Careers in trucking have existed since the 19th Century. But, the introduction of the tractor-trailer during the 1920s and refrigerated units in the 1950s revolutionized the industry. Now, in the 21st Century, the people who led the freight transportation industry from behind the wheel, as well as the boardroom, are being honored by the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame. The inductees will have their stories and legacies placed on display at the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS), headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri.
“ATHS looks forward to welcoming these four icons of the industry to the hall of fame and honoring their contributions to society and the economy,” Tom Mullen, American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame chair, reportedly said. “It is a privilege to recognize these trucking industry pioneers and their accomplishments.”
Ushering in the third Hall of Fame class on Oct. 25, at 2 p.m., a ceremony will highlight the following.
- Robert A. Young Jr., founder of ABF Freight
- Ted Rodgers, the first president of the American Trucking Associations
- Frank Seiberling, founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
- Harry Kent and Edgar Worth, founders of Kenworth
- Al and Don Schneider, founders of Schneider National Inc.
“In addition to recognizing the merit of these pioneers, there will be lots to see,” Mullen reportedly said. “We will be celebrating Kenworth’s 100th anniversary by displaying Kenworth trucks throughout the years. Attendees can also enjoy a state-of-the-art simulator and the Kenworth 100-year history trailer.”
This year marks the third year trucking industry icons have been immortalized at the Kansas City facility. Last year, Earl and Lillian Congdon, Bill and Carolyn Moon, and Leland James became fixtures at the American Truck Historical Society.
In 2021, the class included the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). The OOIDA has emerged as a significant voice for truckers. The group’s advocacy initiatives involve pressing politicians for better trucking working conditions and backing courtroom battles for driver rights. Radio show host Dave Nemo, a fan favorite among truckers, the Mack Brothers, and Clessie Cummins rounded out the first Hall of Fame class.
“Watching the hall of fame grow each year is exciting and fulfilling for ATHS and the trucking industry,” Laurence Gration, executive director of the American Truck Historical Society, reportedly said.
Walmart Transportation was reportedly the first official participating sponsor. Other supporters now include Cummins, Daimler Truck North America, Old Dominion, Women in Trucking, Schneider Foundation, Vander Haag’s, CAT Scale, Iowa 80, Truckomat, Mack, Hagerty, and OOIDA.
Sources:
https://www.americatruckdriving.com/the-history-of-truck-driving/
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