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"Class. Quality. Efficiency." Peterbilt has built iconic big rigs since 1939 from Denton, Texas. The 579, 389, and Model 579EV electric truck span everything from highway freight to vocational applications. A Peterbilt is the Cadillac of the trucking industry.
ⓘ Editorial estimates only. Disclaimer →
Editorial revenue estimates compiled from publicly available financial data. Not licensed from or endorsed by PACCAR Inc.. Verify at sec.gov.
Figures are independently compiled editorial estimates based on publicly available PACCAR Inc. SEC 10-K filings and analyst reports. Not financial advice. Verify at sec.gov.
Current models in production as of 2026. Pricing reflects base MSRP — actual transaction prices vary by region and dealer.
Editorial reliability reference and recall context. Lower score = fewer reported problems per 100 vehicles. These are editorial estimates — not authoritative survey data.
Peterbilt was founded in 1939 by T.A. Peterman, a lumberman who needed custom trucks for his logging operations. The company built its first trucks from components he had acquired. PACCAR acquired Peterbilt in 1958. The company moved to Denton, Texas in 1980. Peterbilt's distinctive long-hood design became iconic in American trucking culture — appearing in films, TV shows, and as the archetype of the American big rig.
Peterbilt Motors Company is a subsidiary of PACCAR Inc. (NASDAQ: PCAR), an American Fortune 500 company that also owns Kenworth Truck Company and the European brands DAF. PACCAR is known for conservative management and consistent profitability across economic cycles.
Editorial comparison of key ownership metrics. Data based on publicly available specifications and independent research.
| Metric | Top Model | Segment Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | See models | — |
| BRI P/100 | 148 | 165 |
| Recall Rate | 2.2/100K | 3.5/100K |
| Warranty | 3yr/36K basic | 3yr/36K |
Full coverage, 40-year-old driver, clean record. Rates vary by state, age, driving history, credit, and insurer. Figures are independently compiled editorial estimates based on publicly available actuarial benchmarks — not licensed from insurers or aggregators. Not quotes. Not insurance advice.
| Model | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual | vs. Nat’l Avg | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Model 579 (Owner-Op) Aerodynamic flagship; efficient spec |
$620 |
$7,440/yr | Varies by route | |
Model 389 (Owner-Op) Iconic styling; custom-ordered premium |
$670 |
$8,040/yr | Classic glider | |
Model 579EV (Owner-Op) Limited charging/repair adds cost |
$740 |
$8,880/yr | Higher EV premium | |
Model 567 (Owner-Op) Versatile spec; lower OTR exposure |
$580 |
$6,960/yr | Vocational/regional |
Frequently asked questions about Peterbilt Motors. Independent editorial answers — not sponsored.
ⓘ Editorial recall context only. Not affiliated with Peterbilt or NHTSA. Always verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Disclaimer →
Independent editorial guide. Not affiliated with Peterbilt, dealers, or any resale platform. Not purchasing advice.
Peterbilt 389 is the gold standard for owner-operators — strong resale, passionate buyer community, high demand for well-maintained examples. 579 aerodynamic platform also holds value well.
ⓘ Editorial guide only. Not purchasing, legal, or financial advice. Always conduct independent due diligence. Disclaimer →
Independent editorial research. All financial figures are estimates from publicly available sources — not licensed data. Not financial advice.
Peterbilt is owned by PACCAR Inc. (NASDAQ: PCAR), alongside Kenworth and DAF. PACCAR's total revenue exceeds $25 billion annually; Peterbilt's North American contribution is estimated at $5-6 billion. PACCAR is one of the most profitable truck manufacturers in the world — consistently achieving 10-15% net margins through its financial services arm (PACCAR Financial), parts business, and disciplined capital allocation. Verify at sec.gov.
The Peterbilt 389 is the quintessential American semi-truck — a long-nose conventional with massive chrome presence, available with Cummins or PACCAR power, and known as a custom-order "dream truck" for owner-operators. The 389 is not the most fuel-efficient option but it's the most aspirational — frequently featured in trucking media and custom builds. Prices for a loaded 389 can exceed $200,000. The 389 competes directly with the Kenworth W900 for the classic-styling owner-operator market.
The Peterbilt Model 579EV is a Class 8 battery-electric truck targeting regional and drayage operations with ~150 mile range. Peterbilt is also developing the Model 220EV (Class 6 medium duty) and participating in PACCAR's hydrogen fuel cell vehicle program. Like Kenworth, Peterbilt's electrification roadmap focuses on regional operations first while longer-haul transitions to hydrogen. Peterbilt has delivered 579EVs to multiple fleets including Amazon and DHL.
Peterbilt Motors Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PACCAR Inc. (NASDAQ: PCAR), headquartered in Denton, Texas (where Peterbilt has been since 1986). PACCAR CEO is Preston Feight. Peterbilt's Denton, TX facility is its primary North American assembly plant. The brand is deeply embedded in Texas and Midwest trucking culture — the "Quality That Stands the Test of Time" heritage resonates with the owner-operator community.