The T380 Kenworth: Your Go-To Solution for Medium-Duty Applications
January 20, 2026 - 8:18:14 am

In the world of commercial trucking, "medium-duty" is often a misleading term. The jobs are rarely "medium" in difficulty. Whether you are navigating tight urban alleys for a beverage delivery, hauling construction materials to a muddy job site, or keeping the power grid running with a utility boom, the demands are heavy.

For years, fleet managers had to choose between trucks that were maneuverable but fragile, or durable but cumbersome. Kenworth changed that equation with the introduction of the T380.

As a true Class 7 workhorse, the Kenworth T380 is engineered to handle the toughest vocational tasks while providing the comfort and technology of a highway cruiser. At Wallwork Truck Center, we have seen firsthand how this truck transforms operations for our customers.

This article explores why the T380 Kenworth is the ultimate "go-to" solution for businesses that demand reliability, versatility, and performance.

1. Built with Heavy-Duty DNA

Many medium-duty trucks on the market feel like oversized pickup trucks. The Kenworth T380 is different. It is built from the ground up with the same engineering DNA as Kenworth’s legendary Class 8 heavy-haulers, like the T680 and T880.

The 2.1-Meter Cab Advantage

The first thing drivers notice is the space. The T380 utilizes Kenworth's 2.1-meter wide cab. This is not a cramped workspace; it is a commanding office.

• Three-Person Seating: The wider cab comfortably accommodates a bench seat for a three-person crew, essential for moving teams to job sites.
• Ergonomics: The cabin is lowered for easier entry and exit—a critical feature for delivery drivers who climb in and out up to 60 times a day.
• Durability: The cab is constructed from stamped aluminum, making it lightweight for better payload capacity, yet incredibly resistant to corrosion and wear.

2. Powertrain: Precision Meets Power

A "go-to" truck needs a powertrain that balances fuel efficiency with raw torque. The T380 offers a suite of options that allows you to spec the truck exactly for your application.

The Engines

• PACCAR PX-7: The standard engine for the T380, the 6.7-liter PX-7 is a marvel of efficiency. Rated up to 325 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque, it provides ample power for most pickup and delivery (P&D) and general freight applications while keeping fuel costs low.
• PACCAR PX-9: For heavier vocational work, the T380 can be upgraded to the 8.9-liter PACCAR PX-9. With ratings up to 380 horsepower and 1,250 lb-ft of torque, this engine offers the muscle needed for dump trucks, heavy equipment hauling, and snowplows.
• Cummins L9N: For fleets focused on sustainability, the T380 is available with the near-zero emission natural gas engine.

The PACCAR TX-8 Transmission

Power is nothing without control. The T380 features the PACCAR TX-8 automatic transmission as a standard.

• 8-Speed Efficiency: Unlike older 5 or 6-speed automatics, the TX-8 offers 8 gears to keep the engine in the optimal RPM band.
• Responsiveness: It monitors changes in road grade and vehicle acceleration to select the perfect gear, providing car-like drivability.
• Maintenance: It is a sealed-for-life system for up to 150,000 miles, reducing your maintenance downtime.

3. Technology that Empowers the Driver

The modern workforce expects modern technology. The Kenworth T380 delivers an experience that rivals luxury automobiles.

The 7-Inch Digital Display

Gone are the days of cluttered analog gauges. The T380 features a class-leading 7-inch high-definition digital display.

• Customizable: Drivers can personalize the layout to show the data they need most, from air pressure to trip economy.
• Adaptive: The system automatically prioritizes critical alerts. If a fault occurs, the screen changes to highlight the issue, ensuring the driver is always aware of the truck's health.

Enhanced Visibility and Safety

Safety is paramount in medium-duty applications where trucks often share the road with pedestrians and smaller vehicles.

• Sloped Hood: The hood design is aggressively sloped, offering a clear view of the road directly in front of the bumper.
• Large Windshield: The windshield is massive, providing panoramic visibility.
• Maneuverability: With a wheel cut of up to 55 degrees, the T380 has a tight turning radius, allowing it to navigate cul-de-sacs and loading docks with ease.

4. Unmatched Versatility: A Truck for Every Job

The "T" in T380 could easily stand for "Transformer." This chassis is designed to be upfitted for virtually any Class 7 application.

Hood Configurations

Kenworth offers different hood lengths (measured in Bumper-to-Back-of-Cab or BBC) to suit different needs:

• Short Aero Hood (107.5" BBC): Maximizes maneuverability for city delivery.
• Vocational Hood (T380V): Features a fixed grille and allows for Front Engine Power Take-Off (FEPTO). This is critical for applications like snowplows, mixers, and crane trucks that need to run hydraulics from the front of the engine.

Common Applications

At Wallwork Truck Center, we configure T380s for a vast array of industries:

• Beverage and Reefer: The smooth ride and low frame height protect cargo.
• Utility and Service: The robust frame rails support heavy boom lifts and service bodies.
• Dump and Construction: When equipped with the PX-9 and heavy-duty axles, the T380 rivals larger trucks in off-road capability.
• Fuel and Tanker: Stability control systems and lightweight design make it ideal for liquid transport.

5. Designed for Uptime

A truck only makes money when it is moving. Kenworth designed the T380 to minimize time in the shop.

• Easy Service Points: The hood tilts open a full 90 degrees, giving mechanics complete access to the engine.
• Centralized Checks: Fluid reservoirs for coolant, washer fluid, and oil are grouped together on the driver's side for quick daily pre-trip inspections.
• TruckTech+: The integrated remote diagnostics system monitors the truck's health in real-time, alerting your fleet manager to potential issues before they become breakdowns.

Experience the T380 at Wallwork Truck Center

The Kenworth T380 is more than just a truck; it is a business solution. It bridges the gap between light-duty ease and heavy-duty strength, offering a versatile platform that can be tailored to your specific needs.

If you are ready to upgrade your medium-duty fleet with a truck that offers superior reliability, driver comfort, and resale value, the T380 is the answer.

Ready to see the difference?

Visit Wallwork Truck Center today. Our team of commercial truck experts can walk you through the specifications and help you build a T380 that works as hard as you do.