Truck Show Report: By Kasey Aslinger The American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) National Convention and Truck Show had been an event on my husband Terry’s bucket list ever since we started showing trucks. When we became friends with Geo and Patricia Cuellar, along with Megan and Jonathan Kraak, they began sharing photos of their adventures from the event. What once sounded a bit of a bore suddenly became much more appealing to me, as well. And since this year’s show, held June 4-6, 2026, was only four hours from our house in Springfield, Missouri, we decided to finally go for it! Of course, with loads to haul and our youngest daughter’s birthday party scheduled for the same weekend, it looked like we were going to miss it yet again. But life has a funny way of throwing curve balls. Apparently, one of 10-4’s other contributors was scheduled to attend the show and cover it for the magazine, but he injured his back just a few days prior to leaving. When my editor Dan messaged me asking if I knew anyone who could lend a hand, I happily volunteered and made plans to head out early the next morning for a day date with Terry at the show. Once in Springfield, the moment I stepped out of my car, I was met with stifling heat and humidity, almost what I imagine standing inside an air fryer would feel like. But mixed in with the heat were the sounds of engines revving, laughter, and the lively rhythms of the Spanish music genre known as “cumbia” floating through the air. Rows and rows of beautiful trucks were already lined up, and more continued rolling in throughout the day. The first row I walked through was filled with vibrant red, yellow, and blue trucks that had traveled all the way from Mexico! Their paint gleamed in the sun, as their owners put the finishing touches on them, before the temperatures climbed even higher. For the first time in ATHS history, Tracto Clásicos, a group of 43 trucks, traveled 1,113 miles from Allende, Nuevo León, Mexico, to join all of us in Springfield, Missouri. Most of the participants were already members of ATHS when they arrived, with even more signing up during the registration process. They were very excited to be invited and to spend time with people who appreciate old trucks just as much as they do. There was a language barrier, but somehow it was worked through. I suppose old trucks can be talked about and understood in any language – now it’s been proven. I quickly learned there truly is something for everyone at this show. With over 500 trucks at the event, from beautifully restored antiques to a new 2027 model on display, the variety was incredible. Between all the trucks and all the vendors and the displays, there weren’t just hundreds of things to see – there were thousands. It’s always a pleasure getting to catch up with our friend Marty from OOIDA. He greets everyone with a smile, is incredibly knowledgeable, and this year he had the newest truck on the grounds – a 2027 model. He walked us through all its new technology and features. I’ll admit, though, some of today’s technology is a little intimidating. The screen in my new Expedition recently went completely black, and I couldn’t even adjust the heat in the back seat until I pulled over and restarted the car. Now trucks are replacing mirrors and blind-spot mirrors with cameras. It makes you wonder – what happens if those screens go black while you’re driving in five lanes of traffic? How do you safely get where you’re going? It’s certainly something to think about. While wandering the grounds, we were lucky enough to run into our buddy, trucking photographer, industry icon, and fellow truck enthusiast, Chris Fiffie. Chris told us the ATHS show was one he’d always wanted to attend, and once he finally did, he was hooked. He’s been back every year since. Hearing someone as well-traveled and respected as Chris speak so highly of the event says a lot about what makes this show special. We also got to meet Mike Ploch from Connecticut. Mike brought his beautiful 1951 Duplex, complete with antique tilt-out windows, to the show. Antique trucks are truly a family affair for the Plochs, who operate cattle farms in both Connecticut and Oklahoma. Mike’s daughter, Johanna, manages the Oklahoma operation, where she preloads trailers in North Texas and Oklahoma before meeting the Connecticut crew halfway to exchange loads. 24 10-4 Magazine / August 2026 ROLLING THROUGH HISTORY
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA1MjUy