Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Nov. 2, 2026:
C.R. England, Groendyke, Peterbilt founders inducted into trucking HOF
2026 American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame inductees, left to right: Bryon Kelling, assistant director of marketing, accepting on behalf of Peterbilt; Dan England, chairman of the board, accepting on behalf of C.R. England; and Greg Hodgen, CEO, accepting on behalf of Groendyke Transport.Photo courtesy of Land Line Media
The founders of three iconic trucking companies were recently inducted by the American Truck Historical Society into the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held on Oct. 22, 2026, at ATHS headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.
The 2026 class honored Chester R. England, founder of C.R. England (CCJ Top 250, No. 32); Harold C. Groendyke, founder of Groendyke Transport (No. 84); and Al Peterman, founder of Peterbilt. Each helped shape the industry through vision, determination and a commitment to moving America forward, ATHS said.
The celebration brought together guests and representatives of the inductees’ companies to reflect on the honorees’ accomplishments and lasting influence. Trucks and trailers representing the inductees added a fitting backdrop to the day.
The celebration featured 50 trucks, including 25 Peterbilts brought by Geis Dealer Group in Kansas City, to tribute Peterman.ATHS
The new Hall of Fame space was warmly received by guests, who also enjoyed touring ATHS headquarters and exploring its collections.
“We’re pleased with the response to our new Hall of Fame space and this year’s celebration,” said Hall of Fame Chair Tom Mullen. “Chester R. England, Harold C. Groendyke and Al Peterman each helped shape the trucking industry through their vision and determination. The Hall of Fame ensures their contributions are remembered and their stories continue to inspire future generations.”
A video tribute highlighting each of the inductees can be viewed here:
TEL breaking ground on new Texas location, the company’s largest
Equipment leasing company TEL will break ground on a new Palmer, Texas, location on Nov. 5, marking a major step in the company's strategic expansion into the Southwest.
The facility is scheduled to open in Q1 of 2028 with a state-of-the-art reconditioning center and retail super center for commercial trucks and trailers.
Located on 48 acres with significant frontage along I-45, the Palmer campus will be TEL's largest facility to date, with space for more than 1,500 trucks and trailers. The site’s Ellis County location and proximity to Dallas and Fort Worth will provide carriers and customers across Texas, the Southwest and nearby states convenient access to the thousands of pieces of equipment TEL offers for sale or lease, the company said.
“Palmer gives us the right combination of size, access and position in the market,” said Aaron Thompson, Vice President of Asset Management at TEL. “We evaluated this location for how well it serves our customers, how efficiently equipment moves in and out, and how much room it gives us to grow. With this much acreage and frontage along I-45, Palmer checks every box, and we're excited to get construction underway.”
The campus will include two key facilities:
- A 60,000-square-foot reconditioning center, designed for the repair and refurbishment of trucks and trailers.
- A separate retail super center with 6,000 square feet of interior space, dedicated to used truck and trailer buyers.
The location is also closer to manufacturers that have facilities in Texas and Mexico, reducing unnecessary shipping costs and supporting a more efficient flow of equipment to customers, Thompson added.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree begins cross-country journey behind decked-out T680
The 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will once again be hauled by a Kenworth T680 provided by the manufacturer.
This year’s tree was harvested from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest in Idaho and hauled to Washington, D.C. The truck’s design celebrates the theme, “Over the River and Through the Woods,” with a background of a picturesque snow-covered river winding through Idaho’s national forests.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour officially began on Oct. 29 in Grangeville, Idaho. Along the more than 2,000-mile journey, communities will have an opportunity to view the “People’s Tree,” a 76-foot Engelmann spruce harvested from the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, sign commemorative banners attached to its extra-long trailer, learn about Idaho’s National Forests, and share in the holiday spirit.
The tour will conclude on Nov. 20 when it is delivered to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building.
The truck pulling this year’s tree is a specially decaled Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the Paccar Powertrain featuring the Paccar MX-13 engine, Paccar TX-12 automated transmission, and Paccar DX-40 tandem rear axles.Kenworth
For the third year, Kenworth will provide real-time GPS location tracking of the tree as it travels across the country. Powered by Paccar Connect, the truck will provide enhanced connectivity throughout the journey. The full tour schedule can be viewed here.
Boise Cascade was chosen as the hauler for this year’s tree at the recommendation of Kenworth Truck Company. Boise Cascade, headquartered in Boise, Idaho, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of building materials, engineered wood products, and construction materials in North America.
Boise Cascade appointed four drivers to transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree:
- Monte Cook (Spokane, Washington) is a veteran truck driver and Boise Cascade operations leader with 33 years of experience and nearly 3 million miles on the road.
- Phil Cramer (Laurel, Montana) is a Boise Cascade operations manager whose 22-year career includes 1.5 million safe driving miles and a strong commitment to community service.
- Fred Holmes (Salmon, Idaho) is a former Boise Cascade driver and current product manager with more than 20 years of industry experience.
- Tianne Larrimer (Sugar Land, Texas) is a military-trained logistics professional with 30+ years of experience spanning Army service, heavy hauling, and flatbed transportation.
Boise Cascade will haul the tree, while Alaska Airlines will help transport thousands of handmade ornaments created by Idahoans.
In early December, a tree lighting ceremony will take place, hosted by the Architect of the Capitol in coordination with the U.S. Speaker of the House.
