Preserving the Past. Inspiring the Future.
The American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) preserves and shares the history of the trucking industry — an industry that has played a central role in shaping modern commerce, transportation, and daily life across North America. Founded in 1971, ATHS is dedicated to documenting and preserving the people, vehicles, and companies that built the trucking industry and the supply chains that sustain the modern economy. Trucking has long been the backbone of freight transportation, moving the majority of goods across North America and connecting farms, factories, and cities. The development of this industry transformed how goods are produced, distributed, and consumed. The story of trucking is therefore not only a story about vehicles — it is also a story about labor, innovation, infrastructure, and economic development.
We preserve American trucking history in several ways:
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The ATHS Library, one of the most significant collections documenting the development of the trucking industry. The collection includes historic photographs, trade publications, company records, technical materials, and other archival resources that support research on transportation, labor, manufacturing, and economic history.
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The ATHS National Convention & Truck Show, one of the largest gatherings dedicated to the living history of the trucking industry. The event brings together hundreds of historic and working trucks, along with enthusiasts, restorers, and industry professionals, to showcase the evolution of trucking through equipment, storytelling, and shared experience. It serves as a dynamic platform for education, community building, and the continued documentation of trucking culture across generations.
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The American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame preserves and shares the stories of the pioneers, engineers, workers, and innovators who built American transportation — documenting not just corporate achievement, but the ingenuity, labor, and diversity of the men and women who shaped one of America's most consequential industries. The Hall draws on the primary source collections of the ATHS Library to tell these stories with depth, accuracy, and the historical significance they deserve.
In addition to preserving historical materials, ATHS works to make this history accessible through publications, educational programming, and the ongoing development of a digital archive that will allow researchers, educators, journalists, and the public to explore these collections. ATHS serves a diverse audience that includes historians, transportation scholars, journalists, educators, students, industry professionals, and individuals interested in the development of modern transportation and commerce.
By preserving the documentary record of the trucking industry, ATHS helps ensure that the stories of the drivers, engineers, companies, and communities that built modern freight transportation remain part of the historical record.
Behind The Mission
ATHS is guided by dedicated leaders, staff, and volunteers committed to preserving the legacy of the trucking industry with integrity and transparency. We invite you to meet our Board and staff, review key governance documents, and explore our Newsroom for the latest organizational updates.