Peterbilt bets on vocational trucks as freight demand flattens

With long-haul freight orders flat, Peterbilt is steering its medium-duty line toward vocational work. The 537 picks up a factory refuse package this quarter, and the 337 continues as the towing and recovery favorite.

The company is also shortening lead times. Vocational 537 configurations now quote at 10 to 12 weeks, down from 20 last year, which puts factory orders back in play against dealer stock for many fleets.

The 348 remains the heavy-vocational anchor for mixer and refuse duty. Expect aggressive year-end incentives across the vocational line if freight demand stays soft.