Established in 2021, the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame honors the people, companies, and organizations that have made lasting contributions to trucking and commercial transportation across the United States.

Chester England Recognized for Building C.R. England

Chester England entered the transportation business in 1920 after purchasing a Model T truck to provide farm-to-market delivery service in Utah. As demand grew, he expanded into dairy transportation before steadily growing the company into one of the nation’s largest truckload carriers.

A significant milestone came in 1957 when C.R. England introduced 72-hour coast-to-coast service, helping improve long-haul freight transportation across the country. The company continued expanding throughout the following decades, opening a terminal in New Jersey in 1978 and establishing operations nationwide.

Today, C.R. England operates terminals in Utah, California, Texas, Indiana, and New Jersey. The carrier’s fleet includes more than 3,900 trucks and employs approximately 4,000 professional drivers.

Harold C. Groendyke Helped Pioneer Tank Trucking

Harold C. Groendyke founded Groendyke Transportation in 1932 after hauling his first load of kerosene from Borger, Texas, to Beaver, Oklahoma. Using a Ford truck equipped with a homemade tank, he helped establish what would become one of the country’s leading tank truck operations.

Over the following decades, the company expanded throughout the Midwest and Southwest, serving customers across multiple states while supporting the growing petroleum industry. Groendyke also opened one of Oklahoma’s earliest truck stops in Enid during the late 1940s, providing services for professional drivers traveling through the region.

Today, Groendyke Transportation operates approximately 40 locations across 16 states and remains one of the largest tank truck carriers in the United States.

Al Peterman Founded an Iconic Truck Manufacturer

Before entering truck manufacturing, Al Peterman worked in Washington state’s lumber industry, where he relied on trucks to transport timber more efficiently than railroads. After acquiring the assets of Fageol Truck and Motor Company in 1939, he launched Peterbilt Motors Company.

Peterbilt quickly established a reputation for producing durable, high-quality commercial trucks. The company’s well-known red oval logo was introduced in 1953, and Peterbilt later became part of PACCAR Inc.

Today, Peterbilt manufactures heavy-duty trucks in Denton, Texas, as well as facilities in Quebec, Canada, and Mexicali, Mexico, serving customers throughout North America.

Honoring Leaders Who Shaped the Trucking Industry

ATHS created the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame to preserve the history of trucking while recognizing the individuals and organizations whose leadership continues to influence the industry. The Hall of Fame provides a permanent, publicly accessible place to celebrate those whose innovations and achievements helped move trucking forward.

The 2026 inductees will officially join the Hall of Fame during the induction ceremony scheduled for October at ATHS headquarters in Kansas City.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 6, 2026

Source: Land Line Media

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The American Truck Historical Society plans to award a pair of VIP NASCAR Cup Series tickets during its Awards Banquet on June 5 as part of a fundraising raffle held throughout the organization’s National Convention and Truck Show.

The winner will receive two VIP tickets to the Sept. 27 NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway. Raffle tickets are available for $5 each, with proceeds supporting ATHS’s Building Maintenance Campaign.

For anyone attending the convention and still considering entering, time is running short. The drawing takes place Friday evening.

A Busy Week in Springfield

The convention opened earlier this week at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and continues through June 6, bringing together truck owners, drivers, collectors, and industry enthusiasts from across the country.

Rows of restored classics, rare trucks, and historic working equipment have filled the grounds as attendees spend the week exploring exhibits, demonstrations, vendor displays, and trucking memorabilia. The event also includes an evening light show that has become a popular attraction for visitors.

This year’s gathering carries added significance because Route 66 is celebrating its centennial in 2026. Springfield’s deep connection to the historic highway helped make it a natural choice for this year’s event.

ATHS noted that the city provides a fitting backdrop for a convention focused on preserving and celebrating trucking’s history.

More Than A NASCAR Prize

While the raffle winner will walk away with a NASCAR experience, the fundraiser itself supports a larger effort.

According to ATHS, proceeds will help preserve the society’s headquarters and support its mission for future generations. The organization has spent decades documenting trucking history and highlighting the people, equipment, and milestones that helped shape the industry.

The raffle gives attendees an opportunity to support that mission while also taking a shot at a trip to Kansas Speedway later this year.

Advance registration for the convention has already closed, but on-site registration remains available. Daily spectator admission costs $15 for ATHS members and $20 for non-members. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free.

More details about the schedule of events can be found here.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information drivers can use.

Last updated: June 4, 2026

Source: Land Line Media

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ATHS said raffle proceeds will go toward the organization’s Building Maintenance Campaign, which helps support the upkeep of the society’s headquarters and its long-running historical preservation work tied to the trucking industry. The winning raffle entry will receive two VIP NASCAR Cup Series tickets for the Kansas Speedway event.

Raffle Tickets Available Through ATHS Events and Headquarters

Raffle tickets are priced at $5 each. Tickets can be purchased at the ATHS headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, as well as during the ATHS National Convention and Truck Show taking place at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, Missouri. The winning ticket is scheduled to be drawn on June 5 during the ATHS Awards Banquet.

ATHS has spent decades preserving trucking history through antique truck preservation, historical archives, industry events, and educational efforts connected to the trucking industry’s past.

Truck And Racing Culture Continue Crossing Paths

The fundraiser also highlights the connection that has long existed between trucking culture and motorsports.

ATHS encouraged fans to check out a recent appearance on Eric Estepp’s NASCAR podcast featuring ATHS member Tom Logano alongside NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano discussing their interest in trucking.

Events tied to ATHS regularly attract antique truck enthusiasts, owner operators, collectors, former drivers, and industry supporters who share an interest in preserving trucking history while celebrating the culture surrounding the industry.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 28, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: ATHS, The Trucker

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Celebrating the trucks that built Route 66

“ATHS is proud to be an official attraction of the Route 66 Centennial Celebration,” said Courtney Cesar, ATHS convention organizer. “There’s no better way to celebrate Route 66 than with the trucks that helped build it. As a historic hub along Route 66, Springfield provides the perfect backdrop for a gathering that honors the legacy and evolution of trucking.”

The weeklong event begins June 2, when trucks arrive at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, with the main show scheduled for June 4-6. Springfield, a historic stop along Route 66, is a fitting host city as the iconic highway reaches its centennial. The event is recognized as an official attraction of the Route 66 Centennial Celebration.

What to expect at the show

Attendees can view hundreds of trucks, from meticulously restored classics to rare working rigs, each representing decades of craftsmanship and trucking history.

“Each of these trucks has its own story and craftsmanship,” said Peter Wild, ATHS convention committee chair. “The convention provides a welcoming space for all trucking enthusiasts to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and share the passion for trucking history during the show and at special events throughout the week.”

Activities beyond the trucks

The convention offers educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations, vendor exhibits, and an evening light show featuring the trucks. Attendees can also enter a raffle for a chance to win VIP tickets to a NASCAR race at Kansas Speedway in September.

Visitors can explore Springfield’s Route 66 landmarks, including the Route 66 Visitor Center, local museums, and roadside attractions such as the World’s Largest Fork and the Birthplace of Route 66 sign.

Thanks to volunteers and sponsors

ATHS credits its volunteers, sponsors, and supporters for making the event possible. Sponsors include Cummins, Mack Trucks, Kenworth, Vander Haag’s, Iowa 80, CAT Scale, Truckomat, Clark Freight, Reiselt’s Machine Works, Gully Transportation, and the Sercombe family.

More information and registration details are available here or through the ATHS Connect mobile app.

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“The Madison show was everything ATHS stands for,” said Peter Wild, the 2025 Convention Chair from Newton, Kansas. “With 870 beautifully preserved trucks and trailers, hands-on demonstrations, and learning sessions, trucking history came alive. Best of all, we swapped stories with friends old and new from around the globe.”

Held at the Alliant Energy Center, the convention offered an all-in-one venue for attendees. “The Alliant Energy Center was the perfect one-stop venue,” said Courtney Cesar, ATHS Convention Manager. “Having show trucks, vendors, learning sessions, and events under one roof — and within walking distance of hotels — made the event seamless for attendees.”

Golden Achievement Awards

During the awards banquet, ATHS honored truckers with its prestigious Golden Achievement Awards, which celebrate over 50 years of dedication to the trucking industry. This year’s recipients included:

• Louis Binder – Morris, Illinois
• Dennis Chapman – Diamond Bar, California
• Robert Charney – Surprise, Arizona
• Dave Everett – Columbus, Nebraska
• Steve Haberland – Cody, Wyoming
• Stroud Hollinshead – West Fargo, North Dakota
• Bill Harris – Olathe, Kansas
• Chris Schatz – Worland, Wyoming
• Todd Spencer – Oak Grove, Missouri

Scholarship Awardees

Several scholarships were also presented during the event, supporting future leaders in trucking and related fields.

George Schroyer Memorial Scholarships (funded by ATHS members):

• Rabeka Liberto (Kansasville, Wisconsin) – Child of ATHS member Steven Liberto
• Lucas Massei (Brooklyn, Wisconsin) – Child of ATHS member Marco Massei

Cummins Scholarship:

• Lily Stackpole (Cushing, Maine) – Grandchild of ATHS member Robert Stackpole

Lewis Semple Clarke Educational Fund (funded by The Autocar Co. and ATHS Autocar Division):

• Arantza Montserrat (Birmingham, Alabama) – Child of Autocar employee Juan Antonio Rivero Camacho

Hall of Fame Inductees

ATHS also revealed the 2025 inductees to its Hall of Fame, who will be honored on October 22 at its Kansas City, Missouri headquarters. The inductees are:

• Roy Carver, Bandag
• Lewis Semple Clarke, Autocar
• Joseph Morten, Great West Casualty Insurance

“We’re deeply grateful to the volunteers and sponsors who make the National Convention & Truck Show possible,” said John Gravley, ATHS Executive Director.

This year’s ATHS Convention embodied the spirit of trucking history, bringing together enthusiasts from around the globe to honor the past and inspire the future of the industry.

Image Source: ATHS
Source: Truckers News

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The following leaders will be honored as the newest Hall of Fame members:

• Robert Young, ABF

• John Ruan, Ruan Transportation

• Marvin Rush, Rush Enterprises

• Frederick McKinley Jones, Thermo King

“ATHS welcomes its members and the Kansas City community to celebrate with us and enjoy the Hall of Fame induction of four industry greats,” said John Gravley, executive director of ATHS. “We’ll also have a local selection of historic trucks on display, including the OOIDA tour trailer, which is always a crowd favorite.”

The ceremony, which acknowledges individuals whose contributions have left a significant mark on the transportation sector, will commence at 1:30 p.m. Central Time at the ATHS headquarters, situated at 10380 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO.

“We are thrilled to honor these pioneers who shaped the transportation industry,” said Tom Mullen, chair of the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame. “Robert Young founded ABF, Fred Jones revolutionized truck and rail refrigeration, John Ruan was a leader in transportation logistics, and Marvin Rush established the nationwide dealership chain Rush Enterprises.”

In previous years, the Hall of Fame recognized notable figures such as OOIDA and Dave Nemo in 2021, Bill and Carolyn Moon in 2022, and Harry Kent and Edgar Worthington last year.

Additionally, several other individuals and trucking companies will receive recognition during the event on October 23.

Founded in 1971, the American Truck Historical Society aims to preserve the rich history of trucks, the trucking industry, and its trailblazers. With a global reach, ATHS boasts approximately 15,000 members and 100 chapters spread across 23 countries and all 50 states.

Source: Land Line

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The York Expo Center proved to be an ideal venue, offering ample space for truck exhibitions, vendor stalls, and informative sessions. “The York Expo Center provided an ideal venue for our event, allowing us to display a wide array of trucks, host vendor booths, and offer educational sessions, all within a convenient location,” remarked Courtney Cesar, ATHS Convention Manager.

A key highlight of the event was the reunion component, as highlighted by ATHS Executive Director John Gravley. “While the diverse display of trucks is a major highlight, the true magic lies in the ATHS reunion, where old friends reconnect and new friendships blossom, creating an irresistible pull for everyone to return year after year. We eagerly anticipate our return in 2028,” Gravley commented.

The event culminated in the ATHS Awards Banquet, celebrating individuals and companies for their significant contributions to the trucking industry. Among the awardees were:

• Golden Achievement Award (50+ years of dedication):

• Charles Oliver Brown of Westminster, S.C.

• Jim Eisenhard of Macungie, Penn.

• Mark Henderson of Weedsport, N.Y.

• Paul Kauffman of Belleville, Penn.

• Maxwell Keough of Logan, Utah; formerly Sydney, Australia.

• Larry Martin of Reinholds, Penn.

• Dan Melone of Andover, Mass.

• Billy Parker of Norwood, N.C.

• Lenny Wild of Newton, Kan.

• ATHS Historian Award:

• Don Arnauckas of Oakville, Conn.

• Dick Callaway of Tryon, N.C.

• ATHS Distinguished Service Award:

• Henry Fowler of Mechanicsville, Md.

• Carolyn Vannatta of Leonardtown, Md.

• Museum Recognition:

• George Kirkham, Kirkham International Truck Museum of Alberta, Canada.

• Company Awards:

• 50-Year Company Award: Parker’s Garage of Gig Harbor, Wash.

• 75-Year Company Award: Makovsky Brothers of Whitehill, Penn.

The event also spotlighted the 2024 ATHS scholarship winners, honoring students who have made notable contributions to their schools and communities:

• George Schroyer Memorial Scholarships: Cash McCord (Tipton, IN), son of ATHS member Shaun McCord.

• Deo Read IV (Red Hook, NY), son of ATHS member Deo Wilson Read III.

• The Cummins Scholarship: John Goodfellow (Lyman, S.C.), grandson of ATHS lifetime member Marty Glomb.

• The Lewis Semple Clarke Educational Fund: Anna Rhodus, of Shawnee, Kan., granddaughter of ATHS member Leo Rieke.

Furthermore, the American Trucking and Industry Hall of Fame announced its 2024 inductees, who will be honored at an induction ceremony on October 23, 2024, at the ATHS office in Kansas City, Mo. The inductees include Robert Young (ABF), John Ruan (Ruan Transportation), Marvin Rush (Rush Enterprises), and Fred Jones, ThermoKing.

Source: The Trucker

Photo: DARIN BURT, ATHS

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In a ceremony at ATHS headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., the society celebrated these pioneers and inducted them into the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame, as outlined in a recent news release.

The six influential figures inaugurated into the Hall of Fame include Red Todgers, the inaugural American Trucking Associations (ATA) president; Fran Seiberling, the visionary behind the founding of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.; Harry Kent and Edgar Worthington, the visionaries who established Kenworth; and Al and Don Schneider, the founders of Schneider National Inc.

“This marked the third year that ATHS honored pioneers of the trucking industry. We invited the public, especially those in the transportation sector, to learn about the significant impact each of these pioneers has made upon the trucking industry and moving America forward,” said Hall of Fame Chair Tom Mullen. “We celebrated Kenworth’s 100th anniversary by displaying Kenworth trucks throughout the years. Attendees could also enjoy trucks from the ATA Interstate One Truck, a classroom on wheels with a state-of-the-art simulator, and the Kenworth 100-year history trailer. Goodyear and Schneider units were also present to enjoy.”

Support for the Hall of Fame has been generously provided by various contributors in the trucking industry, including Cummins, Daimler Truck North America, Old Dominion/Congdon Family, Vander Haag’s, CAT Scale, Iowa 80, Truckomat, Schneider Foundation, Mack, Hagerty, Walmart, Women in Trucking, and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

For additional information, visit https://atilhalloffame.com/.

Source: The Trucker

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