Dill McKinney, alongside his father at McKinney & Sons Transfer, owns and operates a family business with a fleet of around 15 drivers. Adding to the family roots of McKinney & Sons Transfer, Dill’s fiancée, Yasmine Twilley, also contributes to the company’s operations, with plans in motion to expand the brokerage arm of the business.

At the heart of Dill’s pride is the 2024 Peterbilt 389-X, affectionately dubbed “Black Tie Affair.” This limited-edition marvel boasts a high-power Cummins engine generating 605 horsepower, coupled with an 18-speed transmission capable of reaching a top speed of 108 mph.

However, the allure of this truck goes beyond the surface as well. What truly distinguishes this rig is its rich history. Dill and his father painstakingly tailored every aspect of this truck, making it the first they’ve built together. With the serial number 1120, a tribute to Dill’s birthday, it stands as a special symbol of their close-knit bond and unwavering commitment to the industry.

In terms of customization, Dill went for a theme of timeless elegance. From its Legendary Black exterior to the carefully crafted interior, every detail reflects his individual style and the enduring legacy of his family. Dill’s fondness for pinstripes is evident, as they’re all along the frame, headlights, and across various other parts of the truck.

Hauling lumber, mulch, and a variety of other loads across regional routes, Dill treasures each moment spent behind the wheel, particularly when it’s with his dad.

Source: The Trucker

Photo: The Trucker

The post 2024 Peterbilt 389-X is the CAT Scale Rig of the Week appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This 2018 Peterbilt 389, skillfully operated by professional driver James Erickson, represents the epitome of heavy-haul trucking. Erickson proudly describes it as a “pure heavy-haul truck,” boasting double-framed construction with twin steering boxes, a robust 20,000-pound steer axle, complemented by a 20,000-pound pusher axle, and substantial 46,000-pound rear axles.

Powered by a finely tuned 605-horsepower Cummins X15 engine paired with an 18-speed transmission, this rig commands the road with authority. Its impressive build is further emphasized by its 310-inch wheelbase, featuring a 5-foot spread on both the pusher and drive axles.

However, what truly sets this setup apart is the custom trailer accompanying it, belonging to Walters Transport, based in Pipestone, Minnesota. Crafted specifically for heavy-duty hauling, this 80-ton Trail King trailer has a unique 3-4-2 axle configuration, providing unparalleled stability and load-bearing capacity.

To make it even better, its low transition design encourages and allows for seamless backing, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the stress of one of the most frustrating tasks of truck driving.

When fully extended, the combined length of the tractor and trailer reaches an impressive 131.6 feet, showcasing the sheer magnitude of Erickson’s rig. Beyond its sheer size and power, this setup represents the craftsmanship and innovation that can be found everywhere in the world of custom trucking. It reveals the unparalleled dedication of drivers like Erickson, who take pride in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the road.

Source: Overdrive

Photo: Overdrive

The post Power and Precision: The Story of James Erickson’s Custom 2018 Peterbilt 389 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.