More than 50 trucks—ranging from custom builds to vintage showpieces—rolled through downtown Chillicothe for the June event. Among them: a 1923 Kenworth, the same year the company was founded, a standout 1966 Kenworth W923, and a crowd-favorite 2000 Kenworth K100E cabover.

“The Kenworth truck parade has become a special Ross County community tradition,” said Jack Schmitt, assistant plant manager at Kenworth’s Chillicothe facility. “The event wouldn’t be possible without the drivers who travel to Chillicothe to share their passion for Kenworth trucks, or without the community support that makes this parade a successful event each year.”

Capping off the event was the first public appearance of the Kenworth W900 Legacy Edition, leading the final leg of the parade and turning heads as a symbol of the model’s storied history. This special edition truck is a commemorative nod to the W900’s last production run.

Before the parade, Kenworth hosted exclusive activities at the Chillicothe plant for participating drivers and their families. Guests toured the state-of-the-art facility, which has seen nearly $400 million in upgrades since 2018, including robotic assembly lines and a cutting-edge paint system.

The Chillicothe plant, which opened in 1974, is set on a sprawling 120-acre site just 50 miles south of Columbus and spans 622,000 square feet. It remains a major hub for Kenworth’s production of modern trucks.

As part of the day’s community outreach, Kenworth teamed up with the United Way of Ross County to hold a 50/50 raffle and VIP-area fundraiser. Local volunteers sold tickets along the parade route, helping raise more than $43,000 for the nonprofit’s community programs.

Also in attendance was Army veteran Cory Troxell, who gained recognition in 2024 as the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award recipient. He now drives a Kenworth T680 and joined the festivities as a special guest.

For those who appreciate classic iron and trucking culture, Chillicothe continues to be the place where Kenworth’s heritage comes to life—and where its legacy rolls on.

Looking for More Trucking Action in Ohio?
Mark your calendar for the Kuhnle Brothers Semi Stampede, coming to Kuhnle Motorsports Park in Thompson, Ohio, June 27–29. The event promises a weekend full of Quebec-style uphill, side-by-side semi-truck drag races.

Practice kicks off Friday, with races continuing all weekend. Presale tickets are available through June 26 at 5 p.m., with discounts on weekend and single-day passes for adults and kids. Children under five get in free, and camping passes are also available.

Among the competitors: Kevin Bruns of Gallatin, Tennessee, who plans to race his 2019 International LoneStar.

A second drag racing weekend is already in the works for September, so stay tuned for more details.

Source: Overdrive
Image Source: Kenworth

The post Kenworth Honors the W900 with Downtown Chillicothe Parade appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

At just 49 years old, Chad Roberson, a third-generation truck driver from Fairfield, Illinois, has spent his life behind the wheel. But his connection to trucking goes deeper than just a profession—it’s a family legacy. Chad’s grandfather drove until he was 82, and his father, Everett, hauled loads until he passed away at the age of 67. For Chad, these big rigs have always been more than just vehicles; they’re a family tradition.

“I was raised around trucks since I was a kid, since I was born, and dad always had semis, and I was always in one,” he said.

Chad got his commercial freedom by officially starting Chad Roberson Trucking in 1994. Today, he works with a 2019 Kenworth T680, primarily hauling food and produce to Walmart distribution centers across the Midwest. However, this modern workhorse isn’t the truck closest to his heart. That honor goes to the 2000 Kenworth W900 his father owned before passing away in 2007.

The Truck That Got Away

Everett’s 2000 Kenworth W900 wasn’t just any truck—its bright yellow paint, chosen by Chad’s mother, Marsha, made it iconic. Marsha, who loved yellow roses, passed in 2004, and Everett followed three years later due to colon cancer. At that time, Everett still had money left to pay on the rig. Struggling with grief, Chad told the bank to “do what you gotta do with it,” and the truck was sold.

For years, the W900 disappeared into the distance, until a serendipitous moment in 2022 changed everything.

A Sign from Above

While attending the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, Chad’s wife asked him about his dad’s truck. “It had a lot of sentimental value,” he admitted. “This truck is on my mom and dad’s tombstone.”

Back home, scrolling idly through Facebook Marketplace, Chad stumbled upon a listing for a yellow Kenworth W900. Instantly, he recognized the model. “Just by the pinstriping, I could tell it was my dad’s truck,” Chad said. While his wife was skeptical, the telltale signs—yellow paint, a Signature 600 Cummins engine, and purple fenders added after its sale—confirmed his suspicions.

“I really think a lot that somebody upstairs had a lot to do with this,” he said. After reaching out to the seller, Chad confirmed the truck’s VIN and learned it had traveled through a few owners before ending up on Facebook Marketplace. Fate was on his side; the listing had only been live for 30 minutes when he spotted it.

Within two weeks, Chad was on a plane to Medford, Oregon, where he finalized the purchase. “They picked me up, and I drove the truck home,” he said.

A Restorative Labor of Love

Once back in Illinois, the first step was ensuring the truck was roadworthy. “That truck was away from us for 15 years … and the guy had only put like 300,000 miles on it in 15 years,” Chad said, amazed at its condition. After driving the W900 for a year, he decided to restore it.

“Cosmetically, I put in new stacks, replaced tanks, and dressed it out real nice,” he explained. Now, the key decision rests on the paint scheme. Should he stick with the yellow Marsha loved or go with his personal preference for black and incorporate yellow accents as a tribute?

“Mom chose that beautiful yellow because of her love for yellow roses,” Chad reflected. “If I do change it, I’ll still keep that color in the frame or somewhere special.”

Carrying the Legacy Forward

For Chad, restoring the W900 isn’t just about memory—it’s about showcasing his family’s legacy in the trucking industry. One of Chad’s father’s dreams was to make it into the Shell Rotella calendar. Now, Chad hopes to complete the truck’s restoration and enter it into the Shell Rotella SuperRigs show.

“That would be the icing on the cake,” Chad said. “Dad was the definition of a true truck driver’s truck driver. Everyone knew it.”

Keeping the Heart of a Family Alive

Today, the W900 symbolizes more than just sentimental value; it represents hard work, dedication, and the enduring love of family. “This truck stays in the family until I die,” Chad stated.

With every mile it travels, Chad Roberson’s W900 serves as a rolling tribute to two generations of truck drivers who made their mark one road at a time. For Chad, it’s not just about the truck—it’s about honoring the extraordinary lives that came before him.

And if the W900 does make it to the Shell Rotella calendar? That would be more than just a win—it would be a legacy fulfilled.

Source: Overdrive

Image: Chad Roberson

The post A Father’s Trucking Legacy Rescued After 15 Years appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

1. “Bandit” Darrell Ward and His Kenworth W900

Darrell Ward, a beloved figure from the reality TV show “Ice Road Truckers,” was known for his fearless driving and larger-than-life personality. Ward’s Kenworth W900, a classic and reliable rig, became synonymous with his name. He was renowned for his ability to navigate the treacherous ice roads of Alaska and Canada, transporting essential supplies to remote areas. Tragically, Ward passed away in a plane crash in 2016, but his legacy as a daring and skilled trucker lives on.

2. “Rubber Duck” and the 1977 Mack RS700L

The 1978 film “Convoy,” directed by Sam Peckinpah, featured the iconic character “Rubber Duck,” played by Kris Kristofferson. The movie was inspired by the 1975 country song “Convoy” by C.W. McCall. Rubber Duck’s truck, a 1977 Mack RS700L, became a symbol of rebellion and camaraderie among truckers. The film and the truck inspired a generation of drivers, embodying the spirit of freedom and adventure on the open road.

3. Jesse James and the Outlaw Garage Custom Trucks

Custom motorcycle builder and TV personality Jesse James turned his attention to trucks with his show “Outlaw Garage.” James is known for his intricate and highly customized trucks, blending art with engineering. One of his notable creations is the “54 Chevy COE,” a heavily modified truck that showcases his unique style and craftsmanship. James’s work continues to inspire truckers and custom builders around the world.

4. Tex Crowley and the “Big Blue” Peterbilt 379

Tex Crowley, a seasoned trucker and social media influencer, has made significant contributions to the trucking community through his YouTube channel and advocacy. Crowley’s “Big Blue,” a Peterbilt 379, is famous for its distinctive appearance and performance. Crowley uses his platform to share insights into the trucking lifestyle, safety tips, and industry news, fostering a sense of community among truckers.

5. Lisa Kelly and Her Kenworth W900

Lisa Kelly, another star from “Ice Road Truckers,” is celebrated for her determination and skill in navigating some of the world’s most dangerous roads. Kelly’s Kenworth W900 is equipped to handle extreme conditions, making it a trusted partner in her challenging journeys. Kelly has become a role model for aspiring truckers, especially women, demonstrating that perseverance and expertise can conquer any road.

6. “Mad” Max Rockatansky and the Mack R-600

In the dystopian world of the “Mad Max” film series, the Mack R-600 truck, driven by the titular character played by Mel Gibson, has become an icon of rugged resilience. The truck, heavily modified for the film, represents survival and resourcefulness in a post-apocalyptic landscape. While fictional, the impact of the Mack R-600 on popular culture and its association with strength and endurance resonates with many in the trucking community.

The stories of these legendary truckers and their famous rigs highlight the passion, ingenuity, and resilience that define the trucking industry. From real-life heroes like Darrell Ward and Lisa Kelly to cultural icons like “Rubber Duck” and “Mad” Max, these figures and their trucks have left a lasting legacy on the road. Their tales continue to inspire and influence truckers and enthusiasts, celebrating the spirit of adventure and the enduring bond between a trucker and their rig.

The post Legendary Truckers and Their Famous Rigs: Stories from the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.