CVT’s Flashy Flamed Freightliner

(full sized)

This month’s “Readers And Their Rigs” is a flashy Freightliner cab-over owned by Mark and Keith Pounds, brothers and co-owners of Central Valley Transport in Bakersfield, California. Ordered new in 1987, this grey and light rose metallic rig gets its power from a 444 Cummins, a 13-speed transmission and a 2-speed Eaton rear axle (rare). Currently, the truck, which has just over half a million miles on it and is still going strong (it has never needed to be overhauled), is enjoying being semi-retired. Last year, Keith’s eleven-year-old son was moving the truck (within their yard) and hit an awning. The impact of the collision was strong enough to rip off a grab handle and peel the side of the cab open. Sending the truck to Fresno for the repair, Mark and Keith had the entire passenger side re-skinned. After the body work was done, they decided, since it needed new paint anyway, to really fix the old rig up. Local Bakersfield painters (Jesse and Jake) sprayed candy red and white flames onto the front and sides of the truck, then finished it off with thin yellow outlines. After the signs and graphics were complete, a couple coats of clear were added as a final touch. Central Valley Transport was started by Mark and Keith’s grandfather after he returned home from World War II. In 1982, the young brothers (Mark 21 and Keith 23) bought the business. Back then, the company was pretty small and the boys were still “learning the ropes,” but today Central Valley owns nine trucks and 40 sets of trailers. Hauling agricultural products (mostly potatoes) throughout California, Central Valley employs several full-time drivers, so it is a rare occasion when Mark or Keith actually get to slip behind the wheel - but one they always look forward to. To see this truck in color, check out our website at www.tenfourmagazine.com.