Stolen 05 Peterbilt 379 and Cargo

The thought of the former owner stealing the truck never even crossed my mind. The gentleman is a complete angel sent from heaven. He's been a trucker his whole life. In truth, I never even test drove the truck. In my search for a rig, I came across his posting on Facebook where he stated that because of his deteriorating health, he was seriously contemplating retirement. I reached out to him and From that first phone call I knew that was the Rig for me. I could feel the passion in his voice for the Love he had for his truck and trucking in general. His asking price was a bit high but after several more phone calls we were able to reach a price we both would be happy with. I flew to Cleveland were he picked me up, drove us straight to where he stored the truck. That truck was everything he said and more. I'll never forget the feeling that I felt the moment I turned the key and heard that Big Cat motor come to life. After a few minutes he said let's take it for a drive. As he proceeded to climb into the passenger seat I told him to drive. My reasoning was two fold. First, it was going to be the last time hed get to drive his pride and joy and second, I didn't want to embarrass myself by doing something stupid in front of him like grinding a gear or two. During that ride I could see the sadness on his face and a tear in his eye. From the moment I turned the key I knew I was all in. Meeting him has been a real blessing. He has become the Biggest part of my trucking family. He's been a flatbedder his whole trucking life. The price of the truck also came with a lifetime of trucking and flatbedding advise to which is priceless.....

 

The case has been taken over by the GBI. It seems that there's a cargo theft ring targeting Kubota tractors. Mine was not the first theft.
I give props to Mercer and their insurance co. The insurance co has asked for the titles for the tractor and trailer. Said I'm getting the full insured value and for me to start looking for another rig as I will have the money transferred into my bank the very moment that they receive them. The claims adjuster stated that Mercer told them to get me back on the road ASAP. I will add that the adjuster also stated that they have never recovered a rig within the 30 day window that insurance companies use before they decide to settle.
I have located another tractor and trailer. It's a Big 07 Kenworth a Big Cat motor with warranty. ( I'm spoiled now) and a 2016 MAC aluminum trailer. The gentleman I bought the Pete from convinced his son to sell me one of his units. Therefore I know the rigs been well cared for. I'll be back rolling next wk....

 

In regards to your thread. My opinion is that you'll not go wrong with a older Pete or Kenworth with a Big Motor. The key is to find one that has been well maintained. A positive is if the seller offers to show you all of the service records. The other thing I look for is how much pride he takes in driving his Rig. Chrome tells me that he really enjoys driving his Rig. I mean really, you spend most of your day alone. Nobody in the truck but you. That's your home away from home. A tricked out truck shows me that that driver takes pride in his Rig and the work that he does. Don't be afraid of a Big Motor. A properly tuned motor and a good driver can achieve good MPG. It's a good feeling when you are near gross weight and have the power to climb a Big Hill and maybe have to drop one gear at worst. That Pete was my first Big Truck. I can truly say that I don't see me ever again driving a Spec out Co truck.