The run-up to the 50th Mid-America Trucking Show garnered plenty of excitement, and the Louisville, Kentucky, event did not disappoint.
“We intend to set a new standard for trucking industry events,” MATS President Toby Young reportedly said. Twice as many seminars and product demonstrations, more outdoor events, including a larger-than-ever 30th Anniversary PKY Truck Beauty Championship, a MATS 50th anniversary celebration and ceremony on the opening night that will include live music, drinks, and an interactive history display with the MATS Wall of Fame and other immersive experiences.”
More than 60,000 truckers, representatives, and enthusiasts converged on the Kentucky Exposition Center as show rigs, products, and people took center stage. The PKY Truck Beauty Championship brought together many of the country’s premier show trucks. On display in Lot J of the Exposition Center, the awe-inspiring heavy-duty trucks drew crowds, and the Peterbilt brand earned the lion’s share of awards. These include the following.
- New Truck (Bobtail): Robby Zillmer, 2022 Peterbilt 389
- New Truck (Combo): Darrell Morgan, 2022 Peterbilt 389 / 2022 Reitnouer CK90
- Antique Original: Charles Hale, 1985 Peterbilt 359
- Antique Custom: Rolan Nolt, 1983 Freightliner FLC120
- Working Truck (Bobtail): Tyler Van Der Zwaag, 1995 Peterbilt 379
- Working Truck (Combo): Jimmy Ganski, 2014 Peterbilt 389 / 2021 Great Dan Everest Super Seal
The People’s Choice Best of Show went to Todd Gribble, and his 2012 Peterbilt 389 and an extensive list of niche award winners has been posted online. While the PKY Truck Beauty Championship delivered all the eye candy of a Las Vegas show, a wide range of vendors brought products that may prove useful for working truckers. Among the many pragmatic devices, transportation technology innovator Rand McNally unveiled an enhanced navigation system.
“In spending time and communicating with thousands of drivers, we heard loud and clear what is most valuable to professional drivers,” Rand McNally vice president Ivan Sheldon reportedly said. “Feature overload is not helpful. Instead, drivers want more accurate mapping and navigation, easier-to-see screens, louder voice guidance, and a more durable device that lessens the risk of breakage if dropped. Those were our top goals in creating the TND Tablet 1050.”
The in-cab tablet reportedly delivers advanced features for professional drivers and is designed for long hours of service. Rand McNally officials indicated the tablet has been built for commercial usage, outpacing the reliability of cell phones and personal devices.
Along with gorgeous rigs and innovative products, the MATS launched a Veterans In Trucking program focused on helping soldiers transition into good-paying CDL opportunities. The initiative tells the powerful stories of military personnel, and thanks them for their service.
It appears the bold statement that “MATS 50th will reconnect the entire trucking industry through our shared history and provide a platform for industry leaders to define the future” held true.
Sources: fleetequipmentmag.com, prnewswire.com
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