ATHS National Convention and Truck Show pays tribute to trucking’s past

The history of trucking was on full display during the American Truck Historical Society’s 2022 National Convention and Truck Show. This year’s convention took place June 9-11 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. According to the ATHS, the event drew about 5,000 visitors per day.

ATHS members from across the country brought nearly 800 trucks to display throughout the fairgrounds. Laurence Gration, executive director of Kansas City, Mo.-based ATHS, says the society is working to preserve more than just the history of trucking.

“As we say, there’s almost nothing in the world that doesn’t touch a truck at some point. It’s got to be delivered – whether it’s interstate or across town or even locally – so the history of trucking is the history of people. It’s what we’re all about,” Gration said.

Trucks of all ages and sizes were invited to be on display during the event, serving as a visual reminder of the long road the industry has traveled. For Gration, it’s that journey that he and others at ATHS are hoping to preserve for future generations.

“Just the dynamics of it. When you think of something like they were doing in the 1920s with rough roads and that sort of thing to the modern highways, it’s just changed so much,” he said. “The economics of it, the hundreds of brands and manufacturers that have been around over the past hundred years – they’re all gone. Same as the old trucking companies. They’re all gone. So someone’s got to remember, and our job is to make sure people remember.”

Visitors filled the seemingly endless rows of meticulously restored and maintained trucks, eagerly snapping photos of their favorites – with quite a few “oohs and ahhs” along the way. Gration says the passion that the owners have in their trucks is evident.

“The passion is amazing. You only need to look around at the trucks to see it. Everybody’s the same. Whether you put a year into it, or a million dollars into it, you want to show it off,” he said. “You really want to show it off, because it’s your pride and joy.”

In addition to all of the historic trucks, attendees browsed vendor booths, received history lessons on the trucking industry and heard presentations on a number of different topics.

Among the presenters was Lewie Pugh, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. Pugh gave those who attended the presentation a history of the Association – from its infancy during the oil embargo of the 1970s to the work they’re doing for drivers today.

OOIDA’s tour truck, the Spirit of the American Trucker, driven by Marty Ellis, was on site throughout the event. Pugh said the two organizations – which often work together – share a mutual respect for the work each does.

“I’d really like to thank the ATHS,” Pugh told those in attendance. “OOIDA and ATHS, we do quite a few things together. We try to support them with our Association. I know they support us, and that means a lot to us.”

Part of the convention included an awards banquet hosted by ATHS on Friday, June 10. At the event, two drivers received golden achievement awards for 50 or more years of personal service to the trucking industry. ATHS members Dan Calverly and Lawrence Dryfhout both received the honor.

Additionally, Kansas City, Mo.-based Gully Transportation was given a 75-year company award. The award is given to companies with 75 years of business in the trucking industry under the same name.

The location for the annual event, which began in 1973, rotates each year. The 2023 convention is scheduled for June 8-10 in Reno, Nev. LL