The American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) hosted its annual National Convention and Truck Show in Reno, Nevada, June 8-10. It was a highly successful show, with 837 trucks displayed at the Grand Sierra Resort and over 7,000 admirers on site for the three-day event.

“Reno, Nevada, is always a good show because of its location,” said ATHS Convention Manager Lea Ann Reed. “There is a lot to do and see, but more importantly, everything from vendors, trucks, learning sessions, and meals was in close proximity, making it easy for attendees to find. In addition, off-site tours of Virginia City and Lake Tahoe were also offered.”

Executive Director Laurence Gration has always referred to the event as “a convention with a truck show,” bringing attention to the learning portion of the event. This year, ATHS hosted a record-breaking number of 15 Learning Sessions, which were well-received and attended. ATHS volunteer Tony Martin organized the sessions, even being a speaker himself on a few topics.

“ATHS volunteers are the backbone of the Society,” Gration said. “All speakers are ATHS members with expertise and knowledge in various topics, from the history of manufacturers to ‘how to’ popular sessions.”

More Than Just Show Trucks

The highlight of the Convention is the ATHS Awards Banquet. This year, ATHS had a bountiful number of award winners. The following individuals and companies were honored during the banquet for their involvement and consecutive years of service to the trucking industry:

• Golden Achievement Award honors those with 50 or more years of dedication to the trucking industry: Rudy Drolz (Hoquiam, Washington); Robert Esler (Taylor, Michigan); David Hull (Monroe, Oregon); Thomas Mullen (Linesville, Pennsylvania); Noel Murray (Valley Center, North Dakota); Robert Nuss (Rochester, Minnesota); and Pat Ruble (Forks, Washington).

•  ATHS Distinguished Service Award honors members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to the mission of the Society through their volunteer service at the national level: Bobb Williamson (Rosedale, BC, Canada).

• Chapter Member Service Award honors the commitment and dedication of members of ATHS who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service at the chapter level: Mark and Diane Christensen (Yucaipa, California).

• 50-Year Company Award: Sierra Rental and Transport Company, Inc. and Sterling Truck and Trailer Sales, Ltd.

• • 100-Year Company Award: Lee and Eastes and Kenworth.

The 2023 ATHS scholarship winners were announced during the Awards Banquet. George Schroyer Memorial Scholarship and the Cummins Scholarship recipients are outstanding students who have positively impacted their communities within and beyond their schools. Scholarships were awarded to:

• Nathan Doll (Ohio), grandson of ATHS member John Doll

• Rabeka Liberto (Wisconsin), daughter of ATHS member Steven Liberto

• Rebecca Sabo (Ohio), daughter of ATHS member Brian Sabo.

The American Trucking and Industry Hall of Fame announced its 2023 inductees, who will be honored during an induction ceremony on October 25, 2023, at the ATHS home office in Kansas City, Missouri.

•  American Trucking Association

•  Harry Kent and Edgar Worth, founders of Kenworth Trucks

•  Frank Seiberling, founder of Goodyear Tires

• Al and Don Schneider, founders of Schneider National Truck Line

“ATHS thanks all its volunteers and sponsors for helping make the National Convention & Truck Show successful,” said Gration. “There was a great selection of trucks and trailers to explore different sizes and models, restored and original. ATHS was bursting at the seams with trucks at the GSR for the first time and had to request that no more combos be parked. It’s a good problem to have! Another first was a light show, which was well-received by all truck enthusiasts. We now look ahead to being in the ‘White Rose City’ in York, Pennsylvania, next year. Mark your calendars for June 6-8, 2024.”

Learn more and get involved at ATHS.org.