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Wells Truckways and Coast Line Words and Photos by Truck Historian/Author Stan Holtzman Seen in this 1956 photo, taken in Montebello, California is a 1940s high-mount Kenworth owned by Wells Truckways LTD., inter-lined with a Coast Line trailer. Dark green and white were the colors of the Wells fleet of Kenworths and “W” Model Mack cab-overs that ran from California to Arizona hauling LTL freight and then returning with loads of cotton or cattle. The third axle, seen back under the trailer, was called a jeep (not to be confused with the famous vehicle used for fun and off-highway use). The jeep was used to carry the weight that a single axle tractor could not handle. The only problem with this kind of set-up was that it prevented the rig from being driven in reverse, as it was similar to operating a set of doubles. Wells Truckways was in business for many years. Back then, their newly-designed headquarters were located in Montebello on Greenwood Avenue, just north of the Cummins engine facility. Both Wells and Coast Line (of Watsonville) faded into trucking history over 30 years ago. |
