Allen Koenig

Allen “Al” Koenig was an influential figure in the trucking industry, renowned for his dedication to preserving and promoting its history. His passion for trucks ignited in the 1940s during his childhood in Minnesota, where he eagerly observed and interacted with passing truck drivers. In 1967, Al founded Midwest Specialized Transportation in Rochester, Minnesota, starting with two Kenworth K100 trucks to haul heavy equipment. Under his leadership, the company expanded to a fleet of over 135 trucks, predominantly Kenworths, before its sale in 2007. Al’s commitment to the industry extended beyond operations; he collaborated with Kenworth to create and transport a history trailer exhibit for their 75th anniversary in 1998, covering more than 43,000 miles during the tour. A former president of the American Truck Historical Society, Al was dedicated to preserving the legacy of American trucking. His son, Chris Koenig, continues this mission, showcasing the family’s collection of historical Kenworth trucks at industry events, including participation in Kenworth’s 100th-anniversary celebrations.