Trucking news and briefs for Friday, Oct. 30, 2026:
- Human smuggling charges for car-haul driver.
- ATHS inducts three to Hall of Fame.
- U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree on the move.
Border Patrol nabs car-hauler attempting to smuggle immigrants
The U.S. Border Patrol recently intercepted a car-hauler tractor-trailer that was allegedly attempting to smuggle 23 undocumented immigrants through the Laredo, Texas, Border Patrol checkpoint.
According to a U.S. Border Patrol Facebook post, the 23, including six unaccompanied children, were concealed inside sprinter-style vans the truck was transporting.
“The vans’ windows were closed with no air flow in the brutal South Texas heat,” Border Patrol said.
The driver of the truck faces federal human smuggling charges, and all 23 illegal aliens will be processed for deportation.
Peterbilt founder among three inducted into trucking hall of fame
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
Al Peterman, founder of Peterbilt, was one of three people who had an influential impact on trucking that were 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; Harold C. Groendyke, founder of Groendyke Transport; 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 in tribute to 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:
[Related: Otto Transfer, TruckWise pay tribute accepting Small Fleet Champ honors: 'Truckers are Survivors']
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 will be hauled to Washington, D.C. The truck’s design celebrates the “Over the River and Through the Woods” theme 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 Nov. 20 when it is delivered to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building.
The truck pulling the 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.
[Related: Photos: U.S. Capitol Christmas tree delivered to D.C.]
