Trucking Honors Its Pioneers as Fleets and Suppliers Give Back

Fifty classic trucks — including 25 Peterbilts hauled in by Geis Dealer Group of Kansas City — filled the American Truck Historical Society headquarters as the industry inducted three founders into its Hall of Fame. The 2026 class of the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame honored Chester R. England of C.R. England, Harold C. Groendyke of Groendyke Transport, and Al Peterman, the man behind Peterbilt. Trucks and trailers representing the inductees lined the ceremony as guests and company representatives looked back on the founders' legacies.

What did the Hall of Fame induction honor?

Tom Mullen, Hall of Fame chair, said the new space and the celebration itself are working as intended. "Chester R. England, Harold C. Groendyke, and Al Peterman each helped shape the trucking industry through their vision and determination," Mullen said. "The Hall of Fame ensures their contributions are remembered, and their stories continue to inspire future generations."

Three names. Three carriers still running freight today. The recognition ties the modern industry back to the people who built it.

Who earned the TCA Highway Angel?

The Truckload Carriers Association named Freymiller driver Loretta Holland a TCA Highway Angel for her actions after a crash outside a Love's Travel Stop in Lake, Mississippi, on August 15. A Toyota SUV left the roadway and struck a group of trees. The female driver was trapped inside with injuries. A male passenger had been thrown through the windshield and lay unresponsive on the ground.

Holland checked on both victims, then focused on the trapped driver, who was conscious but couldn't move her arms or legs. Standing near the passenger door, she kept the woman still and calm until emergency crews arrived.

"I told her, 'Stay calm and do not move. There's emergency people on the way,'" Holland recalled. "I just kept trying to talk to her," asking questions and offering reassurance so the woman knew someone was there.

Mississippi State Trooper Rick Grey later updated Holland on the victims. The driver survived but lost an arm and a leg. The passenger suffered neck injuries and is recovering. "I believe God was in this all the way," Holland said. "I believe He set me up to be there."

How did Fleet Advantage mark a decade with IFDA?

At the 2026 International Foodservice Distributors Association National Championship, Fleet Advantage celebrated its 10th year sponsoring the event's Children's Writing and Drawing Contests, which let young family members recognize drivers and warehouse operators.

"Reaching 10 years of sponsoring the children's contests is a meaningful milestone for Fleet Advantage because it reflects our longstanding appreciation for the families who tirelessly support this industry," said Katerina Jones, the company's chief marketing officer. "It's always inspiring to see how they express their pride in the loved ones they look up to."

Children in second grade and below enter the Drawing Contest with a picture showing why their participant is special to them. The Writing Contest, for third grade and up, asks participants to answer three questions, judged on originality, creativity, and clarity of thought. Writing prizes run across three grade bands — third through fifth, sixth through eighth, and ninth through 12th — with $150 for first, $100 for second, and $75 for third. The Drawing Contest winner received a Fleet Advantage gift basket.

What is Valvoline raising money for?

Valvoline kicked off its annual in-store campaign for Children's Miracle Network, running through November at participating Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Great Canadian Oil Change, and Oil Changers locations. This is the 17th year of a partnership that began in 2009 and has raised nearly $10 million for children's hospitals. Every dollar donated at the register goes to the local children's hospital.

"For 17 years, our team members and customers have helped make a difference for children and families through Children's Miracle Network," said Lori Flees, president and CEO of Valvoline. "We're proud to continue that tradition and invite our customers to join us again this year."

How did Pilot's volunteers show up?

In October, 696 Pilot team members across seven office locations — Knoxville, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Omaha, Orange, and Roswell — worked with 65 nonprofits for Fall Volunteer Day. In Houston, they cooked and served a meal at Magnificat Houses and sorted donated clothing. At Dolly Parton Children's Hospital in Knoxville, they played bingo and Uno with oncology patients and handed out prizes. A team in Richland Hills loaded event equipment for Special Olympics Texas and prepped its warehouse for a move. In Kodak, Tennessee, volunteers assembled 1,000 race packets for a Friends of the Smokies fundraiser. Expect the industry's giving calendar to stay busy through the holidays, with Valvoline's campaign running through the end of November.