The 4 State Trucks Blog
The 85-Year History of Peterbilt Trucks (Quickly Summarized)
Peterbilt: A Legendary Name in American Trucking
A fast, engaging history—from WWII logging ingenuity to today’s electric rigs.
As far as top-tier commercial trucking companies go, Peterbilt remains a legendary name in the trucking industry.
Here’s the quick version of how the Peterbilt brand got its start.
The Founding of Peterbilt: WWII, Logging Woes & Buying a Bankrupt Firm
Trapped in the tense atmosphere of a world war, with Americans crawling out of the e
…
31st Oct 2025
Top 10 Semi Truck Winter Accessories for Heavy-Duty Drivers
Winter truck driving can be downright trecherous to work in, especially when you don't have the right trucker gear to get you through long-haul trips in freezing temperatures.
Here is a roundup of the top 10 winter accessories truck drivers need.
#1. Tire Socks for Winter Driving
Unlike tire chains, the Auto Tire Sock is incredibly easy to use and machine washable. It also automatically centers itself as you drive; you don't have to worry about it sliding haphazardly off kilter.&nbs
…
21st Oct 2025
Haul of Fame: The Murder Pete
They call it the Murder Pete. Blacked-out, rugged, and raw, it’s a notorious big rig known for its “murdered out” style.
Supported by the custom fab shop work of Chrome Shop Mafia (CMS) and supplied with prime aftermarket parts from 4 State Trucks in Joplin, this truck has a story behind it.
The Man and Story Behind the Murder Pete Truck
Ray has owned his Peterbilt 379 (2000) truck model for years, and during that time, has poured enormous passion into transforming it into wha
…
17th Oct 2025
How to Winterize a Semi Truck: The Complete Driver Checklist
Cold winter weather, freezing temperatures, snow-covered roads, and adverse weather conditions wreak havoc on semi truck engines and equipment, and can lead to costly repairs if damage occurs.
Don’t compromise safety on the road. Here are some tips on how to get your truck winter-ready.
How to Quickly Prep Your Semi Truck for Winter
THE BEST TIPS:
Keep the Fuel Tank Full: if you're parked, do not keep a low fuel tank (it'll condensate and ice up).
Use Anti-Gel: check the labels and
…
14th Oct 2025
Buyerâs Guide: Choosing the Right Semi Truck Heat Shield
A semi truck’s exhaust pipe heat shield is more than just some polished piece of metal.
It’s the only thing that stands between those searing hot exhaust fumes and your sleek-looking chrome, paint, and fuel tank end caps and straps.
If you’re looking for an in-depth guide to how to buy the best heat shield for your semi truck, this is it.
In this post, we’ll cover design options, the science behind heat shields, and the top-picks for your truck make/model.
Wh
…
10th Oct 2025