Best Semi-Truck: What the Pros Say

Alright, truckers—let’s settle this debate once and for all. What’s the best semi-truck for an owner-operator?

We’ve gathered opinions straight from experienced drivers across YouTube, Reddit, and Quora—guys who have put serious miles on these rigs. Here’s what they have to say.

Kenworth: The Truck That Stands Out

When truckers were asked which semi-truck they’d choose, one name kept coming up:

Kenworth. That’s the truck.

Peterbilt is a close second, but Peterbilts tend to come with a higher price tag. Since both Kenworth and Peterbilt fall under PACCAR, they’ve started integrating more of their platforms, making them more similar than ever.

Most of these rigs run the PACCAR MX-13, though you’ll see the MX-11 and MX-9 in smaller trucks. And if you’ve got a Kenworth, you can take it to a Peterbilt dealer for service—and vice versa. That’s a big plus for uptime.

That said, many truckers prefer Cummins engines, no matter the brand. Why? Parts availability and ease of service. You’ll find Cummins engines in Kenworths, Peterbilts, Freightliners, and Internationals, and you can service them just about anywhere.

So, why do owner-operators stick with Kenworth or Peterbilt? Let’s break it down.

Why Truckers Like Kenworth

The biggest reason? Simplicity.

Older Kenworths—like the W900, T660, and T600—were designed with mechanics in mind. Pop the hood, and everything is laid out properly. The cab isn’t jammed halfway over the engine like in some other trucks (looking at you, International ProStar).

Even if you’re not wrenching on your own truck, this still matters. If a job takes twice as long in another truck, guess what? You’re paying twice the labor costs.

A Redditor summed it up perfectly:

“I just care about shop time and repairs. Too much downtime kills owner-operators.”

kenworth semi-truck

Reliability: Fewer Breakdowns, Faster Fixes

Every truck breaks down eventually. The real question is:

How often?
How expensive is the fix?

Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks keep things simple, meaning fewer breakdowns and easier repairs. The more computers, sensors, and electronics packed into a truck, the more headaches you’ll have.

That’s why many veteran drivers swear by pre-2014 trucks.

“Newer trucks rely too much on computer chips. If one fails, you’re waiting weeks for a replacement.”

If you’re running a Kenworth with a Cummins engine, you have more flexibility for repairs. Parts are everywhere, and you won’t be stuck waiting on a specific dealer.

One trucker put it like this:

“Kenworths just hold up. No weird wiring issues, no major chassis problems—just a well-built truck that lasts.”

The Bottom Line: Uptime = Profitability

The most important thing for an owner-operator is staying on the road and making money.

Kenworth and Peterbilt offer:

✅ Great parts availability – PACCAR parts are interchangeable, and Cummins engines can be serviced almost anywhere.
✅ Faster repairs – Simpler design means mechanics spend less time on your truck = lower repair bills.
✅ More uptime – Some dealerships are backed up 5 weeks. With a Cummins, you can take your truck to multiple shops instead of waiting.

A seasoned trucker on YouTube put it bluntly:

“If you can’t fix it, you’re not rolling. If you’re not rolling, you’re not making money.”

Warranty? Good Luck.

Warranty coverage is great—if you have time to wait.

Plenty of truckers have lost weeks of income waiting for a small, covered repair. One owner-operator shared:

“I had a $1,200 part fail. Warranty covered it, but I had to wait 4 weeks. Instead, I paid out of pocket and got back on the road.”

Bottom line? Sometimes paying out of pocket is better than waiting on warranty repairs. Kenworth and Peterbilt, especially with Cummins engines, offer flexibility in getting repairs done fast.