​Working Show Truck Of The Month - Jose A. Ortega/Ortega Trucking

Robert Conrad
June 2016

Kenworth introduced their T-600 model as an alternative to their popular W-900 models and it featured a more aerodynamic body, boasting improved fuel mileage for its owners. The T-600 models became popular with many trucking fleets in the 90's but they also caught on with owner-operators who were looking for those extra miles per gallon and that sleek, aerodynamic appearance. Many drivers will tell you that the KW T-600 was the best looking aerocab ever built, and our June Working Show Truck is a prime example of just how cool the T-600 can look.

Jose A. Ortega is the proud owner of this stunning candy apple red 1998 KW T-600. He runs J. Ortega Trucking based in Valley Stream, NY, pulling refrigerated freight on occasion along with flatbed freight with his stepdeck trailer.

Jose has made a number of changes to the truck. Up front he's added a custom louvered grille along with a polished light panel in center of the painted front bumper. The truck also features a set of 7" straight pipes, custom rear light bars, and polished mudflap hangers. Since our photos at the U.S. Diesel Truck Nationals, Jose has added double hump polished stainless fenders over the rear wheels. He's also put on a polished drop visor and extra roof lights. There is also a new stainless headache rack behind the cab, with toolboxes for storage built in. The truck looks as nice on the inside as it does on the outside thanks to the "Seattle" interior package from KW, featuring leather seats and a number of polished stainless trim pieces.

Jose wanted to thank A. Russo Wrecking, his former boss, for letting him drive one of their cool KW's every day. This made Jose want to buy his own truck eventually, and he said that purchasing his first truck was his most memorable experience in trucking. Jose delivers loads all over the Northeast and one thing's for sure, his KW turns heads no matter where he goes. People are amazed when he tells them the truck is a 1998 model!

He takes pride in keeping his ride looking its best at all times and also takes a great deal of pride in keeping his customers satisfied with quality, on time service.

Movin' Out would like to salute Jose A. Ortega for his outstanding work ethic and representing the trucking industry with class. His KW T-600 is definitely one of the coolest areocabs on the road today!