To the Congress of the United States:
I am today transmitting to the Congress legislation to reduce substantially Federal economic regulation over the trucking industry.

The trucking industry today is subject to perhaps more complex, detailed, and burdensome Federal regulation than any other industry in our Nation.

Not only does the Interstate Commerce Commission control who may enter the trucking industry, the ICC must also approve the application of an existing carrier seeking to offer new services or improve its old ones.

Wildfires are already making headlines with towering flames and hazy skies serving as a stark reminder of their destructive power. At the heart of the battle are the trucks and pickups that firefighters rely on to navigate unforgiving terrain, haul water, and carry equipment. These vehicles have their own history, evolving from simple adaptations to specialized machines designed for wildfire suppression.

In the early 1900s, driving in snow or mud was a real gamble. If you lost traction, you improvised—drivers would tie ropes or vines around their wheels just to keep moving. That all changed in 1904 when Harry D. Weed of Canastota, New York, invented and patented the first tire chains. Inspired by the makeshift methods he’d seen, Weed designed metal chains that could be fitted around tires, offering a durable, reusable solution. 

Magirus-Deutz trucks, a rare sight on American highways in the 1970s, trace their roots back to 1866 when Conrad Dietrich Magirus founded the company in Ulm, Germany. Originally focused on building fire apparatus, Magirus became part of Klöckner Humboldt Deutz (KHD) AG in 1936, tying its history to Nicolas Otto, the inventor of the internal combustion engine. The company gained a reputation for rugged designs and the reliable Deutz air-cooled engines.

For truck enthusiasts and history buffs, the 1985 Kenworth W900 Liberty Edition is more than a truck—it’s a rolling tribute to Kenworth’s craftsmanship and American pride. This special-edition model didn’t just haul freight; it symbolized the grit and determination of the industry and the drivers who power it.

When the temperatures drop these days, staying warm is as simple as turning up the thermostat, but back in the early to mid-20th century, it wasn’t so simple. Keeping cozy at home meant having a steady supply of coal on hand—and that’s where the coal delivery process began. Before motorized trucks took the job, horse-drawn carts clattered down icy streets with workers lugging 100-pound sacks of coal to fill basement bins. With coal heating nearly 55% of U.S. homes by 1940, demand surged, and as technology advanced, so did the process. Soon the streets echoed with the rumble of coal trucks, built tough to handle heavy loads and unforgiving weather.

Made you look! That’s not a bulldog up there on the hood—it’s a Huskie. The Brockway Huskie wasn’t just another branding decision—it was a bold move that put a tough, no-nonsense face on some of the most dependable trucks ever built. Yes, we know it's technically spelled Husky, but Brockway had its own way of doing things, and "Huskie" became part of its identity.

Santa may deliver presents across rooftops on his magical sleigh, but on the ground, United Parcel Service (UPS) trucks are the true heroes of the holiday season. Among the earliest package delivery companies in the U.S., UPS has built a legacy of reliability and innovation, ensuring that billions of packages reach their destinations each year. Let’s unwrap the fascinating history of UPS trucks, tracing their evolution from humble beginnings to the advanced vehicles we see today.

Scot Trucks might not have dominated the industry, but these purpose-built rigs carved out a niche in some of the toughest jobs out there from working the oil fields and hauling logs and lumber to tackling construction work— where reliability isn't just important, it's essential.

The Mack MH Ultra-Liner, introduced in 1982, was Mack’s answer to the evolving demands of the cab-over-engine (COE) market. Designed to replace the WS Cruise-Liner, the Ultra-Liner was built with innovation and efficiency in mind, featuring a lightweight fiberglass cab reinforced with a metal frame. This combination reduced weight without sacrificing durability, a practical design for long-haul operators aiming to maximize fuel efficiency.

In the 1950s, Lynden Transport (then known as Lynden Transfer, Inc.) set out on a mission that seemed almost impossible—mastering the rugged, unforgiving terrain of the Alaska-Canada (Alcan) Highway. Headquartered in Washington State, Lynden quickly became a lifeline for remote communities and industries in Alaska, overcoming the challenges of extreme weather, rough roads, and long distances.

Fageol Motors, best known for trucks and buses, took two daring detours into the automotive world—and the results were as bold as they were rare.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in celebrating the passion and dedication of the ATHS community. Your support plays a vital role in preserving trucking history and building a brighter future for truck enthusiasts worldwide. 

Here are just a few ways your contributions make an impact:

The Diamond T 921 was a rugged and adaptable workhorse that made a lasting impression in industries demanding heavy-duty reliability. Produced from the late 1950s through the 1960s, this Class 8 truck became popular in logging, construction, and other heavy-haul applications. Known for its sturdy frame and versatility, the 921 was available in both conventional and cab-over-engine (COE) configurations, though the classic long-nose conventional style was the most iconic.

Did you know the Detroit Diesel 12V71, first introduced in 1957, earned its nickname “Screaming Jimmy” because of the high-pitched whine produced by its Roots-type supercharger forcing air into the engine? This iconic V12 two-stroke diesel wasn’t the only “Jimmy” on the block—it belonged to a larger family of Detroit Diesel engines that revolutionized transportation and industry.

What do you get when you combine two Chevrolet trucks, twin engines, eight-wheel drive, and a whole lot of ambition? In postwar Van Wert, Ohio, Leigh Eisenhauer Sr. had the answer: the Eisenhauer Freighter, a revolutionary prototype truck designed to haul 40,000 pounds with agility, efficiency, and flair. Built for a world hungry for innovation, this bold creation wasn’t just a truck—it was a statement.

Stay connected to the American Truck Historical Society wherever you go with the ATHS Connect mobile app! From truck show calendars to real-time updates and account management, everything you need is right at your fingertips.