ATHS Founding Charter

The American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) was founded in 1971 with the mission to preserve the history of trucks, the trucking industry, and its pioneers. Initially headquartered in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, the society relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, in 1977 under the leadership of President Harris Saunders, Sr. This move marked a period of significant growth for ATHS, which now boasts over 18,000 members and maintains a 3,335-square-foot headquarters and library complex. The Zoe James Memorial Library houses an extensive collection, including more than 75,000 vintage truck photographs, 900 trucking-related books, over 10,000 pieces of vintage truck sales literature, and 20,000+ vintage trucking magazines. ATHS also publishes a bimonthly magazine, Wheels of Time, featuring articles on trucking history. Since 1972, the society has held annual conventions, adding antique truck shows in 1980, which have grown to feature over 1,000 historic trucks and trailers. With more than 90 chapters worldwide, ATHS continues to celebrate and preserve the legacy of the trucking industry through various events and educational initiatives.