Those projects were built in different eras and presented very different challenges. Together, they offer a look at the transportation work behind structures that would eventually become some of the most recognizable landmarks in the country.

Hoover Dam Required Roads, Trucks and New Hauling Equipment

When construction of Hoover Dam began in 1931, Black Canyon was not ready to accommodate one of the largest construction projects ever attempted in the United States. New transportation infrastructure had to be built before much of the work could proceed.

Rail played a major role in bringing material into the area, while roads connected the sprawling construction operation. According to the Bureau of Reclamation, contractor Six Companies built more than 20 miles of roads to reach different parts of the site, in addition to the rail lines constructed by the government, Union Pacific, and the contractor itself. One of those roads reached the upper canyon, where supplies could be transferred to barges and floated downstream.

Trucks handled some of the heaviest work within that network. A 1931 advertisement preserved in historical records described Six Companies placing a large order for International trucks as construction accelerated. The four diversion tunnels alone required the removal of enough material to generate nearly one million truckloads, according to the contemporary account.

The scale of the excavation soon pushed hauling equipment beyond what had previously been available. A 1933 account preserved by the Bureau of Reclamation described Mack trucks developed with 250-horsepower engines and special lightweight bodies capable of carrying 16 cubic yards of earth. The account characterized that as twice the capacity of the largest trucks that had come before them.

Hoover Dam ultimately required 5 million barrels of cement and 45 million pounds of reinforcing steel, according to the National Park Service. Trucks were one part of a much larger transportation system that also included railroads, barges, and construction equipment, but their role was substantial enough that the project became a showcase for heavy-duty hauling during the early 1930s.

The Gateway Arch Had Steel Assemblies Built with Transportation in Mind

Construction of the Gateway Arch began more than 30 years after Hoover Dam, and the trucking story was very different. One of the clearest examples involved steel hidden beneath the finished monument.

Each leg of the Arch is anchored to its foundation with 252 alloy-steel tensioning bars extending 34 feet below the top of the foundation. Fabricator Stress Steel Corp. assembled the 35-foot bars into groups of 21 before they left the shop, complete with grout tubes, end plates, and bracing designed to keep the assemblies rigid during shipping and handling, according to the National Park Service.

Each finished assembly weighed less than three tons. Six assemblies containing a total of 126 bars filled a truck for delivery to the St. Louis construction site.

It is a small part of the Arch compared with the stainless-steel structure rising 630 feet above it, but it provides a documented example of fabrication and trucking being considered together. The pieces had to arrive ready for crews to handle and install, so the way they were assembled at the shop was tied directly to how they would be shipped.

The bars are now buried inside the foundations beneath one of the country’s most recognizable monuments. Their trip to the site is largely invisible in the finished structure, just as much of the transportation involved in major construction disappears once the equipment leaves and the project opens to the public.

467 Concrete Trucks Helped Put the Space Needle on Its Foundation

Seattle’s Space Needle had a different problem: time.

The tower was being built for the 1962 World’s Fair, and the construction team had only about a year after work began in April 1961. The available site was also tight, measuring just 120 feet by 120 feet. Crews excavated a 30-foot-deep foundation before beginning one of the most demanding stages of the build.

For 12 straight hours, 467 ready-mix trucks delivered 2,800 cubic yards of concrete for the foundation. The American Society of Civil Engineers reports that the operation was described at the time as the largest continuous building concrete pour in the West. The foundation also incorporated 250 tons of reinforcing steel and 72 large anchor bolts for the tower’s three legs.

A pour of that size depended on a steady sequence of arrivals. Concrete could not simply be stockpiled at the small construction site, so the trucks effectively became part of the production schedule, bringing material in as crews placed it.

By the end of the day, the foundation for one of Seattle’s defining landmarks was in place. Construction continued quickly enough for the Space Needle to open with the World’s Fair in April 1962.

Different Projects, Different Jobs Behind the Wheel

There was no single type of trucking behind these landmarks. Hoover Dam put heavy construction trucks to work moving excavated material through Black Canyon. The Gateway Arch provides a documented example of fabricated steel being assembled specifically for shipment by truck. At the Space Needle, hundreds of ready-mix trucks had to arrive in sequence during a single continuous pour.

The equipment changed dramatically between 1931 and 1961, and the work itself ranged from moving earth to delivering fabricated steel and concrete. What connects the projects is less obvious once construction is finished: before a landmark can become part of a skyline, everything needed to build it has to make the trip to the job site.

FAQ

Were trucks the main transportation method during construction of Hoover Dam?

No. Hoover Dam relied on an extensive combination of railroads, roads, trucks, and barges. The project required new rail lines and more than 20 miles of contractor-built roads to move people, equipment, and material around the remote construction area.

Were special trucks developed specifically for Hoover Dam?

Historical accounts from the project describe unusually large Mack trucks designed for the work. They used 250-horsepower engines and lightweight bodies capable of carrying 16 cubic yards of excavated material, which was reported at the time as twice the capacity of the largest trucks previously available.

How much concrete did the Space Needle foundation require?

The foundation pour used approximately 2,800 cubic yards of concrete delivered by 467 ready-mix trucks over 12 continuous hours. It also incorporated about 250 tons of reinforcing steel.

Why would structural steel be assembled before being trucked to a construction site?

Preassembly can allow components to arrive ready for handling and installation while keeping the finished pieces within workable shipping dimensions and weights. On the Gateway Arch project, the foundation tensioning bars were assembled into reinforced groups at the fabrication shop, with six assemblies filling a truck for delivery.

Do trucks still play the same role in major construction projects today?

The basic need to move construction materials remains, but modern projects have access to equipment and transportation systems that were unavailable when these landmarks were built. Depending on the project, trucking can include ready-mix delivery, heavy haul, specialized trailers, and scheduled shipments of fabricated components, often alongside rail or water transportation.

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: September 29, 2026

The post How Truck Drivers Helped Build America’s Biggest Landmarks appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Now, the creation has made its way into the Museum of the City of New York. The exhibit, titled “He Built This City,” opened in February and will remain on display through Oct. 12.

A Childhood Idea Took Shape Decades Later

Macken’s interest in recreating the city began when he was a child growing up in Queens. During an elementary school trip, he visited the Queens Museum and saw the Panorama of the City of New York, a massive scale model created for the 1964-1965 World’s Fair.

He did not begin building his own version until his 40s, after moving with his family from Long Island to the Albany area.

Starting with Rockefeller Center, Macken gradually expanded across Midtown Manhattan and eventually into all five boroughs, as well as parts of New Jersey and Long Island. Midtown alone took about 10 years to complete, while the Empire State Building proved particularly difficult because Macken wanted to capture the details of its Art Deco design.

Despite the scale of the finished project, he had no professional background in architecture, design, or model building. Most of the structures were created from basic balsa wood and foam board purchased from hobby stores.

More Than 800,000 Structures Fill the Model

The finished city spans more than 300 large foam boards that connect like puzzle pieces. Each inch represents approximately 160 feet, allowing Macken to recreate everything from Manhattan skyscrapers to single-family homes in Queens.

Major landmarks include the Statue of Liberty, Yankee Stadium and the Brooklyn Bridge, but the model also reflects Macken’s personal memories of New York.

Some parts intentionally preserve places that no longer exist. A childhood diner remains in Queens despite a high-rise now occupying the site, while the former Kosciuszko Bridge still connects Brooklyn and Queens. Macken also included both the original World Trade Center towers and newer buildings constructed in Lower Manhattan.

Those choices turned the project into something more personal than a precise recreation of the city at one point in time, blending present-day New York with places Macken remembered from earlier in his life.

A Hobby Followed Him Beyond the Basement

As the project expanded, Macken devoted much of his free time to it. He brought building materials on family trips to the New Jersey shore and worked on pieces during downtime while driving a bus on weekends.

Over time, the process became considerably faster. Buildings that initially took hours became familiar enough for Macken to construct much more efficiently as his experience grew.

Even after decades of work, completing the model was never his primary motivation. Macken said he enjoyed the building process itself and rarely thought about when the project might finally be finished.

TikTok Put the Project in Front of Millions

The model remained largely a private creation until Macken’s daughter encouraged him to share it on TikTok. Videos of the miniature city quickly gained attention, receiving more than 10 million views in a single week.

The Museum of the City of New York discovered the project through those videos and contacted Macken about displaying it publicly.

Visitors to the exhibit can now walk around the enormous model and use provided binoculars to search for neighborhoods, landmarks, and other familiar places throughout the miniature city.

When the exhibit closes in October, Macken hopes the model will find another place to be displayed. He is not finished building, either, with plans to add more than 50 structures and expand farther into New Jersey and Long Island.

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: September 23, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post Truck Driver’s Massive Model of New York City Lands in Museum Exhibit appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

That does not mean every old trucking item is valuable. The difference often comes down to what the piece represents, how many were produced, and whether enough information survives to identify where it came from.

Some Items Are Harder to Find Than Others

Employee-only items can be more difficult to find than merchandise that was widely sold or given away. Service pins, mileage awards, safety recognitions, retirement pieces, and other items issued to a limited group fall into this category.

Older gear from former carriers can also attract attention because there is a finite supply. Mergers, closures and rebranding have left behind hats, jackets, patches, signs and paperwork bearing names that no longer appear on trucks.

Promotional model trucks are another established part of the hobby, especially when they reproduce an older fleet’s actual colors and equipment. Complete models with their mirrors, accessories, and original boxes generally give collectors more to work with than damaged or incomplete examples.

The Details on an Item Can Matter

Before tossing an old buckle, patch, or award into a box of miscellaneous gear, take a closer look at it. Dates, mileage figures, employee names, manufacturer markings, event names, and specific logos can help narrow down when and why it was produced.

Logo changes can be particularly useful. A carrier may have used several versions of its branding over its history, so an older logo can help place an otherwise undated item within a particular period.

The same applies to truck-show merchandise and commemorative pieces. An event name and year can distinguish something produced for one specific show from merchandise that remained available for years.

Research the Sale, Not Just the Asking Price

Online listings make it easy to find someone asking $100 for an old trucking item. That does not establish that the item is worth $100.

Completed or sold listings provide better evidence because they show what buyers have actually paid. When comparing items, look for the same design, approximate age, and condition rather than assuming every buckle or patch carrying a similar logo has the same value.

If an exact match cannot be found, several comparable sales can still establish a reasonable range. An unusually high sale should be treated cautiously until there is evidence that similar pieces have brought comparable prices.

Think Twice Before Cleaning or Restoring It

Making an old item look newer can sometimes work against its collector appeal. Aggressive polishing can alter the finish on metal buckles and badges, while washing an older hat or jacket can damage fabric, embroidery, or printed graphics.

Original boxes, paperwork, envelopes and tags should also stay with an item rather than being discarded. A model truck in its original package or an employee award accompanied by paperwork has more context than the same object by itself.

If the piece appears unusual, identifying it before attempting restoration is the safer approach.

The Story Behind It Is Worth Keeping Too

An item that came directly from a trucking career has information that can disappear once it changes hands. Knowing who earned an award, which terminal issued a piece of gear, or approximately when someone received it can give an otherwise anonymous object a documented history.

Photographs can help as well. A picture showing the original owner wearing a company jacket or standing beside equipment carrying the same logo connects the memorabilia with the period when it was actually used.

For families sorting through decades of trucking belongings, writing down those details before selling or giving items away can preserve information that would otherwise be impossible for a future owner to recover.

Not Everything Needs to Be Sold

The collector market gives old trucking memorabilia a second life, but monetary value is only one reason these pieces survive. A safety award can represent years without an accident, a faded hat may be tied to a carrier where someone spent much of a career, and a promotional truck can recreate equipment that disappeared from the road decades ago.

Before throwing older trucking gear away, it is worth identifying what it is. Whether it ends up being worth $10, considerably more, or nothing at all, the piece may still document a part of trucking history that cannot be replaced once it is gone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you research an unfamiliar piece of trucking memorabilia?

Start with the identifying information on the item, including logos, dates, locations, and manufacturer marks. Archived photographs, old advertisements, trucking publications, and collector groups can help match those details to a particular carrier or period.

Do autographs increase the value of trucking memorabilia?

It depends on who signed the item and whether the signature can be authenticated. An unidentified signature usually adds little, while one connected to a recognizable person or documented event may make the piece more interesting to a particular collector.

Should old paper trucking materials be thrown away?

Not automatically. Employee newsletters, route maps, brochures, calendars, photographs, and other paper materials can contain information that is difficult to find elsewhere, particularly for companies that are no longer operating.

Can reproductions be mistaken for vintage trucking memorabilia?

Yes. Logos and older trucking designs can be reproduced on newer merchandise, so an old-looking design alone does not establish age. Construction, labels, manufacturing marks, materials, and documented ownership history can all help when determining whether a piece is actually vintage.

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: September 17, 2026

The post Old Trucking Memorabilia Could Be More Collectible Than You Think appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The company brought nearly 100 owner-operators, fleet drivers, and trucking personalities into its Shell Rotella Recording Studio during MATS to talk about their careers, memorable experiences, and what makes them proud to work in trucking. Those conversations were compiled into a video that premiered September 13 and is being shared during NTDAW.

Stories Recorded at MATS Raised Money for SCF

The project also generated more than $2,000 for the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, which assists over-the-road and regional truck drivers and their families when illness or injury creates financial hardship.

Shell Rotella pledged $25 to SCF for each video recorded at MATS. With nearly 100 people participating, the recordings served two purposes: allowing truckers to share their experiences while raising money for others in the industry.

Shell Rotella Brand Manager Julie Wright said the recording studio gave participants a chance to explain what trucking means to them in their own words while supporting SCF’s work.

More Driver Stories Are Coming

The Boston Trucker, Clarissa Rankin and Tarik Al-Amin were among the trucking personalities involved in the recording sessions, encouraging participants to reflect on their careers and experiences behind the wheel.

Although the main video debuted for NTDAW, Shell Rotella plans to continue sharing conversations from the project throughout the year.

Drivers can find the video and additional stories through Shell Rotella and the brand’s social media channels.

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: September 17, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post Shell Rotella Puts Truck Drivers’ Stories in the Spotlight During NTDAW appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The firm reviewed 30 Spotify road-trip and driving playlists, selected the 50 songs that appeared most frequently and compared their tempos in beats per minute. Faster tracks ranked higher based on research that has explored connections between high-tempo music and changes in attention and driving behavior.

For truck drivers who may spend hours listening to music behind the wheel, the results offer an interesting look at how the soundtrack inside the cab can interact with the demands of the road.

Five Songs Topped the Ranking

Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” took the top spot in the Trujillo Gonzalez Law Firm analysis at 192 beats per minute. The song appeared on 24 of the 30 playlists reviewed and had accumulated more than 5 billion Spotify streams.

Oasis followed with “Wonderwall” at 173 BPM, while “STAY” by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber ranked third at 169 BPM.

The five highest-ranked songs were:

1. “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran: 192 BPM
2. “Wonderwall” by Oasis: 173 BPM
3. “STAY” by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber: 169 BPM
4. “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol: 166 BPM
5. “One Way Or Another” by Blondie: 162 BPM

The remainder of the top 10 included “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, “Hey Ya!” by Outkast, “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen, “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers and “Locked out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars.

The ranking used tempo as its primary measure, so appearing near the top does not mean a song has been proven to cause unsafe driving. Instead, the analysis draws on previous research examining whether faster music can influence behavior behind the wheel.

Research on Music and Driving Is More Complicated

Studies have found connections between music and changes in driving performance, but the results do not support a simple rule that a certain BPM automatically makes someone drive faster or lose focus.

Research has shown that the effect can change with the driving environment, volume, tempo and complexity of the task. Music may help with alertness in some situations while creating additional mental demand in others, particularly when conditions already require more concentration.

That distinction is important when looking at the Trujillo Gonzalez Law Firm ranking. BPM provides a straightforward way to compare songs, but it is only one factor that can affect how music influences someone behind the wheel.

Long Hours Behind the Wheel Add Another Consideration

The relationship between music and driving can also change as time behind the wheel adds up.

Research examining music during long-distance driving found differences between slow, medium and fast tempos. Medium-tempo music produced the best balance between fatigue and attention, while fast music helped reduce fatigue but was associated with poorer attention after extended driving. Very slow music presented a different problem by contributing to fatigue over time.

That makes the issue especially relevant to professional drivers. A playlist that works well during an open stretch of interstate may feel very different when traffic becomes heavier, weather changes or the route moves through construction or an unfamiliar area.

Volume can add to the effect. Research reviews have found associations between louder music and changes in driving speed, providing another reason not to focus exclusively on the BPM of an individual song.

What This Means for a Truck Driver’s Playlist

The Trujillo Gonzalez Law Firm analysis does not mean drivers need to remove “Shape of You,” “Wonderwall” or any of the other songs from their playlists.

The more practical takeaway is to pay attention to how the cab environment fits the road at that moment. High-energy music at a comfortable volume may not present the same distraction on an open highway as it could while navigating heavy traffic, poor weather or a complicated delivery location.

When the workload outside the windshield increases, lowering the volume, switching what is playing or turning the music off altogether can remove one source of competing stimulation.

Truck drivers spend enough time behind the wheel that music will naturally remain part of the job for many of them. The Trujillo Gonzalez Law Firm ranking offers a different way to look at familiar driving playlists, while the broader research suggests that tempo is only one piece of a much more complicated relationship between music, alertness and attention on the road.

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: September 11, 2026

Source: The Trucker

The post These Popular Road Trip Songs Ranked Highest for Potential Driver Distraction appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

That experience eventually carried into one of her later business ventures. In 2026, Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop opened along Interstate 65 in Cornersville, Tennessee, with facilities specifically for professional drivers.

From Station Wagons to Tour Buses

Parton’s early touring years looked considerably different from the customized motorcoaches she later used. She recalled traveling in station wagons, pulling a trailer and sometimes sleeping in the car before her career reached the point where she could afford her own bus.

Tour buses eventually became her preferred way to travel. One of her later motorcoaches, a customized Prevost used from 2008 to 2022, covered approximately 360,000 miles across North America. During the 2016 Pure & Simple Tour alone, it carried her to more than 60 cities in the United States and Canada.

The bus was built for extended travel and included living and working space. Parton wrote there as well, with work connected to *Backwoods Barbie* and *9 to 5: The Musical* developed aboard the motorcoach.

After it was retired, the bus became Suite 1986 at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Truck Stops Were Already Familiar Territory

Years of bus travel also meant spending plenty of time at businesses along the highway. Parton later recalled stopping at truck stops, roadside cafes, and similar locations throughout her years of touring.

She drew on that experience when discussing the development of Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop. Rather than approaching the project solely as a celebrity-branded attraction, Parton spoke about knowing firsthand what it was like to spend long periods traveling and needing a good place to stop along the way.

That background helped shape a property intended to serve people who spend substantial time on the highway, including those working there.

Bringing Her Road Experience to Cornersville

Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop opened in June 2026 at Exit 22 along I-65, about 60 miles south of Nashville. Parton partnered with Gregory Sachs and her manager, Danny Nozell, to redevelop the existing Tennessean Travel Stop.

The 18-acre property combines restaurants, retail, and Dolly-themed features with the services expected from a commercial travel center. For professional drivers, that includes diesel fueling, truck parking, private showers, laundry facilities, truck supplies, and a dedicated lounge.

The property also includes a tour bus inspired by those Parton used during her career, bringing a piece of her touring history into a location serving people whose own work is spent on the road.

The Cornersville location was announced as the first step in a larger travel-stop concept, with additional locations planned in Tennessee and possible expansion beyond the state.

A Lasting Place Along the Highway

Parton’s influence reached well beyond country music, and the Cornersville travel stop added the trucking community to the long list of people touched by her work. She brought attention and investment to a place built in part around the needs of professional drivers, with parking, showers, laundry, fueling, and space to rest incorporated into the property.

For truck drivers who grew up with her music or heard it while crossing the country, her presence along I-65 now carries added meaning. Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop gives that connection a permanent home along the highway and leaves the industry with one more piece of a legacy that reached across generations. Her passing will be felt far beyond the music world, including among the professional drivers she welcomed into one of her final projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many miles did Dolly Parton’s tour bus travel?

The customized Prevost motorcoach Parton used from 2008 to 2022 traveled approximately 360,000 miles across North America. It was used for touring and other travel throughout that period.

Did Dolly Parton write while traveling?

Yes. Her motorcoach included working space, and Parton developed material there while traveling. Work connected to *Backwoods Barbie* and *9 to 5: The Musical* was created aboard the bus.

Did Dolly Parton visit truck stops while touring?

Yes. Parton spoke about years spent stopping at truck stops, roadside cafes, and other highway businesses during her time touring by bus.

Where is Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop?

The travel stop is at Exit 22 along Interstate 65 in Cornersville, Tennessee, approximately 60 miles south of Nashville.

What does the travel stop offer professional drivers?

The property includes diesel fueling, truck parking, private showers, laundry facilities, truck supplies, and a dedicated lounge, along with restaurants and other travel-center amenities.

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: September 8, 2026

The post Dolly Parton and Life on the Road: Where Her Career Crossed Paths with Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Here are six podcasts that continue to publish new episodes and have earned a following among professional drivers.

TalkCDL Trucking Podcast

TalkCDL has been a staple in the trucking community for years, covering industry news, regulations, driver experiences, and topics that spark conversation across the profession. Episodes combine current events with opinions and listener interaction, making it a popular choice for drivers who like staying connected with what’s happening in trucking. The podcast continues to release new episodes throughout 2026.

Red Eye Radio

If you spend a lot of time driving overnight, chances are you’ve heard Red Eye Radio. The long-running program blends transportation news, current events, interviews, and discussions that appeal to professional drivers, particularly those logging miles after dark.

WHAT THE TRUCK?!

Produced by FreightWaves, WHAT THE TRUCK?! focuses on freight markets, logistics, transportation technology and the issues shaping the trucking industry. Drivers interested in freight trends, supply chain news or business topics will find plenty of timely content throughout the week.

The Resource Podcast

The Resource Podcast features conversations about recruiting, retention, leadership, fleet operations, and the people working throughout the transportation industry. While some episodes are geared toward carriers and industry leaders, many also provide valuable insight into how today’s trucking industry is evolving.

The Lead Pedal Podcast

Hosted by Bruce Outridge, The Lead Pedal Podcast covers trucking careers, equipment, safety, business, driver training, and interviews with transportation professionals. New episodes are released several times each week, making it one of the most active trucking podcasts available today.

Over the Road

Hosted by Long Haul Paul Marhoefer, Over the Road takes a different approach by telling the stories behind the trucking industry. Episodes feature drivers, industry personalities, and conversations that explore the culture and history of trucking rather than focusing solely on daily news.

Mix Things Up During the Week

Listening to trucking content every day can become just as repetitive as listening to the same songs on repeat. Many experienced drivers rotate between industry podcasts, history, current events, and entertainment to keep each day feeling different. Mixing educational shows with lighter listening can make long stretches of highway feel shorter while introducing you to ideas and stories you might never have discovered otherwise.

Whether you’re interested in freight markets, trucking culture, or simply finding something new to listen to between pickups, adding a few podcasts to your playlist can make the next long haul a little more enjoyable.

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: August 18, 2026

The post Six Trucking Podcasts Worth Listening to on Your Next Haul appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

We recently asked the Truck Drivers USA Facebook community a simple question:

“What’s something that has made you proud to be a trucker recently?”

The responses came from drivers with every level of experience, from newcomers to retirees with decades behind the wheel. While every story was unique, several themes emerged that continue to define what pride looks like behind the wheel.

Safe Driving Is Still the Greatest Achievement

Many drivers measured success by the miles they traveled without an accident.

Roger Hershberger said his greatest source of pride has been maintaining a perfect safety record over 30 years, while Brookelene Bicksler reflected on retiring after 48 years without “a scratch on anything.”

After four decades and four million safe miles, Al Rivera credited one habit above everything else.

“Never get in a hurry.”

Retired city P&D driver Freddy Ferro shared a similar perspective, saying he finished a 25-year career, including 20 years in pickup and delivery, with nothing more than “a ding on a dumpster.”

Long careers built on safe driving appeared throughout the discussion, showing that many drivers still consider protecting people, equipment and freight to be the accomplishment that matters most.

The Air Horn Still Creates Lasting Memories

One of the most common responses had nothing to do with freight or schedules.

Ron Patton recalled two young boys giving him the arm pump, prompting several blasts from the air horn.

“Not only did they get a charge out of it, but I did too. When you can make somebody’s day, do it; don’t just think about it.”

Joe Clark also said getting to blow the air horn when someone gives the signal remains one of the highlights of the job, while Steven Carpenter and Gisele Drouin Ouellette shared that the smiles those moments create never get old.

Those brief encounters continue to remind drivers that trucking still inspires excitement for many children watching from passing vehicles.

Professional Pride Comes from Doing the Job Well

Some of the strongest responses centered on craftsmanship rather than recognition.

Dean Stout said he enjoys seeing customers surprised by his backing skills, while Lloyd McElmurry takes pride in delivering aggregate loads into difficult locations and being requested by name for future jobs.

“A job well done is its own reward.”

Experience also shapes the way many drivers approach the road. Tina Felan said trucking has taught her patience, respect and the importance of leaving plenty of space, lessons that extend beyond work and into everyday driving.

The Work Means More Than the Miles

Several drivers pointed to the people who benefit from the work they do every day.

Jose Luis Arencibia said watching his wife and child enjoy a comfortable home, good meals and security makes every mile worthwhile.

Adam May shared that realizing he has helped feed hundreds of thousands of people across the country gives him a lasting sense of purpose, while Bryan Adamiak said knowing he has done his part to keep America moving continues to make him proud.

Former driver Christina Espinoza reflected on safely delivering freight, helping keep stores stocked and contributing to communities across the country, saying those responsibilities always gave her a strong sense of purpose.

A Career Worth Looking Back On

Many retired drivers said the profession remains one of the greatest accomplishments of their lives.

Daniel Parks Sr. said he would not trade his 45-year career for anything because of the places he visited and the people he met.

After starting in 1977 and retiring in 2023, Jim Simmons reflected on the sacrifices truck drivers make to keep freight moving despite often receiving little recognition. When asked whether he would choose the profession again, his answer was immediate.

“Hell YEAH!”

Richard Wilkerson said he loved every mile of his 64-year trucking career, while Howard Hammond shared that he still enjoys hearing compliments about his truck while continuing to work at 77 years old. Mick Hough also expressed pride in remaining behind the wheel at 82.

Pride Takes Many Forms

Not every driver defined pride the same way, but the responses shared a common thread. Some found satisfaction in mastering difficult skills. Others valued the relationships built over decades, the ability to support their families, or simply the opportunity to continue doing work they genuinely enjoy.

Taken together, the responses show that pride in trucking isn’t measured only by miles or years behind the wheel. It’s built through safe decisions, professional skill, meaningful work, and the countless moments that remind drivers why they chose the profession in the first place.

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: August 17, 2026

The post What Makes Truck Drivers Proud? Drivers Share the Moments That Matter Most appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

National Brockway Truck Show

Dates: August 6 to 9, 2026

Location: Homer and Cortland, New York

The National Brockway Truck Show honors the history of Brockway trucks in the community where the manufacturer was founded. Restored Brockway models, museum exhibits, vendor displays, and the annual parade bring owners and enthusiasts together from across the United States and Canada.

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Badger State Truck’N Show

Dates: August 7 and 8, 2026

Location: Baraboo, Wisconsin

Hosted at the Badger Steam and Gas Grounds, the Badger State Truck’N Show features working trucks, antiques, vendors, and family-friendly activities. The event has become a familiar summer gathering for drivers and trucking enthusiasts throughout the Upper Midwest.

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Carlisle Truck Nationals

Dates: August 7 to 9, 2026

Location: Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Carlisle Truck Nationals fills the fairgrounds with antique pickups, lifted trucks, custom builds, heavy equipment, and working semis. Vendors, live demonstrations, and entertainment keep the event busy throughout the weekend.

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Truck N For A Cause

Dates: August 8 and 9, 2026

Location: Wenona, Illinois

Truck N For A Cause combines polished trucks with a charitable mission, raising funds for the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. Along with the truck displays, attendees can enjoy food vendors, exhibitors, and community activities while supporting a worthwhile cause.

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806 Big Rig Roundup

Dates: August 14 and 15, 2026

Location: Dalhart, Texas

The 806 Big Rig Roundup brings custom trucks and working rigs to the Texas Panhandle for two days of displays, live music, and food vendors. One of the event’s signature attractions is the evening truck light competition.

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The Midwest Classic

Dates: August 14 and 15, 2026

Location: Oakland, Nebraska

Held at the Burt County Fairgrounds, The Midwest Classic welcomes show trucks, vendors, and live entertainment throughout the weekend. A fireworks display helps wrap up one of the Midwest’s well-known late summer trucking events.

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NHRDA Big Sky Truck Fest

Dates: August 14 and 15, 2026

Location: Acton, Montana

NHRDA Big Sky Truck Fest offers more than a traditional truck show, with diesel drag racing, dyno competitions, and burnout contests sharing the schedule with truck displays. The event attracts both competitors and spectators looking for a different kind of trucking weekend.

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Brooks Truck Show

Dates: August 21 and 22, 2026

Location: Brooks, Oregon

Hosted by the Pacific Northwest Truck Museum, the Brooks Truck Show highlights restored commercial vehicles that helped shape the Northwest’s logging, agriculture, and construction industries. Visitors can also tour the museum’s historic truck collection during the event.

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Keystone LargeCarMag Nationals

Dates: August 28 and 29, 2026

Location: Lebanon, Pennsylvania

Keystone LargeCarMag Nationals is known for its custom large cars, working trucks, and Friday evening Parade of Lights. The weekend also includes vendors, truck and tractor pulls, and entertainment.

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No Coast Large Cars Truck Show

Dates: Labor Day Weekend

Location: Boone, Iowa

The No Coast Large Cars Truck Show draws owner-operators, custom truck builders, and trucking enthusiasts from across the Midwest. Long hood conventionals, working trucks, and detailed show trucks fill the grounds throughout Labor Day weekend.

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Big Iron Classic

Dates: September 11 and 12, 2026

Location: Kasson, Minnesota

Big Iron Classic showcases working semis, restored classics and custom builds while bringing together owner operators, fleets and trucking enthusiasts from around the Upper Midwest.

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Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show

Dates: September 17 to 19, 2026

Location: St. Ignace, Michigan

The Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show closes the summer season with truck displays throughout downtown St. Ignace, vendor exhibits and the annual Parade of Lights across the Mackinac Bridge. The waterfront setting and strong turnout continue to make it one of the most recognized truck shows on the calendar.

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Truck show season offers something for every type of enthusiast, whether your interest is historic equipment, working trucks, custom builds or diesel competition. Before making travel plans, check each event’s official website for registration information, schedules, and any updates that may affect the weekend.

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: August 6, 2026

The post Truck Shows to Add to Your Calendar This August and September appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Held in Frisco, Texas, the three-day conference is recognized as the nation’s largest instructor training event for automotive, medium and heavy truck, and collision repair educators. Instructors from high schools, community colleges, and trade schools attended technical training sessions while connecting with manufacturers, suppliers, and industry organizations.

Conference Delivers More Than 20 Hours of Technical Training

ASE said the conference included more than 20 hours of technical update training covering current repair procedures, emerging vehicle technologies, and instructional practices.

Separate learning tracks were available for automotive, medium and heavy truck, and collision repair instructors, allowing participants to complete training relevant to their programs while also meeting ASE Education Foundation accreditation requirements.

According to ASE President and CEO Dave Johnson, investing in instructors ultimately benefits students by helping educators return to the classroom with current technical knowledge, new teaching resources, and stronger industry connections.

Technician Shortage Remained a Key Topic

One of the conference’s featured sessions examined the industry’s ongoing technician shortage following recent comments from Ford CEO Jim Farley describing the issue as one of the industry’s biggest workforce challenges.

The presentation, titled Filling the Farley Gap: Addressing the Technician Pipeline, explored research from several industry studies, including surveys conducted by IMR Inc., the ASE Education Foundation, ASE Connects, and the ATMC Training Benchmark Survey. The discussion focused on the factors influencing technician recruitment and the importance of strengthening the education pipeline.

Industry Partners Support Technical Education

Manufacturers, suppliers, and other industry organizations participated throughout the conference by providing technical demonstrations, product training, and educational resources that reflected the equipment and technologies technicians are likely to encounter in today’s repair facilities.

ASE said those partnerships help strengthen the connection between classrooms and employers while giving instructors additional resources they can incorporate into their training programs.

The organization also announced that the 2027 ASE Instructor Training Conference is scheduled for July 19 through July 22 in Phoenix, Arizona, with registration expected to open in early 2027.

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: August 3, 2026

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: ASE

The post ASE Instructor Training Conference Focuses on Preparing the Next Generation of Diesel and Automotive Technicians appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.