Last Peterbilt Model 389 raises $1.5M for charity, so far

After auctioning off the last ever produced Model 389, Peterbilt Motors Company and Rush Truck Centers announced a total of $1.5M in donations, split evenly between Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) and Wreaths Across America (WAA). Rush Truck centers is contributing $625,000 to both TAT and WAA, while Peterbilt says it will equally split proceeds from the sale of the truck, donating $125,000 to each charity.

“It is very fitting that the proceeds from the last Model 389 will support these two worthy organizations,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “We thoughtfully selected TAT and WAA as the recipients of this donation to help fund their efforts in supporting our trucking community, specifically combatting human trafficking and honoring our fallen soldiers. We are proud to stand with them and look forward to seeing all the great work they will accomplish in the years ahead.”

“Rush Enterprises is proud to join Peterbilt Motors Company in supporting Truckers Against Trafficking and Wreaths Across America,” said Rusty Rush, chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Rush Truck Centers, Inc. “We all can take part in protecting the more vulnerable members of our society, and Truckers Against Trafficking’s efforts to aid law enforcement in the recovery of victims of human trafficking is truly life-saving work. Further, the mission of Wreaths Across America, to honor those who serve, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, while inspiring the next generation to value our freedoms, is important to me personally as well as to countless Rush Enterprises employees who have served in the armed forces or who come from military families,” Rush added.

The auction was held during the Peterbilt dealer meeting in February 2023. Peterbilt tells us the last Model 389 will be the centerpiece of a Rush Truck Centers sweepstakes running throughout 2024 to raise additional funds for a third charity, the Wounded Warrior Project.

Fontaine Specialized announced the new Magnitude 75 lowbed trailer. This 3+3+2 modular multi-purpose trailer is designed to transport a diverse range of loads, according to Fontaine, who adds that the Magnitude 75 comes in three distinct deck options: flat (MFLD), drop side rail (MDSR), and beam (MBMD)."The Magnitude 75 epitomizes versatility in heavy-haul lowbeds. It accommodates loads of up to 75 tons in 16 feet as a 3+2 or with five close coupled axles," said Heather Gilmer, vice president of sales. "Furthermore, it adeptly handles 70 tons in just 12 feet configured with the tandem axle EQ2 spreader. This adaptable trailer features a hydraulic detachable gooseneck and a tridem axle bogie, each providing seven ride height positions. This enhanced flexibility is invaluable for operators maneuvering heavy loads across obstacles or beneath bridges.”Fontaine says the Magnitude 75 was made with 100,000-lb. minimum yield steel main beam flanges; and the flat and beam decks boast a 24-in. loaded deck height, while the drop side rail deck reduces it to 15-in. At full load, all modular decks offer 6-in. of ground clearance.