Daily Big Rig: Spectacular Special 2023 Peterbilt 389X

In the heart of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Jade Transport Company boasts an impressive fleet of trucks that traverse North America’s highways. One of their star drivers, Barry Kasdorf, recently unveiled the crown jewel of their collection at the Shell Rotella SuperRigs working truck show in Gillette, Wyoming. This spectacular rig, a special-edition 2023 Peterbilt 389X, marked a momentous occasion as it was the 47th of only 1,389 to be built that year. Kasdorf’s truck not only turned heads but also secured a well-deserved second-place trophy in the Working Truck – Limited Mileage class. At the time of its debut, this impressive machine had only clocked 15,000 miles – as Kasdorf proudly exclaimed, “Fresh out of the box.”

Barry Kasdorf’s journey with Jade Transport spans nearly two decades, and he’s been dedicated to hauling chemicals across the United States and Canada. However, it’s essential to note that his cargo doesn’t include food-grade or fuel products. Over the years, he’s become an integral part of the company’s operations, often spending one to five weeks at a time on the road.

Jade Transport, a company with a fleet of approximately 80 trucks, has a reputation for customization and attention to detail. Many of their trucks, like Kasdorf’s 389X, are works of art on wheels. The unique paint scheme of his truck has a fascinating origin story. Kasdorf spotted a similarly colored truck for sale at Peterbilt Manitoba and immediately took a photo. He sent it to his boss, seeking approval for the striking green shade, which he thought would be a perfect addition to the fleet. Although he didn’t receive a definitive answer at the time, he was pleasantly surprised when the 389X arrived in the exact shade he had suggested. Most of Jade’s trucks are emerald and forest green, making Kasdorf’s rig an aesthetic fit with the rest of the company’s vehicles.

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Under the hood, this marvel of engineering is powered by a 565-horsepower Cummins engine, mated to an 18-speed transmission and equipped with 2.23 rear axles. This setup gives the 389X exceptional performance and efficiency. Kasdorf emphasized that at 65 mph, the truck purrs along at a mere 1,300 RPMs, illustrating its impressive capabilities.

Kasdorf’s truck also features custom elements from Shift Products, a company owned by the boss’s two sons. Shift Products was founded to create a better product that is both functional and visually appealing. Their initial focus was on reducing weight, introducing innovations like carbon fiber fenders. These fenders not only contribute to weight reduction but also enhance the truck’s aesthetics. The company has expanded its offerings to include custom panels, lights, and various chrome accessories, effectively turning it into a one-stop shop for truck customization.

Shift Products has left its mark on Kasdorf’s 389X with several distinct additions. Notably, the heat shields on the stacks, the light bar near the breather, the fabricated deck plate at the rear enclosing the frame rail, and the rear fenders are all products of their craftsmanship. The fenders across the drives are particularly noteworthy, showcasing Shift Products’ commitment to quality and innovation.

As for the truck’s lighting, it’s nothing short of a spectacle. The 389X comes with a substantial number of lights as part of its package, which Kasdorf and Shift Products have expanded upon. While the truck may not appear overly illuminated during the day, the true magic happens when the sun sets. Every three feet along the frame rail, melon lights create an enchanting effect that runs from the front to the back. Additionally, programmable lights beside each melon light can change colors, adding a captivating visual dimension to Kasdorf’s rig.

Barry Kasdorf’s 2023 Peterbilt 389X stands as a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of both the Jade Transport Company and Shift Products. It’s a rolling work of art that not only hauls valuable cargo but also captures the imagination of all who see it. As Kasdorf continues his journeys through the highways of North America, this extraordinary truck will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the trucking industry, symbolizing the innovation, customization, and commitment to excellence that defines the world of long-haul transportation.

See more photos: Custom Rigs.