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SEARCHWestern Star is expanding its Star Nation Experience in 2026, adding new competitions and dealer participation to highlight operator skills and promote careers in trucking.
Western Star highlights the role of professional drivers and industry collaboration as it promotes careers and celebrates operator skill.
Western Star
*Summarized by AI
As the trucking industry addresses ongoing driver shortages, Western Star Trucks is focusing on recognizing the role of professional drivers and operators in the industry.
The company said it aims to highlight the skill and experience required to move materials, operate equipment, and navigate challenging conditions, while increasing awareness of trucking careers among new entrants.
“The people and the equipment working together are what makes this industry work,” said Alex Martin-Banzer, Western Star brand manager.
A lineup of Western Star trucks highlights the strength and versatility of modern heavy-duty trucking.
Western Star
Western Star’s Star Nation Experience, a recognition program for operators, will return for its fourth year June 5-8, 2026, in Bend, Oregon. The event brings together operators, dealers, and industry participants for a series of hands-on activities and competitions.
The 2026 event will introduce a head-to-head operator showdown and continue its partnership with American Truck Simulator, a driving simulation platform aimed at engaging new and younger audiences with trucking.
Two returning participants will serve as team captains:
Participants will take part in off-road challenges and team-based activities designed to highlight operator skills.
The 2026 program will also expand dealer involvement. Two dealers will be invited to attend and bring a participating customer, highlighting the role dealers play in equipment selection and ongoing support.
Western Star said the event is intended to strengthen connections between operators, dealers, and others involved in the trucking industry while promoting awareness of career opportunities.
The Star Nation Experience is an event by Western Star that is being expanded in 2026 to include more competitions and greater participation from dealers, aiming to emphasize operator skills and promote trucking careers.
*Summarized by AI
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