The expansion is underway now and is scheduled to be completed in the fall.

What is being added to the museum

The added space will hold more trucks and memorabilia tied to the history of the industry. The museum already features a large collection, and this expansion allows additional equipment to be put on display instead of kept in storage.

New additions include Sterling trucks from the 1920s through the 1940s, along with a 1948 armored Mack truck restored by the Iowa 80 team.

For drivers who have been through it before, this is not the same quick walk-through. There will be more to see once the expansion is complete.

The museum stays open during construction.

The museum remains open while construction is underway, so drivers can still stop in without waiting for the project to finish.

Through Memorial Day, hours run Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, hours shift to Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free, which makes it an easy stop without having to plan around cost.

Why this stop still matters for drivers

Most breaks on the road are the same. Fuel, food, then back in the truck.

This place is different. The museum gives drivers a chance to step away and see how the job looked decades ago, from early trucks to restored equipment that helped shape how freight moves today.

It is not about filling time. It is about seeing how the industry got to where it is now.

What changes for drivers passing through Walcott

The expansion does not change how you park or fuel, but it does change what you can do with your time once you are there.

More space means less crowding inside and more equipment on display. That makes it easier to walk through without rushing and actually take it in.

For drivers who run through Iowa regularly, this adds something new to a stop they already know.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum located?
It is located at the Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott, Iowa.

How large will the museum be after the expansion?
It will have 121,000 square feet of exhibit space after the addition is complete.

Is the museum open during construction?
Yes, it remains open while the expansion is being built.

How much does it cost to visit the museum?
Admission is free.

What new trucks will be added?
Sterling trucks from the 1920s through the 1940s, and a restored 1948 armored Mack truck will be part of the expanded display.

The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum has always been a stop drivers recognize. This expansion gives it more depth and makes it worth stepping inside instead of just passing through.

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: April 24, 2026

Source: Land Line Media

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What started as a small roadside stop in 1964 has grown into a massive operation that serves millions of visitors each year. Today, Iowa 80 spans more than 220 acres, offers roughly 900 truck parking spaces, and produces about 350,000 meals annually. For drivers, it is more than a fuel stop. It is a place to rest, eat, reset, and handle the practical needs that come with life on the road.

From a simple stop to a trucking landmark

Iowa 80 began when Bill Moon, then a regional manager for Standard Oil, saw potential along the newly built Interstate 80. The original facility was modest, with a small store, a single lube bay, and a basic restaurant. Over time, as traffic increased and trucking expanded, the stop grew alongside it.

By the 1980s, the operation had expanded significantly. In 1984, Moon bought out the corporation, and after he died in 1992, the location became a TravelCenters of America franchise while remaining family-owned. Today, it operates under the Iowa 80 Group, which also runs other truck stop locations in different states.

That long history matters to drivers because it reflects something rare in today’s market. Iowa 80 has adapted without losing its identity as a driver-focused stop.

Feeding drivers at a massive scale

One of the clearest signs of Iowa 80’s scale is its food operation. Producing roughly 350,000 meals a year requires round-the-clock coordination, steady staffing, and constant supply deliveries. The Iowa 80 Kitchen serves classic comfort food that appeals to drivers who want a hot, filling meal without guesswork.

The kitchen runs nonstop, adjusting to traffic surges caused by weather delays, holidays, or construction slowdowns. When drivers get stuck waiting out snow or road closures, the restaurant becomes a central part of keeping people fed and moving when conditions improve.

For many drivers, having a reliable place to eat is not a luxury. It is part of managing hours, rest, and health on the road.

More than fuel and food

Iowa 80 has built its reputation by offering far more than the basics. Drivers can access showers, laundry, repair services, and fuel at all hours. The site also includes a trucking museum filled with vintage equipment and memorabilia that reflects the history of the profession.

Wellness services like chiropractic care and dental offices are available on site, addressing needs that are hard to schedule during normal business hours when you are running freight. There is also a movie theater, gift shops, and even pet-friendly areas for drivers traveling with animals.

The trucking museum is set for a major expansion in 2026, adding about 25,000 square feet to showcase more of the Moon family’s collection and trucking history. For drivers, it is a reminder that the industry has deep roots, even as technology and regulations change.

Operating through industry challenges

Family-owned truck stops across the country have been under pressure for years. Rising fuel costs, labor shortages, and competition from large corporate chains have forced many independents to close or sell. Iowa 80 has managed to hold its ground by diversifying services and continually reinvesting in the property.

Infrastructure challenges also play a role. Temporary closures or construction on Interstate 80 can affect traffic flow and daily operations. When ramps close or traffic slows, stops like Iowa 80 have to adjust staffing and inventory quickly to meet demand without waste.

Despite those challenges, Iowa 80 continues to serve as a key node in the national freight network. Millions of gallons of fuel move through the site each year, and countless drivers rely on it as a consistent stop in an unpredictable job.

Why Iowa 80 still matters to truck drivers

For drivers, Iowa 80 represents stability in an industry that often feels anything but stable. It is a place where you know what to expect. There is parking, there is food, there are services, and there is space to take a breath before getting back on the road.

As trucking faces changes tied to technology, fuel alternatives, and shifting freight patterns, places like Iowa 80 show how tradition and adaptation can coexist. It has grown from a small roadside stop into a complex operation without losing sight of who it serves.

In a job defined by miles and deadlines, Iowa 80 remains a reminder that some parts of the road are still built with drivers in mind.

Source: WebProNews

The post Iowa 80 Keeps Truckers Rolling While the Industry Changes Around It appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The order grants motor carriers and drivers in these areas exemptions from the standard maximum driving time when they are directly involved in relief operations. This includes the transportation of critical fuels such as propane, heating oil, gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and heating fuel to the affected regions.

Initially issued on January 10, the emergency declaration addresses challenges posed by severe winter storms and freezing temperatures. These extreme weather conditions have heightened fuel demands while creating significant obstacles in the distribution process.

What Does “Direct Assistance” Mean?

Under the FMCSA’s directive, “direct assistance” refers to transportation and relief services provided by motor carriers or drivers that play a key role in the immediate restoration of essential supplies or services. However, this does not cover transportation intended for long-term recovery beyond the initial emergency phase or for reconstructing damaged infrastructure. Additionally, routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with only minimal emergency supplies, do not qualify for the exemptions provided.

Motor carriers or drivers who have been issued an out-of-service order are also not permitted to operate under the declaration until they meet all applicable conditions.

Returning to Normal Operations

Once emergency relief activities conclude, carriers and drivers must comply with standard driving time regulations while operating commercial vehicles. However, drivers can return empty to their terminal or their usual work reporting location without additional restrictions.

If a driver transitions from emergency relief efforts back to normal operations, they must take a 10-hour rest period if their total time engaged in relief efforts or combined relief and everyday driving exceeds 14 hours.

Additional State Declarations

Several states have also implemented their own emergency declarations to provide motor carriers and drivers with additional relief measures tailored to specific regional needs. To learn more about these state-level declarations, detailed information is available here.

Source: Land Line

The post FMCSA Expands Emergency Declaration to More States appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“These conditions threaten the public peace, health and safety of citizens and have damaged and destroyed public and private property,” the disaster emergency stated.

In light of the disaster, specific state regulations restricting the transport of loads connected to the emergency on Iowa highways—apart from the interstate system—will continue to be temporarily lifted. Furthermore, vehicles engaged in disaster relief efforts will be permitted to exceed the usual weight limit, allowing them to carry up to 90,000 pounds without a permit. Additionally, hours-of-service rules for these operational vehicles have been suspended in response to the ongoing disaster.

The Iowa Department of Transportation has announced measures in Clay County aimed at easing the burden on vehicle owners and registrants affected by complications at the county treasurer’s office:

• Expiration dates for vehicle registration, registration cards, and plates will be temporarily waived

• The 30-day requirement for new motor vehicle registration and certificate of title applications will be waived for transferees

• The 45-day stipulation to operate a vehicle with a temporary tag will also be waived

For comprehensive information regarding disaster assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov.

Source: Land Line

The post Iowa Disaster Emergency Declaration Extended Through August 17 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Extensive rainfall across eastern South Dakota, northeastern Nebraska, and northwestern Iowa has resulted in widespread flooding, road closures, and urgent evacuations. This information comes directly from a joint statement released by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen.

The Iowa Department of Transportation has issued a strong advisory against traveling through nine counties. As of Wednesday morning, June 26, their 511 map indicates sections of Interstates 29 and 680 near Council Bluffs, Iowa, remain closed since Tuesday, June 25.

Iowa’s disaster emergency, affecting 21 counties, will be in place until July 22. Throughout this period, disaster repair crews and drivers transporting essential goods and services to disaster sites are exempt from the Iowa Code’s hours of service regulations. Additionally, restrictions on load movements related to the flood emergency on all Iowa highways, excluding the interstate system, are temporarily waived.

South Dakota Flooding

In South Dakota, flooding has caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, dams, and other public infrastructure, as detailed in the emergency declaration issued on Monday, June 24.

The previously closed section of I-29 in South Dakota, from Exit 2 to Exit 26, has since been reopened, according to the most recent travel updates.

The South Dakota flood emergency mandates that drivers of delivery vehicles are to carry supplies needed for flood relief and maintain these supplies. Both state and federal hours of service regulations for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to this regional flood emergency are waived until July 8.

Source: Land Line

The post Persistent Flooding Problems Plague Iowa and South Dakota appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) voices concerns over the potential repercussions of such legislation, emphasizing the adverse impact on truckers and the safety of road users.

“When I read this bill, one thing comes to my mind, and that’s arbitrary and capricious,” said Doug Morris, OOIDA director of state government affairs.

The OOIDA argues that while the intentions behind these measures may be well-meaning, they present significant challenges for truck drivers and could compromise overall safety.

Colorado is currently considering SB100, spearheaded by Sen. Dylan Roberts, which seeks to prohibit large commercial vehicles from utilizing the left lane on Interstate 70, except for passing slower vehicles. Advocates contend that these measures, including enforcement of truck speed limits, are vital for enhancing safety. However, Doug Morris of OOIDA disputes the necessity of such legislation, citing a lack of evidence linking truck presence in the left lane to increased accidents.

In Kentucky, SB107 aims to restrict trucks from the far-left lane on highways with three or more lanes, with exceptions for specific situations like entering or exiting the highway. Despite unanimous Senate support, concerns persist among professional drivers regarding enforcement challenges and potential safety implications.

Michigan’s HB5304 addresses left lane usage on freeways, clarifying that large trucks are prohibited from the far-left lane, aligning with existing statutes. While proponents argue for improved safety and traffic flow, the Michigan Department of Transportation acknowledges flaws in current laws but refrains from taking a stance on the bill.

Rep. William Bruck, R-Erie, said that the Michigan DOT can only make recommendations, emphasizing that this is the case with road signs that direct drivers to stay right unless to pass.

“This (bill) would clarify this so MDOT could actually restrict the heavy traffic to remain in the right two lanes,” Bruck said. “It’s a commonsense issue. There’s less safety when people are passing on the right. For the ease of travel, we would like to open up the left-most lane for that faster traffic and make it safer in the process.”

Meanwhile, similar initiatives are underway in other states like Florida, Iowa, and Oklahoma, where lawmakers are considering broader left lane regulations affecting all vehicles. These efforts aim to optimize traffic flow and enhance safety on highways, though concerns regarding enforcement and practical implementation remain prevalent.

Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, spoke on the real point of the bill.

“It simply provides that the left lane is for passing only, with some commonsense exceptions,” she said.

Rep. Mike Klimesh, R-Winneshiek, called attention to the work this bill would do to improve traffic flow.

“Basically, this bill is an effort to prevent left-lane camping on multi-lane highways and improve traffic flow,” he said.

Overall, the ongoing legislative efforts reflect a broader push to address left lane usage, with implications for both truckers and general motorists, as states seek to balance safety concerns with efficient traffic management.

Source: Land Line

The post Six States Reassess Left Lane Use in New Bill appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

During the final stages of the 2023 regular session in Illinois, a tort bill gained momentum and reached the governor’s desk in a last-minute push. Governor J.B. Pritzker subsequently signed into law an amendment to the Wrongful Death Act, allowing juries to award unlimited non-economic damages in wrongful death lawsuits.

The amendment extends this provision to civil litigants and survivors alike. Despite opposition from groups like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), the law took effect in August.

Representative Ryan Spain has introduced HB4992 to cap non-economic damages at $2 million per plaintiff, currently in the House Rules Committee.

“It is hard to imagine a more ill-advised piece of legislation that benefits no one other than trial lawyers,” Spencer said. “… To preserve Illinois’ ability to maintain this status, it is the intent of this (bill) to preserve the economic health and strength of the industries that help make this possible.”

In Iowa, legislation introduced revisits a year-old rule on pain-and-suffering damages in lawsuits involving commercial vehicles.

In 2023, the state addressed nuclear verdicts by capping pain-and-suffering damages in truck-related lawsuits at $5 million. However, Senate File 2224, sponsored by Sen. Molly Donahue, aims to reverse these changes.

The bill covers tort liability in civil actions involving large trucks, eliminating the $5 million cap on non-economic damages and potentially holding employers liable for negligence related to hiring and supervision.

“[It amounts to] nothing more than a money grab by the plaintiff’s bar so they can obtain larger verdicts and settlements in Iowa,” said Doug Morris, OOIDA director of state government affairs.

OOIDA opposes this bill and urges Iowa members to contact their lawmakers to express their opposition.

“Not only would it be necessary to defend the actions of the driver but also the hiring practices of the employer, which gives plaintiff attorneys several more bites at the apple,” Morris said.

SF2224 is currently in the Senate Transportation Subcommittee.

Source: Land Line

The post Truck Crash Damages Covered in Illinois and Iowa appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

California

In the Golden State, efforts to regulate autonomous trucks are back on the legislative table. Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry reintroduced AB2286, a bill identical to the 2023 version. The bill aims to prohibit the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds without a human safety operator present. The governor’s previous veto emphasized reliance on existing regulations from a 2012 state law.

Florida

Senator Victor Torres is steering legislation in Florida to establish rules for autonomous trucks on roadways. Under SB1580, a licensed human operator must be physically present in fully autonomous vehicles weighing at least 10,000 pounds while transporting goods or passengers on public roads.

Indiana

Indiana is considering two bills (HB1022 and SB57) to address autonomous trucks, specifically in automated vehicle platoons. These bills specify that a human operator must be physically present in autonomous tractor-trailers on highways for the transportation of passengers or goods. Operators are required to meet both state and federal qualifications for vehicle operation.

Iowa

Senator Zach Wahls introduced SF2218 in Iowa, addressing the operation of autonomous trucks for commercial purposes. The bill mandates a conventional driver’s physical presence in driverless-capable vehicles, holding a valid driver’s license and required endorsements.

Kentucky

Kentucky is revisiting truck platooning legislation with HB7. This bill amends the requirement for human drivers in platoons, allowing only the lead vehicle to have a human driver behind the wheel. The previous attempt faced a veto due to safety concerns.

New York

In the Empire State, two bills cover the operation of autonomous trucks. Senator Pete Harckham’s bill (S7758) requires operators to accompany trucks with autonomous technology weighing over 10,000 pounds. The bills are currently under committee review in the Senate Transportation Committee and Assembly Transportation Committee.

The debate over autonomous trucking continues, with advocates highlighting benefits such as fuel savings, reduced congestion, and improved safety through platooning. Critics, including motorcyclists, express concerns about the interaction between automated and traditional vehicles on roadways and question the feasibility of widespread technology adoption. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association acknowledges the potential of autonomous technology but emphasizes challenges related to commercial vehicles and highway safety.

Source: LandLine

The post Several States Bring Autonomous Trucks to a Vote appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Out of this sum, $797,000 has been granted through the Iowa Workforce Development’s “CDL Infrastructure Grant.” This substantial funding aims to alleviate the program’s backlog, which currently faces demand up to three times its existing capacity.

The college’s strategic utilization of the Iowa CDL Infrastructure Grant involves setting up a new CDL training site in Muscatine, expanding the Blong Technology Center in Davenport with three additional DOT-approved training ranges, and acquiring four modern tractor-trailer combinations equipped with electronic logging devices.

“Due to constraints related to equipment and the number of facilities, the demand for our CDL program is outpacing our ability to train everyone. By establishing a new training facility in Muscatine and expanding those at the Blong, we will more than double our capacity for students,” said Matt Schmit, EICC’s dean of manufacturing and skilled trades.

Given the urgent demand for qualified drivers in eastern Iowa, heightened interest across various demographics has been observed.

“In our region, truck drivers are consistently in high demand,” he said. “We have the interest from students, demand from local employers, and funds to connect more students to employment.”

Considering the state’s projection that Iowa will require over 10,000 commercial drivers annually until 2030, the state has distributed a total of $4.8 million in CDL Infrastructure Grants to 10 community colleges. This initiative is anticipated to train an extra 1,305 drivers each year.

“The pathway to finding a job as a truck driver, one of our most-needed occupations, runs through getting a CDL license,” said Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. “It’s important that we do everything we can to not only make it easier for individuals to obtain these licenses but also to support the long-term viability of the programs that made it possible to gain that experience right here in Iowa.”

Furthermore, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges has received $80,460 from the federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training grant program. Designed to enhance operator safety training for CDL holders, this grant, set by the U.S. Congress, prioritizes assisting entities that recruit and train current or former U.S. Armed Forces members and their spouses in obtaining a CDL. EICC’s allocation will establish a program dedicated to training service members.

Source: Transport Topics

The post $875K in Federal Grants Work to Grow Iowa College’s Trucking Driving Program appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Governor Kim Reynolds announced this exciting news, highlighting the importance of modernized infrastructure for CDL training programs. With this grant, approximately 1,300 students are expected to benefit from expanded training opportunities at these colleges.

This significant investment in driver training will help Iowa meet the growing demand for skilled commercial drivers, ensuring safer roads and a stronger workforce.

“The pathway to finding a job as a truck driver, one of our most-needed occupations, runs through getting a CDL license,” Reynolds said in a statement. “It’s important that we do everything we can to not only make it easier for individuals to obtain these licenses, but also to support the long-term viability of the programs that made it possible to gain that experience right here in Iowa.”

Grant funds will support the building, purchasing or remodeling or training infrastructure that prepares drivers for meeting CDL requirements, according to the news release. The CDL training programs must offer competency-based training courses or a course that would allow someone to complete training and take the licensing exam within 30 days.

In addition, the colleges awarded money have agreed to a five-year tuition freeze for their training programs once projects funded by the grant are complete.

“Increasing the CDL pipeline is crucial to sustaining and improving our economy,” said Beth Townsend, executive director of Iowa Workforce Development. “This investment today will also give Iowa employers a leg up in recruiting more individuals in our state who have a CDL and are workforce ready.”

The community colleges receiving grant funds are:

• Des Moines Area Community College ($1 million)
• Eastern Iowa Community College ($797,000)
• Hawkeye Community College ($1 million)
• Iowa Lakes Community College ($240,000)
• Iowa Valley Community College ($68,840)
• Iowa Western Community College ($214,500)
• Northeast Iowa Community College ($265,000)
• Northwest Iowa Community College ($301,000)
• Southwest Iowa Community College ($665,000)
• Western Iowa Tech Community College ($214,500)

Click HERE for in-depth information on the training grants offered at each school.

Last March, Iowa made an investment of nearly $3 million to support entry-level driver training across the state. The grant money went to employers, nonprofits, and related organizations involved in key CDL training programs.

This funding comes after years of advocacy from groups like OOIDA, who pushed for a mandatory entry-level driver training program as a prerequisite for obtaining a CDL. The rule finally took effect in February 2022.

There are still opposing views on the rule, however, with some lawmakers attempting to repeal it as recently as August. The debate continues as stakeholders work to address and resolve these concerns.

Source: Land Line

The post Iowa Grants $5 Million to Boost Driver Training appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.