That announcement sets the tone for a full lineup of concerts and truck-focused activities scheduled throughout the event.

Source: Little Texas

Who is performing at the Walcott Truckers Jamboree this year

Little Texas, known for songs including “God Bless Texas” and “You and Forever and Me,” is scheduled to take the main stage Friday night.

Other performers announced for the main stage include Dani Lynn Howe Band, The Schmidt Brothers, Angela Meyer and the Western Stars, and Shiny Shiny Black.

Concerts on Thursday and Friday will begin at 5 p.m. Super Trucks Lights at Night and fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m. Saturday’s concert will begin at 1 p.m.

Where and when the event takes place

The 48th Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree will be held July 9 through July 11 at the Iowa 80 Truckstop, located off I-80 Exit 284 in Walcott, Iowa.

Admission and parking are free, and shuttle service will be provided from the parking area to the event grounds.

What activities are part of the event

In addition to concerts, the event includes several activities tied to trucking.

These activities are listed as part of the Walcott Truckers Jamboree alongside the concert schedule.

The full schedule of events is available through the event listing.

Frequently asked questions

Q: When is the Walcott Truckers Jamboree?
The event will be held July 9 through July 11.

Q: Who is headlining the event?
Little Texas will headline at 7 p.m. Friday, July 10.

Q: Where is the event located?
The event takes place at the Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott, Iowa, off I-80 Exit 284.

Q: Is there a cost to attend?
Admission and parking are free.

Q: What other activities are included?
The event includes a truck beauty contest, antique truck display, exhibits, cookout, and Trucker Olympics.

The Walcott Truckers Jamboree returns this July with a full schedule of concerts and trucking events, with Little Texas set to headline Friday night.

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: Truckers News

The post Little Texas to Headline Walcott Truckers Jamboree and What Drivers Need to Know About This Year’s Event appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

For fleets and owner-operators, this release provides a way to run a recognizable heritage design on current production trucks without changing performance, specifications, or applications.

What is the Kenworth TourAmerica paint scheme?

The TourAmerica paint scheme is a Kenworth truck design first introduced on the T600 in the 1990s, known for its patriotic styling. The 2026 version retains that recognizable look while updating materials and finishes to match current production standards.

For experienced drivers, it brings back a familiar design. For newer operators, it offers a distinct alternative to standard factory paint options.

The key takeaway is that this is a visual update only and does not affect truck capability or performance.

Which trucks offer the TourAmerica paint scheme in 2026?

The updated TourAmerica paint scheme is available on sleeper configurations of the following Kenworth models:

• T680
• W900L
• W990
• T880

These models are used across long-haul, vocational, and specialized operations.

Limiting the option to sleeper configurations focuses the design on high-visibility equipment typically used for longer routes.

The key takeaway is that operators can adopt this design without changing equipment specs or job function.

Why did Kenworth bring the TourAmerica design back?

Kenworth reintroduced the TourAmerica paint scheme as part of its Freedom 250 initiative, which highlights trucking’s role in supporting the United States ahead of its 250th anniversary in 2026.

This connects a recognizable design from the 1990s with a current national milestone.

The key takeaway is that the release is focused on industry recognition and historical visibility rather than product changes.

What is the Freedom 250 initiative?

The Freedom 250 initiative is a nationwide campaign connected to the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. It highlights American history while recognizing industries, including trucking, that support the movement of goods and communities.

As part of the initiative, Kenworth donated a T680 with a 76-inch sleeper to support related programs.

The key takeaway is that this campaign connects trucking to national outreach and historical recognition.

What are Freedom Trucks?

Freedom Trucks are trucks used as part of the Freedom 250 program to haul mobile museum exhibits across the country throughout 2026.

These mobile museums are traveling exhibits designed to deliver interactive educational experiences to communities nationwide.

The key takeaway is that these trucks support outreach and education while still reflecting the core role of trucking in moving loads across distances.

How will the TourAmerica trucks be used in 2026?

At least one truck tied to the initiative will operate within the Freedom Trucks program, hauling mobile museums across the country.

While this differs from standard freight operations, the function remains consistent with trucking’s role in moving goods between locations.

The key takeaway is that the trucks demonstrate a nontraditional but relevant application of commercial vehicles.

What does this mean for fleets and owner operators?

For fleets and owner operators, the return of the TourAmerica paint scheme is a visual and branding option rather than an operational change.

• No impact on performance or specifications
• Available on current production sleeper models
• Limited edition factory option

This allows operators to differentiate equipment visually without affecting maintenance, compliance, or workload.

The key takeaway is that this is a low-risk way to stand out without operational tradeoffs.

How does the updated design balance tradition and modern trucking?

The updated TourAmerica paint scheme combines a legacy design with modern truck platforms currently in production.

It preserves the original visual identity while aligning with current materials, finishes, and manufacturing processes.

This makes it relevant to both experienced drivers familiar with the original and newer operators entering the industry.

The key takeaway is that the design bridges the past and present without compromising current equipment standards.

Frequently asked questions

What is the TourAmerica paint scheme?
The TourAmerica paint scheme is a Kenworth truck design first introduced in the 1990s and reissued for select 2026 models. It maintains the original styling while updating materials for modern production.

Which Kenworth trucks offer the TourAmerica design?
It is available on sleeper configurations of the T680, W900L, W990, and T880 models.

Is the TourAmerica paint scheme available on all configurations?
No, it is limited to sleeper configurations and offered as a factory option on select models.

What is the Freedom 250 initiative?
It is a national campaign tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026 that highlights industries like trucking and their role in supporting the country.

What are Freedom Trucks?
They are trucks used to transport mobile museum exhibits across the country as part of the Freedom 250 program.

Does the paint scheme affect truck performance or specs?
No, it is a visual option only and does not impact performance, specifications, or capability.

Kenworth’s return of the TourAmerica paint scheme combines a heritage design from the 1990s with modern truck platforms used in current operations. As a limited edition option tied to the Freedom 250 initiative, it provides fleets and owner operators with a way to showcase industry tradition without changing performance, specifications, or capability.

Truck Drivers USA Editorial Team

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content on CDL requirements, safety regulations, pay trends, and daily operations. Each piece is written to provide clear, accurate information drivers can use on the road and in their careers.

Last updated: April 13, 2026

The post Kenworth TourAmerica Paint Scheme Returns: Where It’s Available and What It Means for 2026 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The move reflects a broader push to recognize what it actually takes to handle heavy equipment, move materials, and operate safely in demanding conditions.

A Stronger Focus on the Work Behind the Wheel

Western Star is putting a spotlight on the connection between equipment and the people running it. The company continues to emphasize that performance on the road or jobsite comes down to both.

“The people and the equipment working together are what make this industry work,” said Alex Martin-Banzer, Western Star brand manager.

That message carries through the entire program, which is built to showcase real-world ability rather than just display equipment.

Star Nation Experience Returns in 2026

The Star Nation Experience will return for its fourth year from June 5 through June 8, 2026, in Bend, Oregon. The event brings together operators, dealers, and others connected to trucking for hands-on challenges and team-based competition.

New for 2026 is a head-to-head operator showdown designed to put skills front and center. Participants will take part in off-road challenges and activities that reflect the type of work many operators handle in the field.

The program will also continue its connection with American Truck Simulator, using the platform to reach a wider audience and introduce more people to trucking.

Who Can Take Part

Participation is open to operators with an active Class A CDL, along with members of the American Truck Simulator community across the United States and Canada who are over the age of 21.

Winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the event.

Two returning participants will step into leadership roles as team captains. Ronald Byrd, based in Texas with experience in the oil industry, and Jarett Dorman from British Columbia with a background in crane operations, will help lead the teams during the competition.

Expanding the Role of Dealers

The 2026 event will also bring dealers further into the experience. Two dealers will be selected to attend and bring a customer with them, highlighting how equipment decisions and ongoing support play out beyond the initial purchase.

That addition is intended to strengthen relationships across different parts of the business while showing how each role connects to day-to-day operations.

Building Interest in Trucking Careers

Beyond competition, the larger goal is to bring more attention to trucking as a long-term career option. By showing the level of skill involved and the range of work operators handle, Western Star is aiming to give a clearer picture of what the job actually looks like.

The Star Nation Experience is designed to connect experienced operators with newer entrants and create more visibility around opportunities in the field.

A Broader Industry Effort

Programs like this reflect a growing effort to highlight the people doing the work, not just the equipment being used. Bringing operators, dealers, and newer audiences into the same space helps reinforce the role each plays in keeping freight and materials moving.

With added competition, expanded participation, and a continued focus on real-world skills, the 2026 Star Nation Experience is set to build on that approach while keeping attention on the individuals who make the industry run.

The post Western Star Expands Star Nation Experience to Spotlight Skill and Bring New Attention to Trucking Careers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This year’s event will take place June 25 through June 27 at Bristol Motor Speedway, a venue widely known as “The Last Great Colosseum.” The location is no stranger to large-scale events, hosting everything from major racing series to football matchups and concerts. It also features one of the largest outdoor center-hung four-sided video screens in the world, along with an on-site campground for attendees.

Those planning to enter will want to move quickly. Early registration gives participants access to a reserved parking space and the ability to choose a preferred judging time, according to event organizers.

Sign-ups will stay open until 4 p.m. Central on June 26, or until the field reaches its 125-truck limit, whichever comes first.

The competition continues to draw attention across the trucking world, known for highlighting both appearance and the work behind the wheel. According to a news release, SuperRigs remains one of the industry’s premier events, bringing together the best-looking and hardest-working trucks on the road.

Participants this year will be competing for more than just recognition. The event will award over $25,000 in cash and prizes across more than 20 categories, including the top honor of Best of Show.

In addition, 12 drivers will earn a spot in the 2027 Shell Rotella SuperRigs Calendar, a feature that has become a goal for many entrants over the years.

The event is open to the public and designed to be family-friendly, offering a chance for attendees to get up close with custom rigs and meet the people behind them.

Winners in each category will be selected by a panel of judges, while the Shell Rotella team will determine which trucks make it into the annual calendar.

With limited entry spots and added incentives for early sign-up, this year’s show is expected to fill quickly as anticipation builds for Bristol.

The post SuperRigs Heads to Bristol as Registration Opens for 44th Annual Show appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Drivers who like to park, walk the lot, and swap stories can start mapping out stops now. Owner operators and exhibitors should also be thinking about detailing, polishing, and getting paperwork lined up if they plan to compete.

Below is a full list of confirmed 2026 truck shows across the United States.

February

Florida Trucking Show
Feb. 21–22
Broward County Convention Center
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
www.floridatruckingshow.com

Diesels in the Desert
Feb. 27–28
Firebird Motorsports Park
Chandler, Arizona
www.nhrda.com

March

Vegas Largecar Invitational
March 12–15
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas, Nevada
Facebook

Mid-America Trucking Show
March 26–28
Kentucky Expo Center
Louisville, Kentucky
www.truckingshow.com

April

Stan Silva Sr. Memorial Truck Show
April 18
11260 Commercial Parkway
Castroville, California
Facebook

75 Chrome Shop Truck Show
April 24–26
Wildwood, Florida
www.75chromeshop.com

May

Truckin’ for Kids Charity Show and Drags
May 2–3
Famoso Dragstrip
Bakersfield, California
www.truckinforkids.org

East Coast Truckers Jamboree
May 7–9
Kenly 95 Truck Stop
Kenly, North Carolina
https://kenly95.com/trucker-jamboree/

Large Cars and Guitars
May 8–9
Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol, Tennessee
www.largecarsguitars.com

Make A Wish Mother’s Day Truck Convoy
May 9
Manheim Auto Auction
Manheim, Pennsylvania
https://wish.org/philadesv/37th-annual-mothers-day-truck-convoy

Truckin’ in Tulsa
May 22–23
Tulsa Raceway Park
Tulsa, Oklahoma
www.nhrda.com

Great Lakes Big Rig Challenge
May 22–24
Onaway Speedway
Onaway, Michigan
www.onawayspeedway.com

Nor Cal Spring Fling
May 29–31
Tehama District Fairgrounds
Red Bluff, California
www.norcal-springfling.com

June

ATHS National Convention and Antique Truck Show
June 2–6
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
Springfield, Missouri
www.aths.org

Wheel Jam Truck Show
June 4–7
South Dakota State Fairgrounds
Huron, South Dakota
www.wheeljamtruckshow.com

Sunflower Classic Benefit Show
June 5–7
Garden City, Kansas
Facebook

Antique Truck Club of America Annual Show
June 19–20
Macungie Memorial Park
Macungie, Pennsylvania
https://www.antiquetruckclub.org/

Roy Hubbard Memorial Truck Show
June 19–20
Zippel Park
Gillett, Wisconsin
www.rhmts.com

Midwest Truck Fest by DCT
June 19–20
Lucas Oil Raceway Park
Indianapolis, Indiana
www.midwesttruckfestbydct.com

Shell Rotella SuperRigs
June 25–27
Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol, Tennessee
Facebook

Ohio Vintage Truck Reunion
June 26–27
Ashland County Fairgrounds
Ashland, Ohio
www.ohvintrkreu.com

Southern Idaho Truck Show
June 26–27
Twin Falls County Fairgrounds
Filer, Idaho
www.soidatruckshow.com

Kuhnle Bros. Semi Stampede
June 26–28
Kuhnle Motorsports Park
Thompson, Ohio
www.racekmp.com

July

Walcott Truckers Jamboree
July 9–11
Iowa 80 Truck Stop
Walcott, Iowa
www.iowa80truckstop.com

Dirty Business Truck Show
July 17–18
Ground Mound, Iowa
www.hdequipmentinc.com

Gear Jammer Truck Show
July 17–18
New England Dragway
Epping, New Hampshire
www.gearjammermagazine.com

Gulf Coast Big Rig Truck Show
July 17–18
MS Coast Coliseum and Convention Center
Biloxi, Mississippi
www.gulfcoastbigrigtruckshow.org

Texas Trucking Show
July 25–26
NRG Center
Houston, Texas
www.texastruckingshow.com

August

Badger State Truck’n Show
August 7–8
Baraboo, Wisconsin
www.badgerstatetrucknshow.org

The Midwest Classic
August 14–15
Oakland, Nebraska
Facebook

Big Sky Truck Fest
August 14–15
Yellowstone Dragstrip
Acton, Montana
www.nhrda.com

Great Salt Lake Truck Show
August 14–15
Thanksgiving Point
Lehi, Utah
www.saltlaketruckshow.com

Brooks Truck Show
August 21–22
Pacific Northwest Truck Museum
Brooks, Oregon
www.pacificnwtruckmuseum.org

Keystone LargeCarMag Nationals
August 28–29
Lebanon Valley Expo Center
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Facebook

September

No Coast Large Cars Truck Show
September 5–6
Forest City, Iowa
www.nocoastlargecarstruckshow.com

The Big Iron Classic
September 11–12
Kasson, Minnesota
www.bigironclassic.com

DMF-OH 6 Charity Truck Show and Pull
September 18–19
Randolph, Ohio
Facebook

NHRDA World Finals
September 25–26
Texas Motorplex
Ennis, Texas
www.nhrda.com

Soza Memorial Truck Show
September 25–27
Stanislaus County Fairgrounds
Turlock, California
www.sozamemorialtruckshow.com

October

All Mack Truck Show and Flea Market
October 2–3
Lititz, Pennsylvania
https://allevents.in/lititz/mack-days-2026-truck-show-and-swap-meet-central-pennsylvania-atca/200029597636826

California Trucking Show
October 3–4
Ontario Convention Center
Ontario, California
www.californiatruckingshow.com

LCM Southern Classic Truck Show
October 16–17
Raphine, Virginia
www.largecarmag.com

Bobtail Apparel Truck Show
October 16–17
Dixon, California
www.bobtailapparel.com

November

Stars, Stripes, and White Lines National Championship
November 6–7
Hampton, Georgia
www.sswltruckshow.com

10-4 Trucker Rodeo and Show
November 6–8
Bakersfield, California
www.truckerrodeo.com

With shows nearly every month, drivers can line up loads that put them within a few hours of one or more events. If you compete, now is the time to get the paint corrected, aluminum polished, and paperwork in order. If you attend, plan early parking and check event pages for registration details.

2026 is shaping up to be a busy year for the show circuit.

Source: Truckers News

The post 2026 Truck Show Schedule: Where Drivers Can Catch the Best Rigs Coast to Coast appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

MATS will run March 26 through 28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Registration stays free until the end of February, making it easy for drivers to claim a spot early.

The contest is already underway and runs through Feb. 27. Each week, MATS will pick winners and announce them on its social media pages. Three grand prize winners will be named on Feb. 27. According to the show, this is meant to keep the community engaged and help put a little money back in drivers’ pockets.

Toby Young, president of MATS, explained the idea behind the promotion. “We designed the ‘Share & Win’ contest to be a fun, social way for our community to connect and rally around the show. It’s a great opportunity for attendees to share their excitement and see who else is planning to be there. But most importantly, it’s our way of helping offset the costs of attendance by giving away cash prizes, hotel stays, and VIP access. We want to welcome everyone back to Louisville for MATS 2026.”

Drivers who participate will be in the running for several prizes, including six nights of free hotel stays, twenty-eight hundred dollars in cash awards, VIP access for the 2026 show, and parking passes that cover the entire event.

To qualify, drivers need to register between Dec. 1 and Feb. 27, post the “I’m attending” graphic, and share the weekly post. Full contest rules and the downloadable graphic can be found at truckingshow.com/share.

Source: Truckers News

The post Mid America Trucking Show Opens Registration with New Share and Win Giveaway for Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

MATS will run March 26 through 28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Registration stays free until the end of February, making it easy for drivers to claim a spot early.

The contest is already underway and runs through Feb. 27. Each week, MATS will pick winners and announce them on its social media pages. Three grand prize winners will be named on Feb. 27. According to the show, this is meant to keep the community engaged and help put a little money back in drivers’ pockets.

Toby Young, president of MATS, explained the idea behind the promotion. “We designed the ‘Share & Win’ contest to be a fun, social way for our community to connect and rally around the show. It’s a great opportunity for attendees to share their excitement and see who else is planning to be there. But most importantly, it’s our way of helping offset the costs of attendance by giving away cash prizes, hotel stays, and VIP access. We want to welcome everyone back to Louisville for MATS 2026.”

Drivers who participate will be in the running for several prizes, including six nights of free hotel stays, twenty-eight hundred dollars in cash awards, VIP access for the 2026 show, and parking passes that cover the entire event.

To qualify, drivers need to register between Dec. 1 and Feb. 27, post the “I’m attending” graphic, and share the weekly post. Full contest rules and the downloadable graphic can be found at truckingshow.com/share.

Source: Truckers News

The post Mid America Trucking Show Opens Registration with New Share and Win Giveaway for Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“Join us Feb. 28 – March 3 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Fla., for the truckload industry’s premier event,” TCA said. “From high-impact sessions like this to unmatched networking and celebration of our members, there’s no better place to prepare for the year ahead.” 

Costello is widely regarded as one of the most reliable voices on trucking economics. His session will cover key topics like freight demand, rate trends, consumer spending, inflation pressures, and how global markets can impact U.S. trucking. Drivers and carriers attending will walk away with insights to help plan routes, negotiate rates, and make smarter decisions for 2026. 

“Bob will unpack the trends shaping truckload in the year ahead,” TCA said. “From freight demand and rates to consumer spending, inflation pressures, and the broader global economy. His insights will help you anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and align your strategy with the realities of today’s market.” 

Truckload 2026 also promises entertainment and networking beyond the economic sessions. NFL legend Jimmy Johnson will give the keynote, while Sugar Ray will close out the event with a live performance. Attendees can combine industry learning with a chance to relax and connect with peers from across the country. 

For truck drivers, small fleet operators, and dispatchers, sessions like Costello’s aren’t just numbers on a chart. They provide practical information that can affect pay, freight planning, and business decisions for the year ahead. 

Source: The Trucker 

Image: American Trucking Associations

The post Bob Costello to Break Down Trucking Economy at Truckload 2026 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.