At Atlas®, our Professional Van Operators (PVOs) are the heartbeat of our entire network. When an Atlas® Agent moving truck pulls up to a driveway, most people focus on the boxes, furniture pads, and fresh start waiting at the end of their journey. But behind the wheel of each of those rigs is a PVO who goes the extra mile to deliver service well beyond expectations.

This level of perfectionism and attention to detail that Atlas® PVOs are known for was highlighted at this year’s Stars of the Stripes Truck Show & Social. For the second year in a row, this celebration brought together the local Evansville community, home to Atlas® World Group Headquarters, to showcase the craftsmanship of Atlas® PVOs’ custom big rigs.

For PVOs, their rig is much more than a vehicle. It is their home away from home, their office, and a statement of professional pride. Attendees of the 2026 Stars of the Stripes Truck Show & Social got an up-close look at 20 custom rigs, each competing for distinct honors.

Votes from audience members and industry judges were tallied to determine Stefan Iordachianu, an Imlach Group PVO, as the Best in Show winner for his chrome-detailed 2007 Peterbilt 379. Iordachianu also earned first place in the Big Bunks category, which recognizes outstanding custom tractor-trailer rigs that feature super-sized sleeper berths.

Other notable recognitions from this year’s event include:

• The People’s Choice Award + Working Trucks Honor: John Carotenuto’s 2021 International Lonestar rig won The People’s Choice Award and first place in the Working Trucks category. This marks the first time Carotenuto, an InterWest Moving & Storage PVO, has placed in the top three after attending all previous Atlas® truck shows.

• Straight Trucks Honor: The first place Straight Trucks honor went to Luis Torres, an Imlach Group PVO for his 2021 Peterbilt 337.

In 2024, Atlas® hosted its first truck show in Dallas. Its location has changed, but the purpose remains the same: to recognize the incredible service of our PVOs and their unique trucks. Bringing this celebration to Atlas® headquarters allows PVOs to be acknowledged right where operations are rooted.

Evansville has been home to Atlas® HQ since 1948, and this event allowed us to open our doors to the community and the neighbors who have embraced us for decades. Two Indiana-based companies showed their support, too, by sponsoring the show and helping evaluate the PVO awards: Kenworth of Evansville Palmer Trucks and ARI Legacy Sleepers.

In the spirit of community, this year’s Stars of the Stripes Truck Show & Social supported Evansville charities by raising money and awareness for their causes. Six Atlas® executives took turns in the dunk tank seat, helping to raise nearly $1,200 in dunk booth proceeds and Atlas® contributions. The donation was split among three local organizations: JD Sheth Foundation, It Takes a Village Rescue, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Evansville chapter.

Whether navigating cross-country highways or helping a family settle into a new neighborhood, Atlas® PVOs bring skill, care, and dedication to every mile. To all the PVOs who joined us in Evansville, and to the hundreds on the road today, thank you for keeping us moving forward.

To work with a certified Atlas® Agent near you for your next move, request a free quote online or call 800-638-9797.

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