Harry W. Kent and Edgar K. Worthington, founders of Kenworth Truck Company, were inducted into the American Trucking Industry Leader Hall of Fame on Oct. 25.
The induction coincides with Kenworth's 100th anniversary. It recognizes trucking pioneers' contributions to society and the economy. Held in Kansas City at the American Truck Historical Society headquarters, the event featured Kenworth trucks through the years, including the two 2023 special edition models, the T680 Signature Edition and W900 Limited Edition. The Kenworth 100th Anniversary tour trailer and historical exhibit were also on display.
"A century ago, Harry Kent and Edgar Worthington successfully built a rugged and dependable truck for Pacific Northwest loggers to haul heavy loads down tight, muddy roads — an achievement that addressed a seemingly unsolvable problem at the time," says Kyle Kimball, Kenworth's director of marketing. "We were proud to participate in this recognition from the American Truck Historical Society in honor of that first logging truck and all the Kenworth transportation innovations since and to come that will help our customers drive the next 100 years."
Kenworth was established by Kent and Worthington in Seattle in 1923. In Kenworth's first year, the truck maker produced 78 gas-powered trucks. Nowadays, Kenworth makes more than a million Class 5-8 models, including diesel, battery electric and fuel cell vehicles.
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The induction was the last public event for Kenworth's 100th Anniversary trailer and exhibit, which covered 20,405 miles stopping at 28 industry trade shows and community gatherings. As part of the last stop, Kenworth conducted a ceremonial key hand-off to Chris Koenig, whose family owns the history trailer and allowed Kenworth to restore and update it for the 100th anniversary.
"We sincerely appreciate the Koenig family's passion for Kenworth trucks and for allowing us to use and restore their trailer for the 100th anniversary tour," Kimball says. "It has been a special experience to share Kenworth's history with the trucking community this year, something that would not have been possible without the generosity of Chris Koenig and his family, trailer sponsors Michelin, Alcoa and Bendix, and the dedication of nearly 50 Kenworth employee volunteers, including 14 drivers."
Other 2023 Hall of Fame inductees included:
- Robert A. Young Jr., founder of ABF Freight.
- Ted Rodgers, first president of the American Trucking Associations.
- Frank Seiberling, founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
- Al and Don Schneider, founders of Schneider National Inc.
