Spotlight
Hard Working Synthetics: Spotlight on Ben Maurer
Meet Ben, a self-taught mechanic and dedicated trucker whose passion for diesel engines and craftsmanship has shaped his career. Starting as a farm truck driver, Ben transitioned into trucking full-time, now running an 08389 Peterbilt with a 6NZ Cat engine across the Mid-Atlantic region.
His journey into truck building and racing began in 2006 with a crew cab truck. His meticulous passion for precision led him to construct a one-of-a-kind single-cab truck, built from the ground up in his driveway, combining old-school power with modern design.
Ben’s love for trucking goes beyond the road. His cab-over truck, a social media discovery, has earned recognition at the American Truck Historical Society National Show and will be featured in the upcoming CAT Scale Cards series. But its impact extends far beyond truck shows. When Pennsylvania lawmakers quietly updated the state’s antique and classic vehicle registration laws—prohibiting owners from carrying passengers or cargo—Ben realized the unintended consequences.
The new restrictions meant that not only could he no longer haul with his cab-over, but even bringing a passenger to a truck show could technically violate the law. Recognizing that this change threatened the entire classic truck community, Ben took action. He contacted his local state representative, explained the real-world impact on truck owners, and successfully sparked a legislative effort to amend the law. His advocacy is now paving the way for a fix, ensuring that classic truck enthusiasts across Pennsylvania can continue to restore, showcase, and enjoy their rigs without unnecessary restrictions.
A dedicated Shell Rotella user, Ben has trusted Shell Rotella® T6 5W-40 in his meticulous 7.3 Ford Power Stroke trucks for years, swearing by its superior performance, especially after switching to single-shot injectors. His oil sample tests always come back clean, confirming that he’s using the right product for his engines. In his cab-over, he runs Shell Rotella® T4 15W-40, and like his other vehicles, it operates flawlessly. Despite being approached by competitors, Ben remains loyal to Shell Rotella. His philosophy is simple: if something works, there’s no reason to change it.
Beyond trucking, Ben is dedicated to passing on his skills to the next generation, especially his young son, who is already showing signs of following in his footsteps. Whether mentoring young enthusiasts at shows or inspiring future truckers, Ben embodies the heart and soul of the industry.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our "Hard Working Synthetics" series!
