Red Rooster’s Produce haulers

Seen here in this early 1960s picture, is a 1950s high-mount Kenworth that pulled produce for a large shipper named Levy & Zentner, an outfit which had produce facilities in many major cities throughout the West. This particular KW pictured below was painted dark green and had a red stripe that ran along the sides of the cab and sleeper. Red Rooster brand of produce was synonymous with Levy & Zentner. The rig in this picture was based out of Reno, Nevada and made weekly trips to the old Produce Market (on 8th and Central) in Los Angeles. I cannot say with any certainty what this Kenworth had for power, but most of the rigs of the 1950s had a 220 horsepower Cummins engine backed by a 5-speed main and a 3-speed auxiliary transmission (twin sticks). How many so-called “truckers” of today can handle a two-stick? I haven’t seen a Levy & Zentner rig in many years but this is not to say that they are gone. Perhaps one of my readers out there can bring me up to date on this company or even the whereabouts of this neat old KW. Please contact me at 10-4 Magazine by calling (714) 378-9990. Thanks!