Exhibit 99.1


WABASH NATIONAL APPOINTS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Oct. 20, 2004 -- Wabash National Corp. (NYSE: WNC) today
announced the appointment of Mr. Robert J. Smith to Senior Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer of its executive management team, effective immediately.

Mr. Smith, who joined Wabash National in March of 2003 as Vice President and
Corporate Controller, has served as the organization's Acting Chief Financial
Officer since June of 2004.

Commenting on the appointment, Bill Greubel, Wabash National's President and
Chief Executive Officer, said, "Bob has consistently demonstrated his ability to
drive the company's strategic financial direction. His broad range of executive,
operational and financial leadership experience makes him particularly qualified
to lead Wabash National's financial operations as we continue to grow the
business."

Mr. Smith has over 25 years of senior-level financial experience including
serving as Director of Finance for KPMG Consulting Inc.; Vice President and
Controller for Great Lakes Chemical Corporation; and CFO for various divisions
of Olin Corporation. Mr. Smith began his career with KPMG LLP.

Wabash National Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets standard and
customized truck trailers under the Wabash(R) brand name. The Company is one of
the world's largest manufacturers of truck trailers and a leading manufacturer
of composite trailers. The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Wabash National
Trailer Centers, is one of the leading retail distributors of new and used
trailers and aftermarket parts throughout the U.S. and Canada.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, as defined by
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward- looking
statements are, however, subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the
forward-looking statements. Without limitation, these risks and uncertainties
include increased competition, dependence on key management, reliance on certain
customers and corporate partnerships, shortages of raw materials, dependence on
industry trends, export sales and new markets, acceptance of new technology and
products, and government regulation. Readers should review and consider the
various disclosures made by the Company in this press release and in its reports
to its stockholders and periodic reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q.



                                                              Contact: Tom Rodak
                                                                   Marketing and
                                                          Communications Manager
                                                                  (765) 771-5535