The Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) is proud to announce the Class of 2026 Wall of Fame inductees: Bette Garber, Bill Foose, and Bill Weaver. These individuals will be honored for their lasting contributions to trucking during the Opening Reception at MATS 2026, Thursday, March 26th at 6pm in South Wing Lobby A. 

The Wall of Fame induction ceremony will take place during the Mid-America Trucking Show Opening Reception, an evening gathering sponsored by Triumph that celebrates the people, culture, and community that drive the trucking industry forward. The reception provides attendees with an opportunity to connect with fellow professionals while recognizing individuals whose work has had a meaningful and lasting impact on trucking.

Each year, the MATS Wall of Fame recognizes leaders, innovators, and advocates who have shaped the industry through dedication, creativity, and service.

2026 Wall of Fame Inductees

Bette Garber
Bette Garber is being nominated into the MATS Wall of Fame for her four decades as an influential photographer who helped shape the visual identity of the trucking industry and elevated the professional driver. Her enduring visual legacy, long-time support for MATS, and active involvement in charitable efforts have made her a lasting impact on the industry.

Bill Foose
Bill Foose is a highly regarded trucking veteran who established Foose Transport in 1967 and built a lasting legacy defined by excellence, integrity, and a passion for mentoring the next generation of drivers. He is being nominated for the MATS Wall of Fame for his life-long dedication as a professional driver and business owner, his role as a mentor and advocate for professionalism, and his long-time contribution to the industry’s spirit of camaraderie and charitable efforts benefiting drivers and their families.

Bill Weaver
Bill Weaver, known as “The Trucking Troubadour,” was a beloved professional driver who used his music and storytelling to capture the spirit of life on the road and foster relationships in the trucking community. He is being nominated into the MATS Wall of Fame for his enduring musical and visual legacy that resonated with drivers, his role in uniting the community through his performances and storytelling, and his commitment to charitable initiatives like the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, which exemplified his belief in mutual support within the industry.

Tony Justice will be performing a special tribute to Bill Weaver during the MATS Opening Reception.

Celebrating Industry Legacy

The Wall of Fame induction at the Opening Reception is one of the most meaningful traditions at MATS, recognizing individuals whose contributions have shaped the trucking industry’s culture, professionalism, and sense of community.

Attendees of the Mid-America Trucking Show are invited to join the Opening Reception to celebrate the achievements and legacies of the 2026 Wall of Fame class while connecting with fellow industry professionals at the close of the first day of the show.

The Opening Reception is free to all badged attendees. For more information about the Opening Reception and the full schedule of events at MATS 2026, visit: https://truckingshow.com/opening-reception/

About MATS

Since 1972, the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) has grown to be the world’s largest and longest-running annual heavy-duty trucking event. MATS is the place to experience everything from new technologies to networking with industry thought leaders. This is where the industry’s largest brands and promising startups do business, form partnerships, and make meaningful connections. More than 800 exhibitors and 50,000 attendees are expected from across the globe at MATS this year, making it the education and innovation epicenter of the trucking industry. The entire industry connects at MATS 54 on March 26-28, 2026.