This NASA report reviews research conducted by NASA on the aerodynamic efficiency of long-haul trucks. It may seem to be only a matter of fuel prices, drag coefficients, and vehicle modifications, but a nuanced examination of the subject reveals cultural influences on a technological development that might otherwise appear logical and straightforward. There are two principal objectives to this monograph. The first is to bring long overdue attention to research done at NASA Dryden on truck aerodynamics, work not usually associated with the agency but results from which had and continue to have a direct benefit to the U.S. economy. The second is to use this case as on opportunity to tease apart some of the strands of the social fabric in technology's construction and adaptation, something not regularly done with NASA's technical work. If we genuinely seek to understand ourselves, we can ill afford superficial attention to technological choices we - or others-make regarding its use, rejection, adoption, or adaptation. It's important to know who makes what decisions: the results can be surprising. A reflection on NASA's interest in aerodynamically efficient trucks turns out to be more than just an account of fairings and base drag and surface roughness. This history is also about technological choices, cultural values, and how Americans define themselves. And since technology is a reflection of human choices and values this comes as no real surprise. While regularly riding his bicycle from his home in North Edwards to the NASA Flight Research Center (today's Dryden Flight Research Center) on Edwards Air Force Base, Edwin J. "Ed" Saltzman noticed the push and pull of tractor-trailers as they passed him. Saltzman's route took him along a section of Highway 58 in Southern California's High Desert before veering off toward the base. The Dryden Flight Research Center is one of several tenants of the U. S. Air Force at Edwards. Highway 58 was, and is frequented by trucks comi