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.
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