“FOR TODAY’S TRUCKER” JULY 2026 ® Magazine 250 YEARS OF FREEDOM ALSO REPORTS FROM THE NOR-CAL SPRING FLING & EQUIPMENT EXPRESS CRAWFISH BOIL & SHOW IN TEXAS A Rare 1974 MACK HELPS US CELEBRATE... MULTIPLE STORIES & SPECIAL FEATURES THAT HIGHLIGHT PATRIOTIC TRUCKS & AMERICAN THEMES
2 10-4 Magazine / July 2026
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6 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 18651 Valley Blvd, Unit B, Bloomington, CA 92316 Grand General Bumpers, Lights, Grills, Fenders, Stacks & More We Install What We Sell...
20 28 10 ® 25 FUN: Truckertoon 38 • WordSearch 41 • Red’s Rides 45 • Crossword 57 • NumberSearch 61 • Words To Live By 68 JULY 2026 CONTENTS VOLUME 33 ISSUE 11 COVER FEATURE A Patriotic Mack Helps Honor America’s 250th .............. 10 PERFORMANCE ZONE The Most Stubborn Cummins ISX 870 Ever .................... 17 TRUCK SHOW REPORT Relaxed Fun at the Spring Fling in Red Bluff, CA ........... 20 CLINT’S CREATIONS Peterbilt Shows it Pride With the Freedom 250 ............... 25 OUT OF THE ARCHIVES Another Old Gem from Bette Garber’s Collection .......... 27 SPECIAL FEATURE Levi Hertzler of Idaho and His Rolling Liberty ................. 28 THE VETERAN’S VIEW It’s Time to Celebrate and Let Freedom Ring ................. 42 SPECIAL FEATURE Dan Smith’s “Ragged Old Flag” Superliner .................... 46 THE BOOKWORM SEZ... A Biography of the U.S. Capitol Building ........................ 49 A TRUCKING DOG’S BLOG This Patriotic Pup Shares a 4th of July Memory ............. 50 TRUCK SHOW REPORT Kasey Aslinger’s Annual Birthday Trek to Texas ............. 54 TROY’S TREASURES Red, White and Blue Diamond of Denver, CO ................ 58 TRUCKER TALK Reminiscing about Being Part of the Class of ‘76 ........... 62 LIBERTY’S LANE Gauging the Cost: Silence is Expensive ......................... 65 POETRY IN MOTION There’s Nothing Else Like “Being American” .................. 67
8 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 We at 10-4 Magazine® love to hear from our readers. If you have any comments, suggestions, gripes, questions, or just some information you would like to pass on to other readers (truckers just like you)... VISIT US ON OUR WEBSITE: www.tenfourmagazine.com FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS: Search for Ten Four Magazine SEND US AN E-MAIL: info@tenfourmagazine.com WRITE TO US AT: 10-4 Magazine Post Office Box 639 Dunlap, CA 93621 CALL US ON THE PHONE: 559-338-2703 (9-5 PST) 10-4 MAGAZINE IS: Daniel J. Linss - OWNER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/MARKETING Jean Osugi - OWNER/TRUCK SHOW SUPPORT/HR Tim Sieben - OWNER/TFK MANAGER/SHOW SUPPORT Shannon Linss - OFFICE MANAGER &DISTRIBUTION Eric Hill - MARKETING SALES MANAGER/SHOW SUPPORT John Testa - SALES &DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Stephanie Haas - PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Parker Linss - PRODUCTION ASSISTANT/GAME CREATOR John Hambro -WEBSITE MANAGER Vic Vasselin - MONTHLY “TRUCKERTOON” ARTIST Ron Kelsey - PRINT &DIGITAL SALES/AZDISTRIBUTION Jonathan Townsel - CENTRAL CALIFORNIA DISTRIBUTION Hugo Ruano - L.A. & L.B. HARBOR DISTRIBUTION Teresa Franco - LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRIBUTION Derek Bennett - HIGH DESERT DISTRIBUTION Julio “Junior” Tapia - INLAND EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION Terry Coombs - OR, WA & IDAHO DISTRIBUTION CONTRIBUTING WRITERS, EDITORS &PHOTOGRAPHERS: Bruce Mallinson• John & Kim Jaikes • Eric Hill Dennis Mitchell • Stephanie Haas • Clint Moore Mark Harter • Liberty V Justice • K.M. Stanfield Troy Miller • Trevor Hardwick • Duncan Putman Ryan Rosetta • Miss Flatbed Red • Shelly Hartman Colin Kund • Oliver Wiesmann• Kasey Aslinger Terri “Bookworm” Schlichenmeyer • Chad Violet WEBSITE: SOCIALS: Magazine
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Cover Feature: By Mark Harter A flight engineer and top gun turret operator on a B-25 Mitchell operating in the Pacific Theatre during World War II out of the 13th Army Air Corp, Elvis flew 87 successful missions and his spirit and passion for the red, white and blue carried on once his time serving our nation was over. “Elvis was one of the nicest guys you could have ever met and one of the most patriotic men I’ve ever met,” said John Pivonka, who drove for Elvis from 1986 until he retired at the age of 80 in 2023. “We had a fleet of these R-Model Macks and a Superliner, as well,” said John, adding, “We even had Mack B-Models powered by Thermodynes that had Mack Triplex transmissions (5x3) that were used as our machinery trucks, hauling 15,000-lb. forklifts, and we even had a couple of old Mack LTs, too. But every piece of equipment in the fleet was red, white and blue – from the trucks to the forklifts, and even a pair of pickup trucks, they were all painted in the American flag scheme.” Spec’d heavy to haul heavy loads, the 1974 Mack RS700L seen here is powered by a 300-hp Mack Maxidyne engine, hooked to a 5x2 transmission with a two-speed brownie, and has 44K Mack rears and 24.5 tall rubber. “This truck typically pulled either a seven axle or nine axle Cozad removable gooseneck (RGN) trailer with stingers and jeeps to put more wheels on the ground for added weight distribution,” said John, adding, “And if I remember right, typically this truck, paired with one of those trailers, could handle about 200,000 pounds on the deck. That RS700L was also equipped with Cozad ramps on the back of the frame, as well.” Retiring in 2006, Elvis sold Mid-State Truck and Rigging to his son Harry Baker, who owned his own rigging and transportation company, Southwest Industrial Rigging. Founded in 1987, Southwest Industrial Rigging (SWIR) handles heavy and oversized loads in the southwestern In 1776, fifty-six men put their names on a document that changed the course of world history. Our bold Declaration of Independence established a new nation founded on the idea of liberty and that people should have the freedom to chart their own destiny. Two hundred and fifty years later, that same spirit of independence can still be found on America’s highways, often behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer. For generations, trucking has embodied many of the same values that helped build the United States – self-reliance, determination, hard work, and the freedom of the open road. Very few vehicles have represented those ideals better than a Mack truck, and few paint schemes have captured them more perfectly than Mack’s iconic All-American paint scheme. As America approached its Bicentennial celebration in 1976, patriotism was on full display across the nation. Communities planned parades and celebrations and businesses found ways to celebrate the patriotic pride of two hundred years of American independence. Mack Trucks, one of the most legendary names in the trucking industry for more than seven decades at the time of the Bicentennial, joined the celebration with a paint scheme that transformed its trucks into rolling symbols of national pride. Founded in Brooklyn, New York, in 1900 by brothers John, Augustus, and William Mack, Mack Trucks had earned a reputation for building some of the toughest trucks on the road. They have also been in business for just over 125 years now, which is half the age of our country. That’s a long history! By the 1970s, the company and its famous Bulldog mascot had become fixtures of the trucking industry, while generations of Mack trucks helped build the highways, cities, and industries that powered modern America. Long before fireworks lit the skies over America’s Bicentennial in 1976, Mack Trucks had already begun celebrating the nation’s heritage with one of the most recognizable and patriotic paint schemes ever applied to a commercial vehicle. Introduced as part of a nationwide sales campaign in 1970, the bold red, white, and blue star spangled design drew its inspiration from Old Glory herself. The striking paint scheme appeared throughout Mack’s product line and could be found on everything from the legendary R-Model family – including the R, RS, RL, U, and other variants – to cabover F-Models and even the low cabover MB model, and numerous other Mack Truck models available at the time. One of the most recognizable companies to sport the All-American Mack paint scheme was Mid-State Truck and Rigging in Phoenix, Arizona. Founded by Elvis Baker in 1972, his fleet of patriotic Mack trucks and other equipment were icons of the Southwest heavy-haul community. When you saw one of Elvis’ trucks moving a load, you knew exactly who’s truck it was. 10 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 250 YEARS OF FREEDOM
10-4 Magazine / July 2026 11 United States but do operate nationwide. From 750,000-lb. electrical transformers to even moving the Philippine Mars, a rare four engine flying boat built by the Glenn L. Martin Company for the US Navy at the end of World War II. SWIR hauled this unique aircraft from its temporary location at Lake Pleasant, Arizona, to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson in May 2025. The transport took place over several nights after the large aircraft was disassembled following its final flight. Even though it was only 160 miles, the move required roughly five nights of travel, with the load being moved only at night, due to its size and the need to avoid traffic, power lines and overpasses. The convoy of SWIR rigs averaged about 25 mph and stretched over 140 feet from tractor bumper to aircraft tail. Sadly, Elvis Baker died at the age of 94 on October 3, 2016. “Elvis was highly respected among machinery movers and riggers and had an extensive knowledge of rigging and heavy haul,” said Andy Perez of Southwest Industrial Rigging. Elvis was part of a family that became synonymous with specialized transportation and rigging in the Southwest, and his son Harry built SWIR into one of the most respected heavy-haul and crane outfits in North America. Known for his motto, “Do it right the first time,” Harry died at the age of 72 on November 28, 2024. Retiring some older equipment a few years ago after Elvis’ passing, SWIR sent their 1974 Mack RS700L with the All-American paint scheme to auction. Catching the eye of Mack Truck collectors Jeff and Alex Malo of Joliette, Quebec, Canada, the rare Hayward, California built RS700L with the All-American paint scheme caught their attention. Missing the auction by a day and not being able to purchase it, Jeff tracked down the buyer and for about a year bugged him to sell it, telling me, “The guy, I think, thought I was crazy,” said Jeff, adding, “Here I was, a guy from Canada calling him to purchase this Mack with the All-American paint scheme on it, but after he finally realized I was serious, he accepted my offer and the truck arrived to us in 2023 after going through customs in order to get it imported to Canada.” As third generation truckers, Jeff and Alex operate their family’s concrete business. “It was founded by my grandfather in 1946,” said Jeff. “We’re Mack guys – my grandfather and father and now us – we’ve always ran Macks, and we currently operate Mack rear discharge concrete mixer trucks and a few Oshkosh front discharge mixers, along with a few Mack dump trucks,” said Jeff. Talking about the 1974 Mack pictured here he said, “One of the important factors of this truck is the rare All-American paint scheme,” said Jeff, continuing with, “We wanted to preserve this truck and keep it all original.”
12 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 With a love for Macks, their collection is huge and spans a wide range of years and models, including a few unique pieces that have Hollywood fame. Some of these “famous” trucks include the White Volvo conventional with the custom sleeper from the movie Over the Top, which stars Sylvester Stallone as tough Lincoln Hawk, an over-the-road trucker who wins the truck after winning an arm wrestling tournament in Las Vegas. Another pair of Macks the brothers own are two of the actual “Big Black Bulldog Macks” driven by the Rubber Duck (played by actor Kris Kristofferson) in the trucking classic, Convoy. While speaking with Jeff, I asked him how many trucks they have in their current collection, and he told me, “Honestly, I’ve lost count!” He then added, “We do it for the fun of it and our own enjoyment. I am not one to show my trucks, nor do I really want the attention. We collect them because we love trucks, and obviously Mack trucks, in particular.” Last year I suggested to our editor here at 10-4 Magazine, Daniel Linss, that we had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a special issue to celebrate the patriotic side of trucking and our nation’s 250th birthday in this July 2026 issue. So, with the hunt on for patriotic trucks, I had remembered seeing Mack trucks with the All-American paint scheme on them when I was younger, but it had been years since I had seen one in person. After reaching out to Mack collector Ryan Bassett and Doug Maney (the curator of the Mack Trucks Historical Museum) for help, Ryan reached out to some collectors. Not having luck at first, Ryan eventually sent me some info about a 1974 Mack RS700L located in Quebec, Canada with the All-American paint scheme. I initially didn’t give it much thought because the truck was so far away and, not to mention, in Canada. But with the search narrowing and little results, we began to realize that this All-American Mack is a rare survivor, and this paint scheme is even more rare these days, especially a truck from this era, that’s over 50 years old, with its original paint on it! Trying to figure out how we were going to get this truck photographed for this article, as neither Dan nor myself had the time to go to Quebec, Jeff Malo initially said he might be able to get a local photographer to shoot the Mack for us. I then reached out to a couple of Canadian automotive photographers based in that area, but again, not having much luck, I was coming to a bit of a dead end. But as luck would have it, while speaking with my friend Mike Gaffin (aka The Boston Trucker) on the phone one day, I had mentioned that I was in a bit of a bind and jokingly asked him if he knew any good Canadian trucking photographers in the Montreal, Quebec area. And Mike quickly responded, “As a matter of fact, yes, I do.” With Mike’s involvement with Shell Super Rigs, he introduced me to Sonya Messier, the photographer who has shot all the trucks featured on the Shell Super Rigs Calendar for the past several years. After Dan spoke with Sonya, she spoke with Jeff Malo, and they made plans to shoot the All-American Mack RS700L for us. “Honestly, it was one of the best photo shoots I have ever done. Jeff and his brother Alex were very gracious, and anything I needed at the shoot, in order to get the angle and background I wanted, they did without question,” said Sonya. “We were initially going to shoot the Mack at a local airport, but due to a couple of issues with the old Mack, we decided to shoot the truck on their property, next to an old garage, which worked out well and gave the truck a proper feel, considering its age,” added Sonya. “It’s really cool to know that this rare Mack is in Montreal, literally in my backyard, and so cool that this piece of American trucking history survives up here and is well cared for,” said Sonya. She then added, “Jeff and Alex work seven
10-4 Magazine / July 2026 13 days-a-week, and for them to work with my schedule and a weather issue, again, it was a fun photo shoot, and I am so glad to be a part of this amazing issue here in 10-4 this month to help celebrate the USA’s 250th birthday.” With that said, we are blessed to live in the greatest country in the world, and we should all be grateful for the liberty provided to us by our founders, along with the men and women who have given their lives to defend and preserve our way of life. As our nation turns 250 years old this July 4th, I hope you take time to reflect on our nation’s history. In many ways, the USA and its citizens are a lot like the 1974 All-American Mack RS700L featured here – tough, rugged and venerable, and built for the long haul. As special as this rare and unique truck is (possibly one of the only known All-American Macks with its original factory paint still intact), what really got us excited was the story as it was revealed to us. And to not only learn its history, but to be able to track down and talk to so many people attached to this truck, it really turned out to be something even more special than we first thought. The funny (or ironic) thing is, to help celebrate the United States, we ended up with a truck from Canada. Happy birthday, America... here’s to 250 more years of freedom! n
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10-4 Magazine / July 2026 17 The Performance Zone: By Bruce Mallinson My name is Jordan Greathouse. I have been involved in this industry for 12 years, with the past 10 here at Pittsburgh Power. Over that time, I’ve heard plenty of stories about catastrophic engine failures (every mechanic has). You hear about connecting rods leaving the block, engines scattering parts across the shop floor, and repair bills that make truck owners question their life choices. Somehow, though, despite spending more than a decade around heavy-duty diesel engines, I had never personally witnessed one happen. As it turns out, I still haven’t. But what I did hear was something that sounded a lot like a shotgun going off somewhere else in the shop. A few moments later, several technicians were headed toward my office with expressions that told me whatever had just happened wasn’t going to be cheap. The way they were trying to explain it sounded like one of those over-the-top movie scenes where something so ridiculous happens that nobody expects you to believe it. Naturally, I followed them out to see what all the excitement was about. The engine in question was a Cummins ISX 870. The owner had brought it to us because he was experiencing power issues after a recent rebuild that was performed by another shop. Nothing about the original complaint was particularly unusual. Trucks come through our doors every day with performance concerns, and our process for diagnosing them is pretty straightforward. The first step is getting the truck on the dyno. For those unfamiliar with how our dyno process works, we don’t immediately jump into power runs. We begin with a controlled warm-up procedure, allowing the engine to run under its own power, while monitoring oil pressure, oil temperature, coolant temperature, fuel pressure, and a long list of other operating parameters. It’s a simple process designed to make sure everything is functioning properly before moving on to more extensive testing. Unfortunately, this engine never made it that far. According to the guys running the dyno, everything appeared normal during the warm-up cycle. Temperatures were coming up, pressures looked good, and there was no obvious indication that disaster was only seconds away. Then came the bang. When the dust settled and the technicians began inspecting the aftermath, the cause became fairly apparent. The engine had suffered a catastrophic connecting rod failure, and the evidence pointed toward improper torque specifications during the previous rebuild. The rod cap bolts had been stretched far beyond what they were designed to handle. At some point, the stress on those fasteners became too much. Once the engine was running, the weakened bolts finally reached their limit and sheared completely off. From there, things happened exactly as you’d expect when a rod suddenly decides it no longer wants to remain attached to the crankshaft. The rod and cap assembly were launched into the side of the engine block with tremendous force, and the resulting damage was astonishing. The impact blew a hole nearly two feet wide through the side of the block, turning what had been an engine just moments earlier into a very expensive collection of scrap metal. Oil, coolant, and various internal engine components immediately found new and exciting places to be! There wasn’t much left to diagnose after that. The block was THE MOST STUBBORN CUMMINS ISX 870 EVER destroyed, the internal components were destroyed, and the cleanup process quickly became the primary focus. Needless to say, this 870 Cummins ISX engine was done. As dramatic as the failure was, the situation turned out to have a somewhat fortunate ending. After speaking with the owner, we learned that the truck was already nearing the end of its service life. He had already moved into another truck, and this one was ultimately destined for the scrapyard anyway. While nobody enjoys seeing an engine self-destruct, at least this wasn’t a situation where someone’s daily livelihood suddenly disappeared overnight. Then the story took one final turn that nobody expected. As the guys were preparing to bring over a forklift and move the truck, one of them noticed something strange – the engine was still running. Even with a massive hole in the side of the block and enough missing parts to fill a bucket, this old Cummins wasn’t quite ready to quit. Somehow, some way, it continued chugging along under its own power, and what happened next honestly impressed everyone in the shop. Rather than being dragged into a parking spot, this wounded engine managed to limp itself there. Against all logic and mechanical common sense, it drove itself to its final resting place. I’ve seen plenty of engines over the years. I’ve seen worn-out engines, neglected engines, abused engines, and engines that should have died long before they actually did. But I’ve never heard of one taking that kind of punishment and still refusing to quit. You almost have to admire the determination. Or maybe it was pure spite. Either way, it’s a reminder of how important proper engine assembly procedures really are. Something as simple as incorrect torque specs can eventually lead to a catastrophic failure. Attention to detail matters. Precision matters. Following proper procedures matters. It’s also a reminder that diesel engines can be remarkably stubborn. This Cummins ISX may have reached the end of its life that day, but it certainly went out with a story worth telling. n
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Truck Show Report: By Daniel J. Linss With absolutely perfect weather, great friends, and a bunch of cool iron, this year’s Nor-Cal Spring Fling was one of the best. Held once again at Tehama County Fairgrounds in Red Bluff, CA on May 29-31, 2026, as a fundraiser to help cover ongoing medical expenses for our friend Rene “Frenchy” LaChance, a well-liked trucker who was involved in an accident that left him paralyzed and in a wheelchair, it was not the biggest event ever, but it was still one of the best. We are always excited to attend this show, and everyone there is always so nice and thankful, we look forward to coming back year after year. Last year the weather was horribly hot, and it really affected the show. With temps at 106 degrees, nobody wanted to be there, and we spent most of the day sitting in the shade with our bare feet in a kiddie pool filled with ice and cold water. Don’t get me wrong, we made the best of it and had some fun with that little pool, but this year, no pool was needed – the weather could not have been nicer. With rain falling just a day before the event began, there was some mud to deal with out in the front show lot, but temps were in the low-70s when we arrived on Friday afternoon to get set up. There was a warming trend throughout the weekend, but it never got really hot. Bringing our full local show setup, featuring the beautiful yellow and green 1962 “Godfather” Peterbilt owned by Maggini & Son Trucking and piloted there by our great friends and helpers Roger and Annette Ghidelli, hooked to our TFK show trailer, complete with a bar and snacks inside and a covered lounge with tables and chairs outside, our spread is always a favorite hangout for other vendors and attendees alike. Setting up one side as the 10-4 booth, which was also selling TFK swag and leftover Bonus Buckets, with the other side being the “10-4 Lounge” area. Big thanks to the show producers for always taking great care of us. And speaking of the show hosts, this 3rd annual event (since the current group of people took it over), was put together almost entirely by Faren Miller, Phil Miller’s wife, who has been helping Stuart Loewen of Nor Cal Custom Trucks for the past few years. This year, Stuart took a step back and Faren took over – and she did a great job! Stuart did make the trophies once again, which were then customized and pinstriped by Jack Miller of Kuzn Jack Pinstriping (this guy does amazing work). Faren was even nice enough to order and bring a beautiful birthday cake for our own Miss Shannon for her birthday for the second year in a row, which we shared with everyone on Saturday night. Another thing that made this show special for me was the fact that I got to see some family I hadn’t seen in about 15 years. Before the show began, I reached out to a few cousins that live in nearby Chico, California, just about 30 minutes from Red Bluff, and invited them to come out to the show for a visit. And, late Saturday afternoon, two of my cousins and their significant others, which I had never met, showed up, and then we were surprised when my Aunt Kathy, their mother, came out, too. The six of us had a great time driving around the show in the golf cart, talking about trucks and family, eating great BBQ (compliments of the crew at Talley), and getting reconnected. With just shy of 100 trucks and some 16 vendors, including a few food and drink concessions, a raffle and silent auction, and music and announcements by “DJ Ray” (Raymond Sarmanto) atop a flatbed, there was plenty to see and do at the show. Walking around and taking pictures on Friday night and Saturday morning, a few of the standouts included Phil Miller’s cattle truck, which was just recently pinstriped by the same guy who did the trophies, a few of Stan Silva’s turquoise beauties, an orange and white 2000 Peterbilt 362 hay truck and trailer owned by Bill Hawhee of Wellington, Nevada, and a newly-built cream and red Peterbilt 389 with a Rogue transfer setup, brought out by Dylan Johnson of Cascade Rock in Sacramento, California. There were also hot rods, motorcycles, classic cars, and even a few rat rods. Along with a few past cover trucks brought out to the show by friends like Jeff Zonneveld (September 2010), Mike Viviano (August 2024), and Ethan Rico (May 2025), a few others that caught my 20 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 A PERFECT WEEKEND
10-4 Magazine / July 2026 21 Kenworth W900B with white, red and blue accent stripes, owned by Hay Fever Hay & Cattle Transport out of Williams, California. This neat old school ride, complete with a Varishield on the roof, just had “that look” to make me stop in my tracks and soak it all in (and take a few extra pictures)! A special recognition award that is given out at this event is the J. Rico Memorial Award, chosen and handed out by the Rico family of Orland, California, in honor of the late Jisiy Rico, who passed away in July 2023 from cancer. This year, that award was bestowed upon our friend, Matt Azevedo, a driver for Mike Lowrie Transport. Mike, who always helps us set up our booth at this show and hangs out with us a lot, was touched to receive this award, and it showed on his face how honored he was to be selected by the Rico family. We always enjoy seeing young Ethan Rico, eye were Flint McVey’s dark red Pete 389 hay truck and matching squeeze (which has won People’s Choice Best Combo Lights for two years in a row), Micheal Harvey Trucking’s bright red Pete 389 bobtail (which earned People’s Choice Best Bobtail), and Henkels & McCoy’s white and green entry, brought out by Jose Ruiz (which took home the People’s Choice Best Combo and Best First Show awards). Of course, Rene LaChance’s cool red Peterbilt 359 was on display, front and center, for all to see, and the weather was so nice, Rene was able to be at the show all three days. The judges this year were Aaron Puterbaugh and Chris Rocha, and they did a great job, zipping around together on a golf cart all weekend, checking out and scoring all the trucks. One truck that did not win anything and was a true sleeper at the show (but definitely one of my favorites) was a newer dull yellow
22 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 PEOPLE’S CHOICE BEST CAR: Danny Souza, 1940 Ford Coupe. PEOPLE’S CHOICE BEST PICKUP: Dan Thomas, 1961 Mack B61. PEOPLE’S CHOICE BEST MOTORCYCLE: Mike Pihaylic, 2015 Harley Road Glide. PEOPLE’S CHOICE BEST COMBO: Henkels & McCoy/Jose Ruiz, 2018 Peterbilt 389. PEOPLE’S CHOICE BEST COMBO LIGHTS: Flint McVey Hay, 2017 Peterbilt 389. PEOPLE’S CHOICE BEST BOBTAIL: Michael Harvey Trucking, 2023 Peterbilt 389. PEOPLE’S CHOICE BEST BOBTAIL LIGHTS: Stan Silva Jr. Trucking, 2024 Pete 389X. PEOPLE’S CHOICE BEST ANTIQUE TRUCK: D. Hill Trucking, 1978 Peterbilt 352. FARTHEST DISTANCE TRAVELED: TL Ahlers & Associates/Tony (Iowa). who stepped up and took over the family business after his father’s passing, along with his mother and sisters. The awards were presented inside one of the buildings on Sunday morning. Rene thanked everyone for coming out and announced that an adequate amount of money was raised for his medical fund. Once the awards were handed out, it was time to break everything down, load the truck, and head south toward home. And we got out of Red Bluff just in time, because the impending blazing summer heat finally arrived the very next day, and knowing that area, it was probably there to stay for the next two or three months. It was perfect timing, for perfect weather, and a perfect weekend. We hope to see you all there next year, as this relaxed event continues to raise money and help Rene LaChance with his ongoing medical care. n BEST PAINT (JUDGED): Bill Hawhee Hay, 2000 Peterbilt 362. BEST INTERIOR (JUDGED): J&H Green Livestock, 2020 Peterbilt 389. BEST LIGHTS (JUDGED): Bill Hawhee Hay, 2000 Peterbilt 362. BEST FLEET (JUDGED): tie Stan Silva Jr. Trucking AND Del Bondio Farms. BEST MOTOR (JUDGED): Stan Silva Jr. Trucking, 2024 Peterbilt 389X. BEST FIRST SHOW (JUDGED): Henkels & McCoy/Jose Ruiz, 2018 Peterbilt 389. BEST ANTIQUE (JUDGED): Tom Donaldson, 1966 Peterbilt 358. BEST STEREO (JUDGED): Phil Miller Livestock, 2024 Peterbilt 389. BEST OF SHOW (JUDGED): Stan Silva Jr. Trucking, 2024 Peterbilt 389X.
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24 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 Dan’s Shop Inc. Dirk’s Classic Truck 866-367-2120 www.dirksclassictruck.com QUALITY PARTS FOR CLASSIC TRUCKS Kenworth Glass Lift Channel for Left Side (OE# K075-262) #Dirks2049. See #Dirks2050 for Right Side. $55.00 Ea. 359 Peterbilt 3 Tie Rod Radiator Support Brackets WITH Bushings. #Dirks2114 $250.00 359 Peterbilt Electric Wiper Conversion Kit #Dirks1252 $899.00 (Kenworth W900 Kits Also Available) Kenworth W900 Rear Cab Corners - Right #Dirks2122 and Left #Dirks2121 $365.00 Ea.
Clint’s Creations: By Clint Moore The initial truck ordered is coming in for stock and is for sale. It is a 2027 Peterbilt 589 with a 58” flattop (it has California Registry and is CARB compliant). The engine is a 565-hp X15 with 2050 torque, 18-speed, 280” WB on low air, with full locking diffs and all disc brakes. The truck was ordered with factory air ride steer and a 5” drop axle, along with a Holland greaseless 5th wheel, that is a convertible pin type, as well. It will also be equipped a 2-speed engine fan, Interstate batteries with battery disconnect, dual 7” miter cut pipes, 11R22.5 tires on Accuride round hole wheels with extra polish and Accu-shield, dual polished 120-gallon fuel tanks slid up tight with both brackets under the sleeper, and a Texas-style bumper. Inside, the truck features Alpine Grey color with smart sound and a thermal insulation package, keyless remotes, factory CB with the antenna on the back of the sleeper, a fridge, power inverter, shore power, but no ESPAR, due to not wanting a goofy pipe in the back of the sleeper (we can always install one if needed). The truck will have a dark tinted back window, square-style LED headlights, factory cab lights, wired for auxiliary lights, spread axle dump switches, and no load lights (so we can put them where they look the best). I have been at Kansas City Peterbilt/Geis Dealer Group for 29 years, and our dealership is celebrating 40 years in business. As I get This month’s truck is actually not here yet, but it is getting built on July 8th. Since this month we are celebrating our nation’s birthday, I thought it would be fitting to share an incoming Freedom 250 truck. Peterbilt is making a limited edition 589 to celebrate our 250th year and show Peterbilt pride. I was excited, because I have always been interested in 1976 Patriot edition Peterbilt trucks, and even have one of the original dash plates my friend Mickey Gwillim hooked me up with a while back. As soon as this Freedom 250 was released, I reached out to my friends at Axalta to try to get a similar non-metallic frame color to match the stripes, and they found a cool blue and a red option. I did request a different white, but they said they were staying with the white they have, and that no variations would be allowed. One of the pleasures of working at a smaller family style dealership is I just asked if I could order one of these trucks for stock and they said, “Absolutely!” I originally wanted to spec this truck with a 44” bunk, but these limited editions are restricted to 58” or bigger sleepers, so it was changed to a 58” flattop with a 280” wheelbase. I have since got an approval to order another one with an unpublished 44” sleeper, but the interior will not match, and the sleeper will not have any of the special emblems on the side due to the lack of space. So, there will be a 44” sleeper truck coming for stock, as well. 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 25 older, I really appreciate the factory-built limited edition trucks, and am excited that I have been able to order a few over the years. I remember when the 379X came out, and I was like, “Why would you order a factory truck, when I could order a custom spec truck for way less?” But, what I learned over the years, is that there is an amazing group of people that make up what we call Peterbilt, and even though things change, they are doing their best to keep the American spirit alive with the trucks they produce. I want to thank those people for grinding it out every day and fighting change the best they can. I love my job, and those people help make it easier. Some days we joke around that America is no longer the land of the FREE, it’s become the land of the FEE. But no matter what we joke around about or what anyone says, I still believe that America is great. God bless America, and Happy 250th birthday to this amazing nation. If you or your friends are in the market for a new truck, or are interested in purchasing one of our Freedom 250 special editions, please call me or your Geis Dealer Group sales rep. We would love the opportunity to help. With only 250 of these units available, this exclusive model combines striking design with legendary performance, making it both a collector’s item and a bold statement of Peterbilt pride. n PETERBILT PRIDE
26 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 AUGUST 13-15 • QUINCY, IL
10-4 Magazine / July 2026 27 One of the most patriotic show trucks in the late 1990s and early 2000s was owned by Ron Golding of Lockport, NY. The 1996 Kenworth W900L named “American Pride” had a 60-inch Aerodyne sleeper and was powered by a 500-hp Series 60 Detroit mated to a 10-speed. The Kenworth featured many iconic American themed items such as Mount Rushmore on the hood, the Statue of Liberty on the sleeper, and support for US Military members who were Missing in Action, as well. Pulling a Dorsey stainless trailer with an American flag and eagle on the side, if you saw this rig rolling, you couldn’t help but feel American Pride! Sadly, Ron passed away in 2016 at the age of 75. OUT OF THE ARCHIVES With Bette Garber “American Pride” OVER 75 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE! Slover Cherry Citrus 10 15 14770 SLOVER AVENUE • FONTANA, CA 92335 909-357-9227 • WWW.EIGHTPOINTTRAILER.COM 75 GREAT DANE PARTS & SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE UNDER ONE ROOF - OURS! GIVE US A CALL! EXPERT TRAILER REPAIR • FABRICATION • FULL PARTS DEPARTMENT
Special Feature: By Ryan Rosetta Freedom means different things to differentpeople. Forsome,it’sjustthe opportunity to build a business from the groundup. Forothers,it’stheabilityto charttheirowncourseinlife. Intrucking, freedom has long been symbolized by the open road stretching out toward the horizon. ForLeviHertzler(41)ofBovill, Idaho, that freedom is represented by a rare and unmistakable truck – a 1985 Kenworth W900B Liberty Edition. Over four decades after Kenworth introduced this special model, Hertzler’s truck continues to embody the spirit of independence, hard work, and American pridethatinspireditscreation. Atfirst glance,thetruckcommandsattention. Its long hood, polished aluminum accents, classic lines, and distinctive Liberty Edition paint scheme instantly transport enthusiasts back to an era when most truckers took pride in their equipment andtheirprofession. Whilemanytrucks have come and gone since the mid-80s, the Liberty Edition still remains one of Kenworth’s most memorable special edition offerings. The story of the Liberty begins with one of America’s most recognizable symbols:theStatueofLiberty. Gifted to the United States by France and then dedicated on October 28, 1886, by then President Grover Cleveland, the statue has long represented liberty, democracy, opportunity,andhope. StandinginNew York Harbor, “Lady Liberty” welcomed generations of immigrants seeking a better life while serving as a powerful reminder of the freedoms that define the United States of America. As the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty approached in 1986, Kenworth sought a way to commemorate theoccasion. TheresultwastheLiberty Edition, which was a limited-production truck that celebrated both the statue’s centennial and the values it represented. Made available in both the W900B model conventional and the K100E model cabover, the Liberty Edition carried a patriotic red, white, and blue paint scheme reminiscent of Kenworth’s very popular Bicentennial Edition trucks introduced a decade earlier in 1976. According to Kenworth’s press release announcement at the time, the Liberty Edition was developed to be the“ultimateowner-operatorrig.” The truck featured an exclusive package of options not available on any other Kenworthmodel. Optionsincludedin this package were polished aluminum fuel tanks, aluminum wheels, dual air breathers, stainless quarter fenders, a stainless sun visor, dual chromed exhaust stacks and air cleaners, leather high-back seats, a woodgrain steering wheel, and a Sonysoundsystem. TheLibertyEdition not only reflected Kenworth’s complete commitment to quality craftsmanship, but it also reinforced their newly-minted ad slogan – “The World’s Best.” “The Liberty name was chosen to reflect such significant events as the 28 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 restoration of the Statue of Liberty and the growing commitment in the United States to quality and craftsmanship,” Kenworthexplainedatthetime. The company ultimately received about 350 orders for the limited-edition trucks, making them relatively uncommon even whennew. Today,findingasurviving Liberty Edition is increasingly rare, and finding one that is still working is even morerare. Thatrarityispartofwhat attracted Levi Hertzler to his truck. Acquired in 2021, his Liberty had spent approximately 16 years stored in a warehouse in Spokane, Washington. While many of the popular trucks from the era accumulated millions of miles or disappeared into scrapyards long ago, this one emerged from storage with only about 550,000 original miles showing on theodometer. Inmanyways,thetruck isasurvivor. Sincebringingitbackto work, Levi has carefully maintained the truck while updating it to meet the demands of modern trucking. Originally equipped with a 400 Big Cam Cummins, the rig received a major ROLLING LIBERTY!
10-4 Magazine / July 2026 29 upgrade in 2022 when Levi repowered it with a Caterpillar 3406E. The engine is backed by a 13-speed transmission, which sends power through 3.42 rear gears, and rides on a Kenworth eight-bag air-ride suspension. The truck rolls on polished 24.5-inch Alcoa aluminum wheels wrapped in low-profile rubber, giving it a classic owner-operator look, and adding to the Liberty Edition’s distinctive look. Behind the cab sits a 60-inch Aerodyne sleeper, with a full gray VIT Diamond-Tufted interior trim package throughout both the cab and sleeper, equipped with virtually every option that was available from Kenworth at the time. One particularly unique detail that came on these trucks remains at the center of the truck’s woodgrain steering wheel – a special Liberty Bell emblem, serving as a reminder for anyone who gets behind the wheel that this is no ordinary W900B. For Levi, however, the truck is much more than a collector’s item – it’s his daily driver. As the owner of Six Guns Trucking, Levi Hertzler operates under his own authority throughout all of the Pacific Northwest. Since obtaining his authority in 2021, he has built his trucking business hauling a variety of specialized freight, including precast concrete items and bridge girders. Pulling flatbeds and step decks, the Liberty Edition continues to do what it was designed to do over 40 years ago – earn its keep. In an era when many classic trucks of this vintage are retired to the barn or just displayed at truck shows, Levi’s Kenworth remains a working truck. The odometer recently crossed the million mile mark, proving that this KW still has plenty of life left in it. That longevity speaks to the fact that it was stored away for so many years before Levi got it. Kenworth’s entire W900 platform has always occupied a special place in trucking history. Its unmistakable look, long hood, and traditional styling made it a favorite among owner-operators for decades. Yet the W900B variant has often lived somewhat in the shadow of other Kenworth models, such as the W900A and W900L models. “As many will tell you, the W900Bs are not the most loved by Kenworth fans,” Hertzler said. Ironically, that may be part of what makes his truck so special today. “I get a lot of interest in the truck now because of how rare it is,” said Levi, adding, “Whether I’m rollin’ down the highway, parked at a truck stop or loading somewhere, the truck attracts attention from other truckers who recognize what it is.” Levi’s Liberty Edition extends beyond its rarity, serving as a reminder of the relationship between trucking and the American ideals symbolized by the Statue of Liberty itself. Just as Lady Liberty became a beacon of opportunity for generations seeking a better future, trucking has represented independence, with many truckers embodying the American dream through hard work and building successful trucking companies that keep America moving. For Levi Hertzler, his Liberty KW has allowed him to build a successful company, provide for his family, and service his customers in and around the Pacific Northwest where he operates. With every load hauled and every mile turned, this only adds to the story of Levi’s Liberty. In many respects, that story mirrors the purpose behind the Liberty Edition when it was conceived. Kenworth created the truck to celebrate American craftsmanship, opportunity, and freedom. Four decades later, those same ideals continue to roll down the road in the hands of an owner-operator who understands what they mean.
30 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 The American highway remains one of the last places where a person can still experience a true sense of independence. For Levi, that freedom isn’t merely represented by the name on the side of his truck – it’s lived every day from behind the wheel. And fittingly, just as the Statue of Liberty continues to stand as a symbol of hope and opportunity, this rare 1985 Kenworth W900B Liberty Edition continues to carry those same values across America’s highways, one mile at a time. n
32 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 SINA & SON TRANSPORTATION INC. FOR MORE DETAILS CALL 760-269-7777 NEVADA • CALIFORNIA • ARIZONA $$$ TOP DOLLAR FREIGHT $$$ FOR OWNER OPERATORS LOADS AVAILABLE www.sinaandsontransportationinc.com
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JULY 2026 COVER FEATURE: www.tenfourmagazine.com This 1974 Mack RS700L with a rare factory All-American paint scheme is owned by brothers Je and Alex Malo of Joliette, Quebec, Canada. As avid Mack fans, they purchased the truck in 2023 and added it to their extensive collection of Mack trucks. The truck, which has a 300-hp Mack Maxidyne engine hooked to a 5x2 transmission with a 2-speed brownie and 44K rears, spent most of its life doing heavy-haul work in and around Phoenix, AZ. Originally purchased by Mid-State Truck and Rigging, it was later sold to the owner’s son who owned Southwest Industrial Rigging. This company still exists and their name is still on the door! Thanks to Sonya Messier for providing the amazing photos.
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38 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 T R U C K E R T O O N By Vic Vasselin Okay Okay... I'll get the A/C in your truck xed!
40 10-4 Magazine / July 2026
10-4 Magazine / July 2026 41 KNORTEWINKDELL I P I YKCOCNAHLOJTR BFNHOPGKULHANCO NI AGWINNETTREHT CSTTELTRABAI EAR EMEKNI YFEJNWGLD MATRNCLARKE I DLO LE IGUONKLSEDEWE WNTAYDSANL IHLUR KOYDEHYNB I OETNE NS IWELORINLRUAM GERRYEN I LKNARFY I SMADARTEOPKOAL WANEJEFFERSONEC NIABLKNIKLLEHIK INK(10 PLACES) JEFFERSON HOPKINSON FRANKLIN RUTLEDGE BARTLETT CARROLL HANCOCK SHERMAN GWINNETT HUNTINGTON CLYMER HEWES GERRY ADAMS FLOYD CHASE HALL LEE LEWIS CLARK ELLERY 10-4 MAGAZINE WORDSEARCH 250 years ago a group of revolutionaries signed their names to stand up to the King of England and secure our freedom. Find the names of 21 people that appear on the Declaration of Independence and one thing (10X) they used to sign it. All words can be found going up, down, sideways or diagonal, backwards or forward, in a continuous direction. The solution can be found on page 68. AARON DISPATCH, INC. ...Stay Loaded At All Times Running California / Arizona / Nevada / Utah For More Information, Please Contact Sina at 760-456-7227 FLATBED WORK AVAILABLE Quick Pay Availabe ***FLATBED TRAILERS AVAILABLE FOR LEASE***
The Veteran’s View: By Dennis Mitchell America 250... it’s finally here (July 4th, 2026), and it’s party time for all of us regardless of your color, creed orpoliticalperspective. Woohoo,you know you are looking forward to the fireworks, marching bands and, of course, the men and women in uniform. Did I mention all the food, fellowship and camaraderie shared during this celebration? Thisallstartedalongtime ago in a place far away (Great Britain). The fight for freedom is and has been an ongoing struggle fought by those who refused to except anything less. Memorial Day just passed a few weeks ago – for those who aren’t sure, that’swhenwehonorourwardead. The ones who paid the ultimate price for freedom, both here at home and abroad. It’s because so many have stepped up to protect those sacred liberties, the ones protected by a slip of paper known as “The Constitution” – that’s the one that starts with “We the people” and then goes on to layout our entire system of government. Thosemenandwomen who dedicated themselves to fight for us, the American people, and a way of life worth protecting. Back in 1776, those 56 courageous individuals who signed the Declaration of Independence knew the risk when they pledged their lives, their fortunes, andtheirsacredhonor. Thepricewas high – many died penniless and paid an even higher price in the loss of family members–alongwiththeirown. But, their selfless act secured our future and thelibertieswestillholdsacredtoday. It was paid for in blood, sweat, and tears to protect a way of life few in history have ever known. Some gave all, a price we can never repay – they gave up the rest of their days so that we can live out our days as free, rugged individuals, without the boot of a governmental agency or a king/queen in a faraway land dictating who we are and whatwecanbecome. InAmericayou can become anything you are willing to workandfightfor. Nothingisgranted to you because of your family heritage orstationinlife. “Letfreedomring”is more than a catchy phase, it’s a guiding principle of our nation and the baseline for a democratic form of government (notice I didn’t say “democracy” because we in America are not a democracy, we are a constitutional republic). Ben Franklin is famous for a comment he made after the meeting of the second constitutional congress when theygatheredinPhiladelphia. When asked, “What kind of government have wechosen?” Heanswered,“Wehave given you a Constitutional Republic, if youarestrongenoughtokeepit!” Weare not “ruled” by 51% of the vote – that’s a democracy. Weare,however,governed by our duly elected representatives and theyareresponsibletothepeople. When they no longer represent our interest or the interest of their constituents, then we the people have a responsibility to votethemout. Thepeacefultransition of power is another guiding principle ofourrepublic. Duringourtimeasa nation there has never been an uprising that has overthrown the governing body. Not even during the Civil War, where several states tried to secede from this nation, and start anew. It was “FREEDOM” that led Americaintothatconflict. Peopledidn’t just voice an opinion, they stepped into the arena of action, a place where being counted wasn’t enough – they needed to be counted on to fight for theircause. Eachsidebelievedintheir righteous cause, whether you were for States Rights or against slavery, a long andviciousbattleensued. TheSouth was devastated in those years, but both sides faced devastating consequences as brothers fought brothers and mothers lost their sons and husbands, often the onlysecuritytheyhadknown. Families were destroyed, fortunes were made and lost, but in the end, America became a stronger nation because of it. After the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, in his infinite wisdom, welcomed those states and their people backintoournation. BoththeNorth and the South continued to function as 42 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 LET FREEDOM RING!
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