Three more iconic figures in the history of American trucking will be honored later this year.
During its National Convention and Truck Show in Springfield, Missouri, the American Truck Historical Society announced the 2026 inductees for the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame Vice Chair John Vannatta announced during the ATHS awards banquet that the three industry pioneers will be honored during an induction ceremony at the ATHS headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri Thursday, Oct. 22.
This year’s inductees include:
Chester Rodney England, founder of C.R. England. Founded in 1920 by Chester Rodney England and his two sons, C.R. England has grown into one of the nation’s largest asset-based carriers. Today, the company continues to be guided by the values established by its founder: safety, family, community, and honoring the crest through integrity, professionalism, and pride in work.
Harold C. Groendyke, founder, Groendyke Transportation. On July 12, 1932, Harold Groendyke hauled his first load of kerosene from Borger, Texas, to Beaver, Oklahoma with a two-axle Ford truck equipped with a 3,000-gallon tank mounted on a homemade chassis. This first trip marked the beginning of Groendyke Transport, which would grow into one of the nation’s largest and most experienced tank-truck carriers.
Al Peterman, founder, Peterbilt. In 1939, Al Peterman acquired Fageol Motors and renamed it Peterbilt. Since then, Peterbilt has evolved from modifying logging trucks into a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty, medium-duty, and vocational trucks. Throughout its history, the company has consistently incorporated driver feedback and technological innovation into its products.
“The American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame looks forward to welcoming these three icons of the industry and honoring their contributions to society and the economy, said Hall of Fame Chair Tom Mullen. “It is a privilege to recognize these trucking industry pioneers and celebrate their remarkable accomplishments.”
All previous inductees are invited to attend the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame ceremony, which is open to the public.
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