Frederick McKinley Jones, the pioneering engineer behind Thermo King, was inducted into the American Truck Historical Society's (ATHS) Hall of Fame on October 23 in Kansas City, Missouri. Jones, who revolutionized the transport refrigeration industry in 1938, holds more than 60 patents and has received numerous accolades throughout his career.
The ATHS ceremony highlighted Fred's contributions to the trucking industry, marking his significant influence with a plaque on the Hall of Fame Wall. A 1940s Model D Thermo King unit, donated by the local dealership CSTK, further commemorated his achievements.
"We are extremely proud of our heritage at Thermo King, which started with Fred Jones, whose innovative spirit continues to inspire the transport refrigeration industry," said Adam Wittwer, president of Thermo King Americas.
Jones joined a distinguished group of 2024 inductees, including John Ruan, Robert Young, and Marvin Rush. The ATHS Hall of Fame, established in 2021, honors individuals with significant impacts on the truck and trucking industries.
