Celebrating the trucks that built Route 66

“ATHS is proud to be an official attraction of the Route 66 Centennial Celebration,” said Courtney Cesar, ATHS convention organizer. “There’s no better way to celebrate Route 66 than with the trucks that helped build it. As a historic hub along Route 66, Springfield provides the perfect backdrop for a gathering that honors the legacy and evolution of trucking.”

The weeklong event begins June 2, when trucks arrive at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, with the main show scheduled for June 4-6. Springfield, a historic stop along Route 66, is a fitting host city as the iconic highway reaches its centennial. The event is recognized as an official attraction of the Route 66 Centennial Celebration.

What to expect at the show

Attendees can view hundreds of trucks, from meticulously restored classics to rare working rigs, each representing decades of craftsmanship and trucking history.

“Each of these trucks has its own story and craftsmanship,” said Peter Wild, ATHS convention committee chair. “The convention provides a welcoming space for all trucking enthusiasts to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and share the passion for trucking history during the show and at special events throughout the week.”

Activities beyond the trucks

The convention offers educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations, vendor exhibits, and an evening light show featuring the trucks. Attendees can also enter a raffle for a chance to win VIP tickets to a NASCAR race at Kansas Speedway in September.

Visitors can explore Springfield’s Route 66 landmarks, including the Route 66 Visitor Center, local museums, and roadside attractions such as the World’s Largest Fork and the Birthplace of Route 66 sign.

Thanks to volunteers and sponsors

ATHS credits its volunteers, sponsors, and supporters for making the event possible. Sponsors include Cummins, Mack Trucks, Kenworth, Vander Haag’s, Iowa 80, CAT Scale, Truckomat, Clark Freight, Reiselt’s Machine Works, Gully Transportation, and the Sercombe family.

More information and registration details are available here or through the ATHS Connect mobile app.

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The hall of fame is open to the public and celebrates the careers and achievements of industry leaders who have made a lasting impact on trucking.

On October 22, ATHS welcomed its fifth class of honorees:

• Roy Carver – Carver founded Bandag Incorporated in 1957, creating a tire retreading system and building the company’s first finishing line. Today, Bandag has more than 1,700 dealers worldwide.
• Lewis Semple Clarke – Clarke built the “Autocar No. 1” in 1897, now housed in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Autocar is the oldest vehicle nameplate in the U.S. and the only truck manufacturer dedicated entirely to severe-duty vocational applications.
• Joseph Morten – In 1936, Joe Morten & Son Inc. launched to help truckers navigate new state and federal regulations. The company remains a leading commercial trucking insurance agency with over 9,000 customers across 46 states.

“This year, we found three candidates we thought were really worthy,” said Tom Mullen, ATIL Hall of Fame chair. “There are many more out there, and we look forward to honoring them in 2026 and beyond. It really does speak to the history of the industry, and that’s really what we’re all about.”

The new inductees bring the hall of fame’s total to 18 members, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

Past Honorees Include:

• 2024: John Ruan (Ruan Transportation), Marvin Rush (Rush Enterprises), Frederick McKinley Jones (Thermo King), Robert Young (ABF Freight)
• 2023: Harry Kent and Edgar Worthington (Kenworth), Al and Don Schneider (Schneider National Inc.), Ted Rogers (American Trucking Associations), Frank Seiberling (Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company)
• 2022: Bill and Carolyn Moon (Iowa 80), Leland James (Freightliner Trucks), Earl and Lillian Congdon (Old Dominion Freight Line)
• 2021: Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Clessie Lyle Cummins (Cummins Engine Co.), John Jack and Gus Mack (Mack Trucks Inc.), Dave Nemo (Radio Nemo)

For truckers, the ATIL Hall of Fame is more than a tribute. It’s a reminder of the people who built the industry and the innovations that continue to keep trucks on the road across America.

Source: Land Line Media

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The answers? They paint a vivid picture of grit, resourcefulness, and a kind of unity that’s hard to come by today. Here’s what our drivers had to say.

Maps, Payphones, and Handwritten Directions

Before GPS and smartphones, trip planning was a skill—and a serious one. Many drivers recalled flipping through a Rand McNally atlas, deciphering handwritten directions, and hoping they didn’t miss a turn.

• Clayton Willard said, “Running multiple log books and how an Atlas works.”
• Shauna Alfred echoed that: “HAVING A MAP… AND ACTUALLY KNOWING how to read one.”
• Donna Marie Csontos added, “GPS was fairly new when I started 13 years ago and you had to use both [map books and GPS]. Plus some common sense.”
• Dan Richards and Chris Olson both remembered the road atlas as a crucial tool—Chris noting, “Try 40 years ago with a road atlas, a roll of quarters, a notebook and a pay phone.”
• John Shakkar Settineri reminded us of another time-tested habit: “Calling dispatch from a payphone.”
• John Taylor said, “Buying a calling card. Waiting for the pay phone.”
• David Williams added, “Pay phone rooms, or waiting for a table in the restaurant that had a phone.”

Brotherhood and Respect on the Road

One of the most common themes in the responses was camaraderie—a bond many drivers say has faded over time.

• Harold R Magoon said, “Drivers actually worked together and saw it as a brotherhood.”
• Lori Sheridan shared a heartfelt memory: “A driver could be on the side of the road, on the radio asking if anyone had a simple tool, say vice grips… another driver stops to help fix the problem, and both go down the road to have coffee together before running together on their route.”
• Troy Tidmore added, “Drivers helping out each other more.”
• Scott Krauss reflected on the days of “CB use, The Truckers Brotherhood… sharing of the road and road info.”
• Mark Ryan noted the “respect for the road and the fellow truckers,” and even gave a nod to the “camaraderie” many now miss.
• Freddie Sturdivant reminded us: “If you got on the CB radio and asked for local directions, you would get help.”
• Shelly Sparrow summed it up: “Log books, family, CB, hazardous work but appreciated, respect.”

Life Before Screens and E-Logs

Several drivers talked about a time before everything went digital. That meant paper log books, real conversations, and fewer digital distractions.

• Jack Ables said, “I ran two or three different log books… only way to make money in the 80s and 90s.”
• Jeff Fowler echoed: “Running two log books.”
• John Durrell brought up another detail: “Loose leaf.”
• Harold Dorsey said it best: “Literally anything that doesn’t involve a screen of some type.”
• Claude Venable offered a more humorous reflection: “Also the English language.”
• Kevin Petersen noted the difference in “what it took to communicate.”
• H. Kline shared, “People actually talked to each other when traveling.”
• Dan Hakala remembered CB chatter fondly: “Some real comical characters out there, and for the most part the language was civil.”

Respect, Presentation, and Hard Work

Respect for the craft and each other was a running theme.

• Sandra Willoughby recalled when truckers “were dressed to impress the customers and proudly represent their company.”
• Robert McNeely, Tony Byrne, and Marvin Kelly each pointed to a single missing value today: “Respect.”
• Charlie Arnold noted the “hard work and stern discipline” that defined the era.
• Bill Garrett summed it up with some humor: “You had to know how to grab gears and didn’t wear flip flops.”
• James Benedict said simply: “Work boots.”
• Cynthia Morse added: “Common courtesy.”
• Robert Piaczynski threw in another lost virtue: “Patience.”
• Deborah Merrin Goodall and Pedro Diaz both mentioned another fading skill: “Driving a manual.”
• Will Lavander emphasized the “clutch pedal and stick shift.”
• Donald Pearrell added: “No air conditioning and only manual transmission.”

What We’re Missing Now

Some drivers went beyond specific memories to reflect on what’s been lost over time:

• Mary Miller said, “Why mom always read a road map…”
• Rena Vance put it simply: “You had to find a location with nothing but written directions, no GPS!”
• Claude Venable and others gave a shoutout to the CB radio—a lifeline and a community builder.
• Gail Lohoff may have said it best with just one word: “Freedom!!!!!”

Times change. Technology evolves. But listening to veteran drivers reminisce shows just how much heart, skill, and community once defined life on the road. For the next generation, these stories serve as a reminder: trucking isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It’s a lifestyle built on independence, hard-earned respect, and real connections.

What do you remember about life on the road back in the day? Share your stories with our Facebook community.

The post What Today’s Kids Will Never Understand About Life on the Road appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“The Madison show was everything ATHS stands for,” said Peter Wild, the 2025 Convention Chair from Newton, Kansas. “With 870 beautifully preserved trucks and trailers, hands-on demonstrations, and learning sessions, trucking history came alive. Best of all, we swapped stories with friends old and new from around the globe.”

Held at the Alliant Energy Center, the convention offered an all-in-one venue for attendees. “The Alliant Energy Center was the perfect one-stop venue,” said Courtney Cesar, ATHS Convention Manager. “Having show trucks, vendors, learning sessions, and events under one roof — and within walking distance of hotels — made the event seamless for attendees.”

Golden Achievement Awards

During the awards banquet, ATHS honored truckers with its prestigious Golden Achievement Awards, which celebrate over 50 years of dedication to the trucking industry. This year’s recipients included:

• Louis Binder – Morris, Illinois
• Dennis Chapman – Diamond Bar, California
• Robert Charney – Surprise, Arizona
• Dave Everett – Columbus, Nebraska
• Steve Haberland – Cody, Wyoming
• Stroud Hollinshead – West Fargo, North Dakota
• Bill Harris – Olathe, Kansas
• Chris Schatz – Worland, Wyoming
• Todd Spencer – Oak Grove, Missouri

Scholarship Awardees

Several scholarships were also presented during the event, supporting future leaders in trucking and related fields.

George Schroyer Memorial Scholarships (funded by ATHS members):

• Rabeka Liberto (Kansasville, Wisconsin) – Child of ATHS member Steven Liberto
• Lucas Massei (Brooklyn, Wisconsin) – Child of ATHS member Marco Massei

Cummins Scholarship:

• Lily Stackpole (Cushing, Maine) – Grandchild of ATHS member Robert Stackpole

Lewis Semple Clarke Educational Fund (funded by The Autocar Co. and ATHS Autocar Division):

• Arantza Montserrat (Birmingham, Alabama) – Child of Autocar employee Juan Antonio Rivero Camacho

Hall of Fame Inductees

ATHS also revealed the 2025 inductees to its Hall of Fame, who will be honored on October 22 at its Kansas City, Missouri headquarters. The inductees are:

• Roy Carver, Bandag
• Lewis Semple Clarke, Autocar
• Joseph Morten, Great West Casualty Insurance

“We’re deeply grateful to the volunteers and sponsors who make the National Convention & Truck Show possible,” said John Gravley, ATHS Executive Director.

This year’s ATHS Convention embodied the spirit of trucking history, bringing together enthusiasts from around the globe to honor the past and inspire the future of the industry.

Image Source: ATHS
Source: Truckers News

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“There is plenty of trucking history in Wisconsin, and we are ready to make memories with our members and all who love trucks,” shared Courtney Cesar, ATHS Convention Manager. “You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and hopefully, you will leave being passionate about trucking history.”

Highlights of the 2024 ATHS National Convention

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience featuring:

• 1,000 Stunning Trucks & Trailers: From vintage classics to modern marvels, you’ll see a diverse display of trucks and trailers in all shapes and sizes.
• Vendor Expo: Shop, explore, and connect with industry-leading vendors offering top-notch products and services.
• Educational Sessions: Gain insights from industry professionals during engaging educational discussions.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow enthusiasts and make valuable industry connections.

“You’ve got to come to Madison and experience our event, and you will understand why many ‘come for the trucks and join for the people,’” said Peter Wild, ATHS Convention Committee Chair. “We anticipate a very good showing.”

Special Events

Beyond the incredible truck show, attendees can look forward to:

• Kickoff Party
• Light Show
• Guided Tours
• Awards Banquet with Industry Honors

ATHS Executive Director John Gravley captured the essence of the event perfectly, saying, “While the diverse display of trucks is a major highlight, the true magic lies in the ATHS reunion, where old friends reconnect, and new friendships blossom, creating an irresistible pull for everyone to return year after year.”

Admission and Registration

Don’t miss out! Secure your spot today.

Key Details:

• Cost:
  • $15 for ATHS members
  • $20 for non-members
  • Free for children under 12
• Admission includes access to the truck show, vendor expo, and all educational sessions.

Important Deadlines:

• Early Registration Ends: Sunday, May 11 (for those displaying trucks or attending optional events).
• On-Site Registration Begins: June 3 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Register online to take advantage of ATHS member discounts, or call 816-891-9900 for assistance.

Make Memories and Celebrate Trucking History

Whether you’re drawn to the impressive trucks, eager to learn from experts, or excited to connect with like-minded enthusiasts, this convention has something for everyone. Join the reunion this June and see why so many return year after year!

For more details, visit the ATHS website and get ready to experience the best of trucking history.

Source: Land Line
Image Source: ATHS

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Bringing a Classic Back to Life

The 1984 Mack R Model, originally custom-built for Johnny Prescott and Son Oil in Concord, New Hampshire, holds a special place in Mack’s legacy. For Grayce, restoring it was more than just a challenge; it was a personal mission.

“I’ve always preferred older trucks over new, and to me, there is nothing cooler than an old dog that looks new,” said Emmick. “Growing up around Mack trucks made it easy to fall in love with the brand. The first Mack I sat behind the wheel of is a 1985 R Model that has been on our farm since 1992.”

The year-long restoration project showcased a delicate balance of preserving history while incorporating subtle modern updates. The truck still boasts its original steering wheel cap, engraved with “Custom Built for Johnny Prescott Oil Co.,” and vintage Mack bulldog mirror ornaments featuring their distinctive long ears and tails. It’s a stunning example of how tradition can meet innovation.

An Icon in the World of Trucking

Doug Maney, curator of the Mack Trucks Historical Museum, hailed the significance of this restoration effort.

“The Mack R Model series is iconic in trucking history, creating the benchmark for American transportation from 1965 and maintaining it through the mid-2000s,” Maney explained. “The fact that our trucks are not just dependable tools is reinforced by the R model, generating a source of pride for their owners. Grayce’s influence and hands-on effort, preserving original details while thoughtfully modernizing others, helps us tell the story of Mack’s heritage and the evolution of trucking in America.”

Powered by Passion and Community

The restoration was made possible by the enthusiastic support of Mack fans and the trucking community. Jim Rymes of J & H Rymes and Daughters in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, donated the truck used as the base of the project. Gregg Hoffman with Underdog Transport in Bangor, Pennsylvania, volunteered to haul the truck to Grayce’s farm in Kentucky for the restoration.

“Mack fans are loyal, dedicated, and supportive,” said Maney. “The Mack brand roots itself into people just as it has American and world history.”

It didn’t stop there. Grayce’s partner, Gavin Spoor, also contributed to the project by donating a fifth wheel from his own truck, a vehicle that played a pivotal role in their relationship during a memorable 10-hour drive from Texas.

“Mack Trucks has been an integral part of my story, and being able to donate to their legacy is nothing short of empowering to me,” Grayce reflected.

Preserving History for Future Generations

The restored Mack R Model isn’t just a truck; it’s a testament to the fusion of craftsmanship and passion, bridging generational gaps in the trucking industry.

“We’re honored to welcome this historic R Model into our collection,” said Maney. “What makes this donation particularly special is how it bridges generations, combining the craftsmanship of Mack’s past with the passion of a young enthusiast who understands the importance of preserving our trucking heritage. It will serve as an inspiring example to museum visitors of Mack’s enduring quality and the continuing legacy of our favorite brand.”

A Restoration Journey Captured on Video

The restoration process unfolded publicly through a YouTube series, allowing viewers to follow Grayce’s meticulous work step by step. Through triumphs and challenges, the series emphasized the importance of learning by doing, a value Grayce holds close to her heart.

“Through the restoration series and seeing the end result in the museum, I hope visitors and viewers can appreciate the learning process,” she explained. “Nobody wants to learn the hard way, but sometimes that’s necessary to understand your limits, what you need to improve on, and how you can do better.”

A Farm with a Rich History

Grayce’s restoration work is deeply rooted in her personal history. As part of the eighth generation to run Emmick Farms, established in 1813 along the Ohio River in Lewisport, Kentucky, she carries on a legacy that spans more than two centuries. The farm, known for its corn, soybeans, and winter wheat, is steeped in history. Its riverbank was once home to Abraham Lincoln’s ferry business, where Abraham Lincoln won his first court case, forever shaping his political career.

Mack Trucks Historical Museum

The restored 1984 Mack R Model now proudly resides in the Mack Trucks Historical Museum, located within the Mack Experience Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This nonprofit museum celebrates its 40-year history of preserving and showcasing Mack’s invaluable contributions to American industry.

The 15,000-square-foot facility houses an impressive collection of 30 operational vintage vehicles, alongside archives that hold over 40 million pages of documents detailing Mack’s role in pivotal moments, from World War I to iconic infrastructure projects such as the Hoover Dam and the New York City subway system.

Visitors to the museum can now view Grayce’s remarkable restoration effort in person, joining the museum’s lineup of historical artifacts that tell the story of Mack’s dedication to excellence and innovation.

For more information about the Mack Trucks Historical Museum and its latest addition, visit Mack Trucks Historical Museum.

Source: The Trucker

Image: Grayce Emmick (Source: Mack)

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Kenworth confirmed the news, acknowledging that discontinuing these iconic models was a tough decision but necessary due to changing industry standards. Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing, expressed, “We know these legacy Kenworth models are an integral part of our history here at Kenworth, which makes this decision a difficult but necessary one as we enter the next era of trucking.” Haygood also shared that Kenworth will issue a final call for build orders later in the year, urging dealers and customers to submit orders as soon as possible.

Haywood said the W900 has been “truly historic in that it’s helped shape North American trucking culture and tradition as we know it today… We look forward to seeing them on our roads and at truck shows for many years to come.”

Original Story Follows:

Kenworth will phase out the W900L, W900B, T800W, and C500 models due to stricter emissions regulations and other factors. A source recently confirmed that the company is expected to officially announce the discontinuation soon, with details likely to be released around the Mid-America Trucking Show.

The W900’s discontinuation has been anticipated for some time. Kenworth debuted the model in 1961, and it has since become a staple in the trucking industry, particularly among owner-operators. However, tightening emissions standards are pushing Kenworth to discontinue these models.

Chuck Peterman, Vice President of Sales at the Inland Kenworth dealer network, addressed the future of the W900 and manual transmissions in a video released in late January. Peterman explained, “The W900 has been Kenworth’s flagship model for decades… In recent years, the W900 has seen a precipitous drop in build volumes as many small operators who preferred the truck unfortunately have left the industry. Fleets have demanded more aerodynamic offerings, and the government has made it increasingly difficult for Kenworth to meet their regulatory mandates.”

Despite the looming end of the W900 production, Peterman noted that current W900 models could see an increase in value. He stated that this change “makes current trucks even more valuable from an image, pride, and resale standpoint.” He assured customers that Inland Kenworth would continue to meet W900 demand for the time being but emphasized that this would change in the future.

Peterman also discussed the fate of manual transmissions in future Kenworth models. He stated that every truck produced by Kenworth has a greenhouse gas score, which improves with more aerodynamic models like the T680. He assured customers that manual transmission components would be available as long as possible despite the company’s focus on meeting stricter emission and efficiency standards.

As Kenworth prepares for the next chapter, the W900’s place in trucking history remains undeniable, and its eventual farewell marks the end of an era for many drivers.

Source: Overdrive

Image Source: Matt Cole

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“There are some impressive female trailblazers who have made significant contributions to the trucking industry,” shares Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, President and CEO of the Women in Trucking Association (WIT).

Source: Women in Trucking

The trucking industry holds a rich history of extraordinary women who defied expectations and left lasting legacies. Here are just a few of the inspiring pioneers who revolutionized the field.

Bertha Benz (1849–1944)

Although not directly tied to trucking, Bertha Benz’s influence on motorized transportation is indisputable. She played a crucial role in the evolution of motor vehicles, financially backing her husband Karl Benz’s automotive invention. Bertha’s bold decision to take an unprecedented test drive in 1888 highlighted the potential of motorized vehicles to reshape travel and logistics, ultimately laying the groundwork for the modern trucking industry.

Marie Luhring (1899–1970)

Marie Luhring shattered gender norms as one of America’s first female truck designers. Overcoming the odds, she became the first female associate of the American Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) in 1920. Her groundbreaking work at the International Motor Company opened doors for women in the field of automotive and truck engineering, inspiring numerous generations of female designers to follow her lead.

Lillie Elizabeth Drennan (1897–1974)

Lillie Drennan holds the distinction of being the first licensed female truck driver in the United States. Co-founding Drennan Truck Line in 1929, she managed her Texas-based trucking company for over 24 years despite facing significant prejudice. Drennan’s unwavering determination and business acumen showed that talent and skill—not outdated notions of gender—define success in trucking.

Luella Bates (1897–1985)

When World War I left gaps in the workforce, Luella Bates rose to the challenge. Initially serving as a truck mechanic, Bates soon became the first woman officially hired as a truck driver by the Four Wheel Drive Auto Co. in Wisconsin. She excelled as both a test and commercial driver, proving that women could master demanding roles within the industry. Post-war, Bates championed women in trucking, urging them to enter and thrive in the field.

Women Driving Progress Today

Modern leaders are taking the torch from past pioneers, spearheading innovation and pushing for inclusivity within the trucking industry. The Women in Trucking Association recognizes these forward-thinking professionals through honors like the Influential Women in Trucking and Distinguished Woman in Logistics awards.

Tracy Rushing – RE Garrison Trucking

Tracy Rushing stands out as a key voice in trucking safety and workforce equality. Serving as Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting at RE Garrison Trucking, Rushing has integrated advanced safety measures and driven initiatives to increase women’s participation in the field. Her efforts have been widely recognized, including her 2024 Influential Woman in Trucking award from WIT. A member of organizations like the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), Rushing exemplifies the balance of innovation and inclusivity needed for the industry’s future.

Shelley Simpson – J.B. Hunt Transport

Shelley Simpson’s career at J.B. Hunt Transport reflects consistent leadership excellence. Starting as a customer service representative in 1994, Simpson rose through the ranks to become President and CEO. She’s played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s business operations and technology innovations, including the development of J.B. Hunt 360°, a proprietary platform aimed at increasing freight efficiency. Her career path demonstrates how understanding every level of a business can lead to impactful, forward-thinking leadership.

Honoring Women’s Contributions to Trucking

Women have had—and continue to have—a profound impact on the trucking industry. From historic pioneers like Luella Bates and Lillie Drennan to modern change-makers like Tracy Rushing and Shelley Simpson, these women are challenging stereotypes, driving innovation, and reshaping the industry landscape for future generations.

Their stories remind us that success depends on talent and perseverance, not gender. To explore more about influential women shaping the trucking industry, visit resources provided by the Women in Trucking Association.

Source: Women in Trucking

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Bill Moon: The King of the Long Haul

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to truly live on the road, look no further than Bill Moon. Back in the 1950s, this guy wasn’t just driving. He was dominating the highways. Bill made long hauls look easy, but he was also one of the first to speak up about trucker rights—back when safety standards weren’t what they are now. He was a big voice in the Long Haul Truckers Association, fighting for better working conditions and safer roads, knowing how hard life could be for drivers out there.

Bill didn’t just haul freight—he made sure others could do it more safely and with more respect. His work paved the way for the safety regulations we often take for granted today.

Smokey Smith: A Trucking Advocate Who Made Sure Drivers Were Heard

Before the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) became what it is today, Fred “Smokey” Smith was already fighting for the rights of independent drivers. In the 1970s, Smokey realized that truckers were being overlooked, and he wasn’t about to stand for it. He saw that owner-operators, especially, were getting the short end of the stick, and he took action by founding OOIDA, which to this day continues to represent the independent driver.

His legacy isn’t just about the battles he fought—it’s the fact that truckers have a voice in the halls of government today, thanks to Smokey. He helped ensure that independent drivers weren’t left behind and gave them a platform to push for better pay, safer working conditions, and fair treatment.

Johnny McKnight: Pushing the Limits with Speed and Skill

Speed records don’t mean much if you don’t have the skills to back them up, but that’s where Johnny McKnight came in. Back in the 1960s, Johnny wasn’t just about going fast—he was about doing it safely. McKnight set a bunch of speed records, showing that you didn’t have to sacrifice safety for speed. He proved that truckers could go the distance, not just in mileage but in skill, without cutting corners.

In an industry where speed and efficiency are essential, Johnny showed the world that it was possible to push the limits while staying in control. If you’ve ever put your pedal to the floor on an empty highway and felt the rush, you know exactly what Johnny was about.

The Everyday Drivers Who Keep the Country Moving

It’s easy to look at the legends of the industry and forget the thousands of truckers who are still putting in the work every single day. The drivers you see on the road, hauling everything from food to medicine, are the backbone of America’s trucking industry. They don’t get the headlines or the recognition, but without them, nothing moves.

These everyday truckers, the ones who never get their names in lights, are what keep this country rolling. They sacrifice time with family, deal with endless miles, and face all kinds of weather, all to make sure that the goods we rely on make it from point A to point B.

Honoring the Legacy: It’s Your Turn

The trucking industry wasn’t built by the folks in offices or the companies behind the fleets—it was built by drivers who cared about their work and the people they were working for. Every time you hit the road, you’re walking in the footsteps of giants who helped make this career what it is.

The next time you pull into a rest area or roll down an empty stretch of highway, remember that you’re part of a legacy of drivers who have shaped America’s roads, and you’re continuing the work they started.

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A Glimpse Into the Origins of CB Radios and Handles

The story of CB radios begins in the 1940s, when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated certain radio frequencies for personal and professional use. Truckers were among the first to adopt this technology, using CB radios as a tool for long-distance communication and real-time updates during their travels. Out of this practice grew CB handles—personalized nicknames that truckers would use to chat over radio waves. Over time, what began as practical communication morphed into a tradition deeply rooted in trucker culture. These handles not only helped drivers identify each other but also created an air of familiarity and camaraderie between individuals navigating the highways.

The 1970s Boom of CB Radios and Handles

Truckers and CB radios gained significant cultural visibility throughout the 1970s. This era marked the “Golden Age” of CB radios due in part to the growing popularity of trucker culture, exemplified by entertainment hits like Smokey and the Bandit (1977). During this period, CB handles became a form of self-expression. Drivers adopted monikers that were often inventive, funny, or reflective of their personality, such as “Bandit,” “Little Red,” and “Big Rig.” These names weren’t just about being recognizable on the airwaves—they became a proud symbol of the independence, resilience, and individuality that defined the trucking lifestyle during this iconic decade.

The Decline of CB Radios in a Digital Age

However, as communication technologies changed in the late 1990s and 2000s, CB radios began losing ground. With the advent of mobile phones, GPS systems, and other tech-savvy tools, truckers started turning to these new methods for easier and more efficient communication. Consequently, the tradition of using CB handles also started to fade. Drivers began relying on formal names or vehicle numbers, and fewer newcomers adopted CB handles, causing a gradual decline in their prevalence.

A Revival of CB Radios and Trucker Handles

Despite their decline, CB radios remain a trusted tool for many long-haul truckers, especially in rural areas where cell service is unreliable. Recent years have even seen a revival, as drivers rediscover the unique benefits CB radios provide. Alongside this renewed interest, CB handles have made a comeback, offering truckers a way to hold onto a treasured tradition while reflecting modern sensibilities. Today’s truckers are proving that creativity and tradition can co-exist as they adapt these classic nicknames to fit current times.

The Enduring Legacy of CB Handles

Over the decades, CB handles have transformed from a practical necessity to a cultural emblem of the trucking profession. They represent more than just a way to communicate—they highlight the adaptability and resilience of trucker culture itself. Although technology continues to change how truckers stay connected, CB handles have stood the test of time, offering both functional value and a deeply symbolic expression of camaraderie.

The post How CB Handles Shaped Trucking Culture: A Look at the Evolution from Then to Now appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.