Truck Topics
Are you headed to Louisville?
By Jeff Jensen, Editor
Mar 26, 2008 - 4:03:14 PM

"This our third year of presenting the Expediter Experience at the Mid-America Trucking Show and we're very proud that Toby Young and Exhibit Management Associates, Inc. have entrusted ExpeditersOnline.com and On Time Media to represent the expedited trucking segment of the transportation industry," says Lawrence McCord, General Manager of On Time Media, LLC.

He continues, "We always look forward to not only offering the newest and the best of expediting, but also to seeing old friends and making new friendships in the expedited community. And,expedited trucking truly is a community with a certain camaraderie that doesn't always exist in the general trucking world. Events like the Expediter Experience give us the opportunity to get together, talk shop and catch up."

McCord is, of course, referring to the Expediter Experience that will be found in the West Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY as part of the Mid-America Trucking Show on March 27-29.

Show hours are 1-6 p.m. Thursday, March 27; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, March 28, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 29.

Some history
The history of the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) began in the early 1970s when Paul K.Young formed a private management group. His goal was to put together the largest trucking show of the United States that would cater to the diverse needs of trucking professionals - from trucks to truck chassis and vans to forklifts.

The first show in 1972 featured 80 exhibitors and 4000 visitors. MATS continued to grow through the ensuing decades and now boasts of over 1,100 exhibitors on more than 1,000,000 square feet of convention floor space and more than 200,000 square feet of outdoor exhibits and events. Organizers estimate over 75,000 show-goers will attend.

MATS ranks as the "must attend" event for manufacturers, owner operators and trucking companies who make the trek from all 50 states and 50 foreign countries.

This year’s show will be the first to be held in the newly constructed North Wing and the remodeled East Wing. which now mirrors the column-less, high ceiling layout of the huge South Wing.

Remember the foot traffic jams that used to occur in the passageways between the East and South wings? Well, there is no longer a wall between the East and South wings, making it easier for show-goers to traverse the exhibits.

Just some of the things to see at the 2008 Mid-America Trucking Show

Seminars
The Mid-America Trucking Show is proud to provide it's attendees with informative, constructive, and trucking-oriented seminars. Information that goes well beyond "good to know" and enters into a "must-know" situation.

Recruitment Center
A gathering of more than 100 of trucking's premier fleets looking for new drivers. These companies provide employment opportunities for those drivers looking for career advancement. This specialized area of the show will once again be located in the West Wing.

Internet & Technology
Once again, Mid-America's Internet & Technology Center will be held in the West Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center. Join us in the West Wing as we showcase the most innovative technology available to the trucking industry in one centralized location.

Expediter Experience
An area of the show dedicated to the Expedite Trucking Industry. The Expedite Experience will be located in the West Wing, showcasing the expedite industry in a fresh and innovative way.

Paul K. Young Truck Beauty Championships
The 19th Annual Paul K. Young Memorial Truck Beauty Championship kicks off the show season with 100 entries vying for honors in the country's premier truck beauty show. The event, which has become a star attraction at the Mid-America Trucking Show, celebrates North America's heavy duty, working show trucks. This year's competition will be held in Lot J, located behind Broadbent Arena.

Mid-America's Big-Rig Build-Off
Don't miss the Mid-America Big Rig Build-Off IV at the Mid-America Trucking Show coming this March in Louisville, KY. This year six teams from across North America combine their craft and skill to design extraordinary trucks.

Now in its fourth year, it is the ultimate contest of custom truck building for heavy duty trucking. Recognized as the only contest of its kind and exclusive to the Mid-America Trucking Show as part of the Paul K. Young Memorial Truck Beauty Championship.

Kenworth presents Sugarland in concertSugarland will headline Kenworth Truck Company's 20th annual"Customer Appreciation Concert" at 7:30 PM on Friday, March 28.

More Information

Trick My Truck presents Hino Kustom Truck Build - Broadbent Arena - MATS 2008

Have you ever wondered how the cast of Trick My Truck takes their trucks from Plain to Insane? Now you can watch the transformation live at the Mid-America Trucking Show in

Louisville, KY March 27th-29th!

And now, (drumroll, please)...

The Top 6 reasons to attend the Expediter Experience:

*The Expediter Experience is solely dedicated to the Expedited

Trucking Industry with Expedited Trucking-oriented exhibits and

seminars.

* Learn how to be successful as an expedite Owner-Operator and discover new products and services in the Expedite Trucking Industry.

* 2 days of Live Interactive Expedite Owner Operator Workshop events

* Explore the line-up of great new Expedite trucks from manufacturers like, Sterling, Freightliner, Alumi-Bunk and Bentz Transport Products.

* Visit and network with recruiters from 5 Star Expedite Carriers to find the right fit for you.

*Use the Expediter Experience area as a staging point for your group before you begin your Mid America Trucking Show visit.

A tip for first-time show attendees: Wear comfortable shoes!