Podcast: Trucking's place in American history
June 5, 2026
Kevin Jones hosts FleetOwner's Josh Fisher and Jade Brasher and FleetMaintenance's John Hitch and Lucas Roberto to celebrate America's 250th anniversary by exploring the trucking industry’s deep historical roots and its tech-driven future: from the evolution of freight infrastructure to the invention of the semi-truck and today's shift to alternative powertrains.
Timestamps:
- 0:57 – Colonial trade routes and the physical evolution of freight
- 3:08 – The 1897 invention of the semi-truck
- 5:57 – 13 diagnostic trouble codes
- 11:00 – NASCAR roots, North Carolina culture
- 13:46 – Eisenhower's interstate vision
- 18:05 – Regulatory shifts, alternative fuels
- 25:19 – The Federal Excise Tax (FET) debate
- 30:44 – The multi-year freight recession
- 35:21 – The Right to Repair Act
- 44:06 – Holiday plans and how Henry Ford invented Kingsford charcoal
About the Author
Jeremy Wolfe
Editor
Editor Jeremy Wolfe joined the FleetOwner team in February 2024. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with majors in English and Philosophy. He previously served as Editor for Endeavor Business Media's Water Group publications.
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