This month’s truck was ordered for Jake Weber of Branded Livestock LLC in Aurora, CO. We featured Jake in 2013. At that time, he had purchased a cool brown and cream truck and was running a small fleet of three trucks. Since that time, he continued to grind it out and grew to 15 trucks at one point but is currently running 12. And this latest one, being one of the last numbered 389s, is a very special Peterbilt.
Growing up, Jake really glorified the old trucker guys, and no matter how many times someone told him not to get into trucking, he wanted to do it anyway. Once you have the trucking bug, there is no getting rid of it. The song “Tiger Man McCool” by Bobby Bare kind of emulated the struggles of a guy that seemed to have it all, but there was a price to pay. That song resonated with Jake because trucking is like that, too. Success is possible, but there is always a price to pay for it.
When Jake found out Peterbilt was changing their dash and gauges, he ordered a cool flattop from me which we nicknamed Tiger Man McCool. When it showed up, Cody and the crew dialed it in with all the good stuff, from front to back. Then, when Peterbilt announced that they were going to replace the 389 with the 589 and offered a limited edition 389X for those who wanted one of the last ones made, Jake wanted one.
Not condemning Peterbilt for going forward, Jake understands we are all in business to move forward, but he didn’t want to get rid of the past to transition into the future. As he explained to me, “There’s trucks I want to keep for me!” He currently owns a 2007 Pete 379 Legacy Edition (#1) which we are currently doing a few things to, and it is the same color, shape, and size as the new 389X pictured here. Because Peterbilt owns the #1 389X, Jake opted for #101.
The new purple truck with a matching frame is a 2024 Peterbilt 389X with a 295” wheelbase, a flattop, and all the factory goodies. Because we have been working on the 379 Legacy and removing a few of the goodies it accumulated over time, we are taking it back to as close to original as possible for keepsake purposes. With this in mind, Jake only opted to do a few extra add-ons to the new 389X, and keep it somewhat original, with just a few of Jake’s touches.
When it showed up, Cody was responsible for the build, and he added cab lights, breather lights, load lights, and a painted and polished flush deck plate. We also installed Hogebuilt low-rider half fenders, a rear taillight box, and steer axle dumps. And, like most of my builds, dad chopped the air cleaner screens. Although the new 389X is an expensive work truck, it has to go out and earn its keep. Admitting that it would not be easy, Jake hopes that one day he can retire this truck and it can become one of his select keepsakes, like the 379 Legacy.
Since the previous article in 2013, Jake and his wife Jessica have grown the “fleet” at home, as well. Their daughter Adreama is now 20, Tailynn is 10, and they have added two boys, Axel (9) and Diesel (5). Jake wanted to thank his wife for all she does, being so understanding and supportive of him, and the entire family.
When he moved to Colorado, Jake joined High Altitude Martial Arts, and he wanted to give them a “thank you” as well. They have been a big contributor to Jake’s headspace, helping him to stay centered. He also wanted to thank Anderson Lettering for always lettering their stuff and making it look nice. And, of course, all his drivers, for keeping everything moving, including this very special purple Peterbilt.