Last year, longtime readers may recall, I was very disappointed in the annual holiday HESS Truck (which wasn’t even a truck) and for the first time in well over a decade, I did not make the HESS Truck the first offering in The 2025 PopCult Gift Guide.

This year, I’m very happy to say, the folks behind the HESS Trucks have redeemed themselves, first with very impressive Mini Trucks and a Special Edition (both of which are sold out already) and finally with a much-requested actual Truck.

So the video you see above is a promotional video, and the first pick in The 2026 PopCult Gift Guide is….

2026 HESS Waste Hauler Truck and Snow Plow

We’re just going to quote their PR here…

The Hess Truck’s back and it’s better than ever – delivering two all-new vehicle designs together in one set! The 2026 Hess Hauler Truck and Snow Plow pairs an iconic garbage truck with a speedy all-terrain plow. Together they’re revved up and poised to ‘clear the way’ just in time for the holiday gifting season.

The heavy-duty Hauler Truck is inspired by the familiar waste collection vehicles that work America’s streets every day. Pristinely presented in classic white and green with highly detailed reflective chrome-colored accents, the triaxle, 6-wheeled trash truck is loaded with over 72 LED lights that operate in steady or animated flashing modes. Each of the four cab-top buttons activate a different realistic sound effect, paired with its own animated flashing light pattern, creating a unique visual sequence with every press. A push-button release lifts the rear hatch and triggers a realistic compacting sound allowing access to the Snow Plow via the pull-out ramp which has its own dedicated sound effect, bringing the full hauling operation to life. Both the seven flashing light patterns and the six realistic sound effects are the most ever featured on any holiday Hess Toy Truck – delivering a fully immersive playtime experience!

The Snow Plow is an ATV-style quad built for off-road speed and action. With a blazing fast pull-back and release motor and an adjustable height plow blade, the Snow Plow turns every play session into an action-packed winter rescue mission. A quick turn of the rider’s helmet activates 12 steady-on lights. Designed to load into and deploy from the Hauler’s rear ramp, this unique 2-in-1 toy combination is the perfect holiday gift.

What’s Included

Together, the 2026 Hess Hauler Truck and Snow Plow include 84 total lights, 7 flashing light patterns, 6 realistic sound effects, 2026 milestone-marking license plates, and a complete load-and-deploy play system – all packaged in a keepsake, custom-illustrated holiday winter scene box. Accessories such as gifts and cones shown in images are not included. A tradition for generations, Hess Toy Trucks are among the most beloved and collectible toys of each holiday season.

HAULER TRUCK
First-ever Hess Hauler inspired by the iconic garbage truck design—one of the most requested vehicles from fans
Classic Hess green-and-white design with chrome colored detailing
72 lights with both steady-on and animated flashing modes
7 unique animated light patterns (activated via buttons, switch, rear hatch, and ramp)
6 total sound effects, the most ever on a holiday Hess Toy Truck:
Button-activated rear hatch release reveals internal cargo bay
Slide-out loading ramp for Snow Plow access.
6 Free-rolling wheels on 3 Axles for smooth, heavy-duty play
3 AAA Energizer® batteries included
Approx. size: 10.25” L x 4.375” W x 5.25” H

SNOW PLOW (ATV / OFF-ROAD QUAD STYLE)
First-ever Hess snow plow vehicle
Quad ATV-style design built for fast paced and off-road action
Pull-back motor for high-speed play.
12 steady-on lights
Rider-activated lighting (helmet-turn feature)
Adjustable plow blade height for flexible play
6 wheels on 3 axles
Loads into and deploys from the Hauler Truck’s rear ramp
3 A76 (LR44) Energizer® button cell batteries included
Approx. size: 4.75″ L x 2.75″ W x 2.375″ H

HOLIDAY-READY PRESENTATION
Signature Hess holiday packaging featuring a beautiful winter action scene
Designed for gifting, collecting, and display
Available exclusively at HessToyTruck.com
Batteries + FREE standard shipping* included

The 2026 Hess Hauler Truck and Snow Plow is sold exclusively at HessToyTruck.com for $49.99 plus tax, which includes Energizer® batteries and free standard shipping.*

I am really delighted that HESS has rebounded after the dud they released this year.  You can only get The 2026 Hauler Truck and Snow Plow directly from HESS at THIS LINK.