WALCOTT, Iowa — The Iowa 80 Group and CAT Scale Co. have officially announced the latest recipients of the Go Iowa Fund Grant Program, awarding financial support to two organizations deeply embedded in the professional trucking community. This grant cycle, finalized in December 2024, prioritizes initiatives that enhance community engagement and preserve the heritage of the American freight industry.

The Go Iowa Fund serves as a dedicated resource for Iowa-based nonprofits and organizations, allowing employees of the Iowa 80 Group to nominate causes that resonate with their professional and personal values. By providing funding twice annually, the program targets educational and community-focused projects that benefit students and state residents. The selection of Trucker Buddy International and the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum reflects a commitment to both the future and the past of the trucking profession.

Trucker Buddy International, based in Alabama, facilitates a unique pen-pal program that pairs professional drivers with elementary and middle school classrooms. This initiative works to demystify the industry for the next generation, providing students with a firsthand look at the realities of life on the road. Simultaneously, the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum in Walcott maintains a massive 100,000-square-foot facility dedicated to the history of the trade. The museum houses over 130 antique trucks ranging from 1903 to 1997, alongside extensive collections of trucking memorabilia, all provided to the public at no cost.

What This Means for Drivers

For the average CDL-A driver, these organizations represent a bridge between the cab and the general public. Supporting programs like Trucker Buddy helps improve the public perception of the industry, which is a vital component when dealing with highway traffic and loading dock interactions. Many professional drivers find that participating as a mentor provides a sense of community that is often missing during long hauls. Whether you are an owner-operator or a company driver, these cultural investments help ensure that the contributions of the American trucker are recognized by the public at large.

Industry Reaction

The trucking industry has long struggled with public image, often feeling misunderstood by the four-wheeler population. By funding organizations that prioritize education and historical preservation, industry leaders are taking a proactive approach to storytelling. As trucking companies hiring new talent look for ways to boost industry morale, these charitable investments serve as a reminder that the profession is built on a century of technical innovation and essential labor. Sustained support for these programs remains a point of pride for those who spend their lives behind the wheel.

Key Points

• The Go Iowa Fund is fueled by employee nominations from the Iowa 80 Group and CAT Scale Co.
• Trucker Buddy International connects working drivers with students to foster a better understanding of the trucking industry.
• The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum holds over 130 vintage trucks in its 100,000-square-foot facility.
• Admission to the Walcott-based museum remains free, providing an accessible educational resource for the public.

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