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SunJul 20

National Ugly Truck Contest Day – July 20, 2025

We are celebrating National Ugly Truck Contest Day on July 20. It is an annual celebration to discover the weirdest and ugliest trucks in the nation. This quirky day is popular among truckers and collectors who have old and modified trucks that look like art pieces or like complete junk with wheels and a working engine. Every part of a truck is important to someone who loves trucks, and they would have already made wonderful memories with the truck. For most truckers, their truck, no matter how old or unkempt it appears, is their life, and they treasure it above all else.

History of National Ugly Truck Contest Day

A macho man and a massive machine made of molten metals with a masculine demeanor. That’s what we think of when we see an old or unusual-looking truck or pickup. Trucks have existed since 1896. Gottlieb Daimler, a German automotive pioneer, created the first truck, and it has since been an important vehicle that has propelled the development of society. These massive machines that emitted dark fumes assisted us in carrying the heavy and long transit. It made transportation simple and efficient.

A person associated with trucks has a certain vigor. To make ends meet, they work long hours inside their beloved vehicles. Truckers spend approximately ten hours per day inside their vehicle, and their job requires them to be away from home for weeks at a time. All of this resulted in a nomadic lifestyle, with their truck serving as their primary residence. To accommodate their special needs, their lifestyles, habits, and activities differ from those of the general public. Truckers have begun to personalize their vehicles to meet their specific needs and preferences. Some people continue to use their regular truck, while others modify it based on the route they must take or the emotion they must reflect on.

Weird trucks began to dominate the highways, and soon there was a National Ugly Truck Day, or simply Ugly Truck Day. The true origin of the day is unknown and shrouded in mystery. By 1996, websites were hosting contests to find the ugliest or strangest trucks. People enter the competition with trucks ranging from ordinary, well-used pickups or vans to ancient wrecks strewn with dents and adorned with art.

National Ugly Truck Contest Day timeline

1896
The First Truck

German engineer Gottlieb Daimler invents the first pickup model truck.

1920
Gaining Popularity

The first model trucks only gain popularity this year.

1929
The First Women Driver

Lillie McGee Drennan is the first female truck driver in the U.S.

1948
The Ford F150 Trucks

Ford introduces the Ford F150 truck — the most popular truck in the U.S.

National Ugly Truck Contest Day FAQs

Where are trucks sold the cheapest?

New Hampshire’s registration fees and taxes are among the cheapest in the country, making it one of the cheapest truck buyer’s destinations.

Which country buys the most trucks?

The United States of America buys the most trucks.

Why are used trucks cheaper in Texas?

Trucks are not cheap in Texas. Since there is no income tax in Texas, the government compliments it with a higher sales tax, and hence the truck prices are not cheap.

National Ugly Truck Contest Day Activities

  1. Create a truck card

    Create a collection card with different types of truck images. Gift a card to a hardcore truck lover. They will surely appreciate this kind gesture.

  2. Hitchhike

    Try hitchhiking on the back of a truck for a day. When you get a truck, try to learn about the internal workings and lifestyle of truckers. Of course, do this with caution. Maybe invite a few friends to join in so you won’t be alone.

  3. Attend an ugly truck contest

    Attend an ugly truck competition in your area. Try to place a bet on the truck that you believe will win the competition with your friends.

5 Facts About Trucks That You Should Know

  1. Class eight trucks in the U.S.

    More than 70% of all cargo in the United States is transported via class eight trucks.

  2. 20,000 gallons per year

    An average commercial truck uses more than 20,000 gallons of gas in a year.

  3. Old is bad

    It would take around 60 modern trucks to cause as much pollution as a single truck from the 1980s.

  4. Women truck drivers

    Only 6% of truck drivers in the U.S. are women.

  5. The most popular state for pick-up trucks

    Texas is the most popular state for pick-up trucks.

Why We Love National Ugly Truck Contest Day

  1. A weird competition

    We love weird competitions. National Ugly Truck Day is one of the craziest days and a weird competition, and we love it.

  2. Old and vintage vehicles

    Old and vintage trucks are always great collector's items. National Ugly Truck Day provides a perfect day for the union of such vehicles.

  3. A community is born

    Competitions are always fun. But in between these competitions, a community flourishes.

National Ugly Truck Contest Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 July 20 Sunday
2026 July 20 Monday
2027 July 20 Tuesday
2028 July 20 Thursday
2029 July 20 Friday