planned to make trucks for logging. But soon, they decided to focus on trucks for highway freight.

In April 1939, Peterbilt sold its first trucks. These were the Model 260 and Model 334. The Model 260 had one rear axle, and the Model 334 had two. Both could have gasoline or diesel engines. Their cabs were made of steel and plywood from Peterman's own mills. For 40 years, Peterbilt used a simple rule: "2" for single-axle trucks and "3" for tandem-axle trucks.

By the end of 1939, Peterbilt made 16 vehicles. The very first Peterbilt was a fire truck chassis. In 1940, they made 83 trucks. To earn more money, Peterbilt also fixed trucks from other companies.

In 1941, Peterbilt made the stronger Model 364. It was first for logging but then used for the military in World War II. In 1942, they made their first cab-over-engine (COE) truck. This truck had a half-cab design.

In 1944, Peterbilt got a big order for 224 military trucks. Sadly, T.A. Peterman passed away from cancer that year at age 51. His wife, Ida, took over the company.

After the war, in 1945, Peterbilt started making trucks for regular people again. They used aluminum for cabs to make trucks lighter. This allowed them to carry more cargo.

In 1947, Ida Peterman sold Peterbilt Motors Company to a group of managers and investors for $450,000. She kept ownership of the factory land.

In 1949, Peterbilt launched new trucks: the Model 280 and 350. These "Iron Nose" trucks had a tall, narrow grille. They also had "cycle-style" fenders, a design still used today. They also made the "Bubble Nose" COE truck. Its cab was moved over the front axle.

Growth and New Owners (1950s)

In the early 1950s, Peterbilt created a "dromedary" cargo system. This was a longer truck, usually a COE, that could carry extra cargo between the cab and the trailer.

In 1953, Peterbilt changed its logo to the red oval we see today.

In 1954, the 280/350 trucks were updated. They became the Model 281/351 "Narrow-nose" trucks. The grille was changed to horizontal slats. A new 281/351 COE was also introduced. It had a bigger, wider cab. The Model 341 was a heavier-duty truck for special jobs.

In 1958, truck sales slowed down. Ida Peterman, who owned the factory land, wanted to build a shopping center there. The company owners decided to sell Peterbilt Motors Company. In June 1958, Pacific Car and Foundry bought Peterbilt. This Seattle-based company also owned Kenworth. Peterbilt then moved to a new factory in Newark, California, which opened in 1959.

In 1959, the 281/351 COE was replaced by the 282/352 COE. It looked similar but had a big change: the cab could tilt forward. This made it easier to reach the engine.

New Factories and Designs (1960s)

In August 1960, the first Peterbilt trucks were built at the new Newark, California, factory. Production grew to 800 trucks that year. Peterbilt also introduced a new "Unilite" cab for its trucks. It had bigger windows and a new dashboard. Pacific Car changed Peterbilt's status. It became a division, making it a sister company to Kenworth.

In 1965, Peterbilt launched the Model 358. This was the first Peterbilt truck with a tilting hood. It also introduced the famous Peterbilt "bird" hood ornament. This ornament is still used today.

In 1966, the company started making heavy-duty trucks again. The Model 383 was a 6x6 truck mainly for off-road construction.

In 1967, Peterbilt introduced the Model 359 highway truck. It was like the 358 but had a bigger grille for larger diesel engines.

In 1969, Peterbilt opened another factory in Madison, Tennessee. This helped them make more trucks and serve customers on the East Coast. The 282/352 COE was renamed "Pacemaker."

Changes and New Models (1970s)

In 1970, the Model 348 was introduced. It replaced the 341. The 348 was the first Peterbilt with an angled fiberglass hood. The 349 was similar but had a larger grille. Peterbilt also worked with Kenworth to create the CB300. This low-cab COE was mostly for trash collection.

In 1972, Pacific Car and Foundry changed its name to PACCAR. That same year, Peterbilt updated the cab for its trucks. The new "1100-series" cab had bigger windows and a new interior. It was named for its 1100 square inches of windshield glass. The Model 346 was a 6x6 truck with a front axle set back. Peterbilt even built a prototype truck powered by a jet engine, but it was never produced.

In 1973, the Model 353 was launched for construction work. Production at the Madison factory doubled, allowing Peterbilt to make 8,000 trucks a year. In 1974, the 359 also got a set-back front axle option.

In 1975, Peterbilt opened another factory in Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, Canada. This factory started making the CB300. The 387 was another heavy-duty truck for off-road use. The 352 COE was updated to the 352H. This version had a higher-mounted cab for bigger engines.

After 22 years, the 281/351 trucks were stopped in 1976. The 358 and 359 had already replaced them as highway trucks. The 351 continued as a heavy-duty truck. Its cycle-style fenders were replaced with flat steel ones. The 358 was also retired because the 359's larger grille was better for cooling newer diesel engines.

In 1977, Peterbilt built its 100,000th vehicle, a long-hood Model 359. The trucks got a new dashboard. They also offered an optional 63-inch sleeper cab that you could walk through.

In 1978, the CB300 was replaced by the Model 310. This was a new version of the low-cab COE, also shared with Kenworth.

By 1979, Peterbilt started to simplify its model names. All trucks began using model numbers starting with "3," no matter how many rear axles they had.

Big Changes and New Trucks (1980s)

In 1980, the Model 383 was stopped. The smaller 353 and 387 took its place. Peterbilt added a lighter highway truck to the 348/349 family. This was the first Peterbilt highway truck with a sloped nose. In 1980, Peterbilt also introduced the Model 397. This was the biggest truck the company ever built. It was a 6x6 truck just for off-road use. Only two 397s were ever made. Peterbilt opened its third U.S. factory in Denton, Texas. This was a huge 435,000 square-foot assembly plant.

In 1981, the Madison factory started building the Model 362 COE. This was Peterbilt's first completely new COE in 22 years. It had a curved, three-piece windshield and a larger, more useful interior. Many axle setups were available, including all-wheel drive. Six different cab sizes were offered.

In 1986, Peterbilt made huge changes. They stopped building trucks at the Newark factory. Production moved to Denton. Newark kept the company's main office and engineering. Peterbilt also updated its vocational trucks. The 378 replaced the 348/349, and the 357 took over from the 353. Peterbilt also started offering raised-roof sleeper cabs for the 359.

In 1987, the company launched two new highway trucks: the Model 377 and Model 379. The 377 had a sloped hood and a set-back front axle. The 379 replaced the popular 359 as the main Class 8 highway truck. It shared the same cab as the 359 but had new headlamps. The Model 310 was updated to the Model 320. This truck allowed the driver to stand up while driving. For the first time, Peterbilt entered the medium-duty truck market with the Mid-Ranger. This truck was built in Brazil.

In 1988, Peterbilt introduced another Class 8 COE, the Model 372. This truck was designed to be very aerodynamic and save fuel. It had a unique pointed windshield and a special roof fairing. Even though it was a COE, its design helped it get great fuel mileage.

Consolidation and New Designs (1990s)

In 1993, Peterbilt moved its main office and engineering to Denton, Texas. All operations were now in one place. They also made the Denton factory bigger.

In 1994, the Model 372 COE stopped being made. Peterbilt focused on the more popular 362. People didn't like the 372's unusual look. They called it names like "football helmet" or "Darth Vader."

In 1996, Peterbilt closed its Canadian factory in Sainte-Thérèse. It had problems with strikes and efficiency. In 1997, PACCAR decided to rebuild it. A brand new factory opened there in 1999. The Model 385 was introduced as a shorter version of the 377. It eventually replaced the 377.

In 1998, Peterbilt launched the Model 210/220 COE. This was a medium-duty low-cab COE. It replaced the Mid-Ranger. This new truck used parts from the DAF LF truck, a company PACCAR had bought.

In 1999, the Model 387 was introduced. This was a new aerodynamic highway truck. It shared its cab with the Kenworth T2000. This was Peterbilt's first completely new cab design since 1972.

Modern Era and Electric Trucks (2000s-2020s)

In 2000, Peterbilt introduced the Model 330. This was its first medium-duty truck with a regular cab. It was built at the new Sainte-Thérèse factory. The 330 used the same cab as the big Class 8 trucks but had a new hood with built-in headlamps. The 377 stopped production that year.

In 2002, to meet high demand, the Sainte-Thérèse factory also started making some of the bigger trucks.

In 2005, the Model 362 COE stopped production. It was the last cabover truck sold in North America by Peterbilt. The doors on the 1100-series cab were updated. The Model 386 was introduced. It combined the aerodynamic hood of the 387 with the traditional 1100-series cab. The Model 335 was launched as a second medium-duty truck.

In 2006, Peterbilt added more medium-duty trucks. The Class 7 Model 340 and the smaller Class 5 Model 325 were introduced. The 325 did not require a special license to drive. That year, Peterbilt also released its first hybrid trucks, the 330 and 335 hybrids. The 365 and 367 were introduced as new heavy-duty Class 8 trucks.

In 2007, the 210/220 medium-duty COEs were stopped. After 20 years, the Model 379 was retired. It was replaced by the Model 389. The 389 shared its cab with the 379 but had a longer hood. It also had updated headlamps and better aerodynamics.

In 2009, Peterbilt closed its Madison, Tennessee, factory. All operations were moved to Denton and Sainte-Thérèse. The medium-duty trucks were updated. They started using PACCAR engines. The 335 and 340 were replaced by the 337 and 348.

In 2010, the Model 587 was introduced as a new aerodynamic truck. It replaced the 387. The 587 had a sharper hood design. The Model 382 was introduced as a shorter, lighter truck for regional hauling.

In 2011, the Model 210 and 220 COEs returned. They were built in Mexico. These trucks now shared parts with the 325 and 330. Peterbilt also offered an "Extended Ultra Daycab" option for its Class 8 trucks.

In 2012, the Model 579 was launched. This became Peterbilt's main aerodynamic truck. It replaced the 587. The 579 had a brand new cab design. It offered better visibility and improved aerodynamics.

In 2013, the Model 567 was introduced as a Class 8 heavy-duty truck. It shared its size with the 367 but used the newer cab design of the 579.

In 2014, Peterbilt celebrated 75 years. They released a special 75th Anniversary Edition of the Model 579. The Class 7 Model 220 was redesigned.

In 2015, Peterbilt offered its first medium-duty trucks that ran on compressed natural gas (CNG). The Model 388 was renamed and became a shorter version of the 389.

In 2016, the Model 520 was introduced. It replaced the Model 320 after 29 years. The 520 was improved for trash collection. Drivers could now drive it sitting or standing, from either side of the cab.

In 2018, Peterbilt started testing its first electric trucks. They built 12 electric 579s and 3 electric 520s.

In 2021, Peterbilt started making three all-electric trucks: the Class 8 579EV tractor, the Class 8 520EV COE, and the Class 7 220EV COE. The medium-duty trucks were completely redesigned. The 325, 330, 337, and 348 were stopped. The new Class 5-7 Models 535, 536, 537, and 548 got a larger cab.

In 2023, Peterbilt introduced the Model 589. This was a new version of the 389. It still has the long hood but uses a newer cab design from the 579. This helps it meet new environmental rules and save fuel.

Current Peterbilt Truck Models

Medium-Duty Trucks (Class 5-7)

These trucks are smaller than heavy-duty trucks but still very strong. They are used for local deliveries, utility work, and more.

Model 220 COE (Class 7, 2011 – present)
Model 535 (Class 5, 2021 – present)
Model 536 (Class 6, 2021 – present)
Model 537 (Class 7, 2021 – present)
Model 548 (Class 7, 2021 – present)

Heavy Trucks (Class 8)

These are the biggest trucks Peterbilt makes. They are used for long-haul shipping, heavy construction, and other tough jobs.

Model 365/367 severe-service/vocational (2006 – present)
Model 389 extended-hood on-highway semitractor (2007 – present)
Model 520 low-cab COE, vocational/refuse (2016 – present)
Model 567 severe-service/vocational (2013 – present)
Model 579 aerodynamic-body on-highway semitractor (2012 – present)
Model 589 extended-hood on-highway semitractor (2023 – present)

Peterbilt Factories

Peterbilt assembly plant and headquarters in Denton, Texas

Peterbilt 387 cabs on assembly line

Peterbilt started in Oakland, California, from 1939 to 1960. Then, they moved to Newark, California. In 1969, they opened another factory in Madison, Tennessee. This factory made COE trucks and later regular trucks. It stayed open until 2009.

In 1975, Peterbilt Canada opened in Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec. This factory mainly built low-cab COE trucks for trash collection. It closed in 1996 but was rebuilt and reopened in 1999. Today, the Sainte-Thérèse factory builds Peterbilt's medium-duty trucks.

In 1980, Peterbilt opened its current main factory in Denton, Texas. By the end of 1986, they closed the Newark factory and moved all production to Denton. In 1992, the main office and engineering also moved to Denton. In 2009, the Madison factory closed. Now, all Peterbilt Class 8 trucks are made in Denton.