Used Peterbilt Heavy Duty Trucks in IN, OH, KY, & IL

A red Peterbilt 389 heavy duty truck on a white background.

Pick up a used Peterbilt semi-truck from Palmer Trucks, one of America's most trusted dealerships. When it comes to getting big jobs done the right way, you can count on us to sell you a rig that is going to last the long haul. All of our used Peterbilt trucks go through a rigorous safety inspection to ensure quality and customer satisfaction. Visit any of our locations in Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana to get the used Peterbilt semi-truck you've been looking for!

Used Heavy Duty Trucks

History of Peterbilt Trucks

If you’ve been in the trucking industry for a while, you’re no doubt familiar with Peterbilt Trucks. This company has a long, 80-year history producing a huge variety of dependable, purpose-built vehicles for use in many different industries, from logging to the military and more.

Wondering if Peterbilt semi trucks are the perfect addition to your fleet? Palmer Trucks, with 13 locations throughout the Midwest, is proud to be your local Peterbilt semi trucks dealer. Read on to learn the history of this long-standing, all-American manufacturer.

The Legend Begins

Founded by visionary T.A. Peterman in 1939, Peterbilt Trucks began in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Peterman had years of experience in the logging industry of the area, so he wanted his vehicles to be able to handle heavy loads. World War II began soon thereafter so Peterbilt swiftly turned its focus to providing trucks for military service, with its Model 364 being used heavily for the war effort until 1945.

Post-War Expansion

Once the war was over, Peterbilt was able to resume innovating truck designs, and their iconic bubble-nosed cab-over-engine design was revealed in the Model 350. The company’s recognizable red oval logo was unveiled in 1953 and it’s been emblazoned on every Peterbilt truck manufactured since then. Their bird hood ornament began appearing on their trucks in 1960.

PACCAR

In 1958, Pacific Car & Foundry (PACCAR) acquired Peterbilt as they expanded out of logging equipment production and into commercial vehicle manufacturing. The trucking industry expanded heavily during the 1970s as more and more long-distance transportation of goods was required in a blossoming economy. This led to Peterbilt opening a brand-new manufacturing facility in Denton, Texas, in 1980; by 1992, the company was ready to relocate their headquarters to the Lone Star State, too.

The 21st Century

Model 386, Peterbilt’s first truck to receive the EPA’s approval in terms of fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness, was released in the new millennium. The company further expanded into the medium-duty truck market with their low, cab-forward Model 210/220 trucks that provided drivers with more comfort, maneuverability and versatility than ever before. Following even more developments and new releases including improved engine designs and even sleeper cars, Peterbilt celebrated its 80-year anniversary in 2019.

Visit one of our 13 dealerships in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio or Illinois to browse our full stock of used Peterbilt semi trucks for sale. Palmer Trucks proudly serves all of our Midwestern customers.