Peterbilt Motors Company is a class eight truck manufacturer owned by PACCAR, which also owns Kenworth Truck Company. Peterbilt was founded in 1939 by T.A. Peterman. Peterman was a logger looking for a better way to transport logs; at the time, the only methods available were floating logs down the river, using horse teams or steam tractors. Peterman purchased Fageol Motors in order to build his own fleet of chain-drive logging trucks.

Today, Peterbilt has become a top choice among owner/operators. An owner/operator is a truck driver that owns his own trailer. He and his trailer might be for hire for pick up and delivery, regional hauls, line hauls or bulk hauls. Thus, these independent operators need trucks that are reliable and don't require too much maintenance.

The Peterbilt Model 379 is a particularly popular truck with owner/operators. This class eight truck is specially designed to provide the driver both comfort and productivity. Peterbilt sleepers are especially quiet and offer a smooth ride, thanks to the patented Unibilt Cab Sleeper System. With this system, the sleeper and the cab are one unit, which reduces pitching and bumps.

Peterbilt also manufactures class six and class seven trucks. The Peterbilt Model 335 is available in both classes and is very versatile as a pickup and delivery truck. Since the 335 is smaller than class eight trucks such as the 379, it is better equipped for inner city pickup and delivery and yet it can be used to travel from city to city just like the class eights. The cabin of the 335 is comparatively plush and comfortable for long rides or for quick deliveries.