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Preserving Trucking’s Legacy: A Visit to the American Truck Historical Society
On Thursday, August 21st, 2025, my best friend Doran and I had the privilege of stepping back through time at the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS), located at 10380 N. Ambassador Drive in Kansas City, Missouri. What we expected to be an afternoon tour quickly became an unforgettable journey through the living history of an industry that has kept America moving for more than a century.
Guiding us was Brad Patterson, the Society’s Membership Director, whose deep knowledge and warm personality made the visit truly special. Brad isn’t just a tour guide—he’s a steward of trucking’s heritage, passionate about preserving the stories, machines, and memories that define the backbone of America.
A Museum Built by Truckers, for Truckers
What makes ATHS unique is not just its collection, but the way it was built: by the trucking community itself. Families have donated treasures passed down through generations—artifacts from grandfathers and fathers who spent their lives on the road, proud of their role in moving America forward.
Walking the halls, we saw hundreds of truck models on display, many open for the public to touch and explore. For anyone who grew up around trucks or remembers the golden era of American trucking, the experience is pure nostalgia. Every corner holds a reminder of how deeply trucking is woven into our daily lives, whether we recognize it or not.
The Hall of Fame: Honoring Innovation and Sacrifice
In October 2022, ATHS launched its Trucking Hall of Fame, an annual tradition every October that’s open to the public. This celebration honors the visionaries, inventors, and drivers who helped shape the industry.
Last year, they inducted Frederick McKinley Jones, the African American inventor of the refrigerated “reefer” unit—a breakthrough that transformed not only trucking, but the way the world eats. Brad shared the story that inspired Jones: a tragic shipment of chickens lost to heat in 1938, sparking the invention that would prevent such losses in the future. The museum proudly displays the 1948 Thermo King Model D, the first reefer unit, a tangible reminder of how innovation often springs from necessity and heartbreak.
Explore All Hall of Fame Inductees
2021 Inductees
- Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association – First advocacy organization recognized.
- Clessie Lyle Cummins (Cummins Engine Co.) – Renowned engine innovator.
- John (Jack) & Gus Mack (Mack Trucks Inc.) – Foundational figures in trucking manufacturing.
- Dave Nemo (Radio Nemo) – Celebrated trucking radio personality.
2022 Inductees
- Earl & Lillian Congdon (Old Dominion Freight Line) – Pioneers in LTL freight services.
- Leland James (Freightliner Trucks) – Instrumental in truck design and manufacturing.
- Bill & Carolyn Moon (Iowa 80 Group) – Builders of “The World’s Largest Truckstop” and trucker culture innovators.
2023 Inductees
- Harry Kent & Edgar Worthington (Kenworth) – Founders of iconic Kenworth trucks.
- Al & Don Schneider (Schneider National Inc.) – Built one of North America’s largest logistics enterprises.
- Ted Rogers (American Trucking Associations) – First president of the nation’s leading trucking lobby.
- Frank Seiberling (Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company) – Major influence in tire evolution for trucking.
2024 Inductees
- Robert A. Young Jr. (ABF Freight) – Built one of the country’s largest less‑than‑truckload carriers.
- John Ruan (Ruan Transportation) – Distinguished logistics and philanthropic leader.
- Marvin Rush (Rush Enterprises) – Transformed a single dealership into a national network.
- Frederick McKinley Jones (Thermo King) – Invented truck refrigeration.
2025 Inductees (Upcoming Ceremony)
- Roy Carver (Bandag) – Innovator in tire retreading and materials.
- Lewis Semple Clarke (Autocar) – Influential commercial truck manufacturer.
- Joseph Morten (Great West Casualty Insurance) – Key contributor in trucking insurance solutions.
A Library and Landmarks of American Roads
Beyond trucks, ATHS houses an expansive research library, filled with manuals, parts guides, and technical documents covering virtually every truck ever built. Brad told us that if you wanted to build your own engine—or even an entire truck—from scratch, the knowledge is here waiting for you.
We also saw pieces of trucking history that go beyond machines—landmarks once familiar to drivers across the country. One such gem was the original Yellow dealership sign, a piece of heritage from the Yellow family of carriers. These aren’t just artifacts; they’re touchstones of memory for drivers who’ve traveled millions of miles.
More Than a Museum—A Living Experience
What struck us most is that ATHS is more than a museum. It’s a living experience. You don’t just look at trucks behind glass; you engage with them. You don’t just read about history; you feel it, standing inches from the vehicles and innovations that shaped entire industries.
And with so much to explore, it’s clear that one day isn’t enough. Whether you’re a lifelong trucker, a collector, or simply someone curious about America’s unsung heroes on the road, there is something here for you.
Looking Ahead
Our visit was more than educational—it was inspirational. We plan to return, and we’re hopeful to bring others along by sharing the story through future YouTube shows filmed at ATHS. This partnership has the potential to amplify the Society’s mission and invite a new generation to appreciate the history, pride, and innovation that define trucking.
The American Truck Historical Society is not just preserving history—it’s preserving identity. Trucking is more than a job; it’s a community, a lifestyle, and a legacy worth protecting.
So if you ever find yourself in Kansas City, make time to visit ATHS. You’ll leave not only with a deeper respect for the trucks themselves but also for the men and women whose stories still ride the highways of America.
Photo Highlights
ATHS’s Mission Statement.
Consolidated Freight truck sign in front of ATHS.
ATHS logo and podium in the Hall of Fame presentation area.
International Harvester R‑series desk — with visitor.
Yellow dealership sign — a preserved piece of industry heritage.
“Smokey and the Bandit” theatrical poster.
Women In Trucking display.
Die‑cast trucks — a variety of nostalgic fleets and types.
Die‑cast fleet display featuring Hostess & Wonder Bread trailers.
Early motor truck with wooden stake bed (exhibit hall).
International Harvester R‑series desk — alternate angle.
