KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) will induct Chester Rodney England, Harold C. Groendyke and Al Peterman into the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame.
“The ceremony will honor three founders whose contributions helped shape the trucking industry,” AHTS said. “Representatives from C.R. England, Groendyke Transport and Peterbilt will attend and accept the honors on behalf of their respective founders.”
Event Details
- What: 2026 American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
- When: Thursday, Oct. 22; social gathering at 11 a.m.; luncheon at noon; ceremony at 1 p.m.
- Where: American Truck Historical Society, 10380 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, Mo. 64153.
Chester Rodney England | Founder, C.R. England
Chester Rodney England founded C.R. England in 1920 and built the business with his two sons. The company grew into a nationally recognized carrier, guided by its founder’s emphasis on safety, family, community, integrity and pride in work.
Harold C. Groendyke | Founder, Groendyke Transport
On July 12, 1932, Harold C. Groendyke hauled his first load of kerosene from Borger, Texas, to Beaver, Okla., in a two-axle Ford truck equipped with a 3,000-gallon tank mounted on a homemade chassis. That trip marked the beginning of Groendyke Transport, which grew into one of the nation’s largest tank truck carriers.
Al Peterman | Founder, Peterbilt
Al Peterman established Peterbilt in 1939 after acquiring Fageol Motors. Drawing on his experience modifying trucks for logging operations, Peterman helped lay the foundation for a manufacturer known for heavy-duty, medium-duty and vocational trucks. Driver feedback and technological innovation have continued to shape the company’s products.
“Through the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame, ATHS preserves and shares the stories of pioneers whose work helped advance trucking and commercial transportation,” ATHS said. “The program is supported by members, corporate partners and individual donors committed to preserving that legacy.”
Join ATHS for the Oct. 22 celebration or learn more at atilhalloffame.com.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe.
