If you have a fan of big trucks at home (maybe that fan is you!), you know the fun and joy that comes with seeing these vehicles out on the road. While we all love a good Trucker Salute honk, there’s nothing like getting up close and personal with these unique vehicles.

That’s why there are truck shows that take place all across the country. Truck drivers make up a robust community, and shows are the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together. Truck shows are an opportunity for networking, education, entertainment and exhibits!

Whether you’re considering a career move to the trucking industry or you’re just looking to get a better look at the shiniest trucks around, truck shows are the perfect place to learn and have fun. Trucking shows often include:

• Hands-on demonstrations of new products, equipment, and technology for trucks
• Exhibition spaces featuring industry leaders and new innovators who can talk with you about their products and answer questions
• Educational sessions on current industry topics, emerging technology, and the business of trucking
• Networking sessions to meet colleagues in the industry
• Recruiters who can tell you more about life as a truck driver
• Best in Show competitions featuring the most beautiful and elite trucks
• Entertainment like concerts, family activities, and fundraisers for great causes
  
  

Here are some of our favorite shows around the country!

The Mid-America Trucking Show

It doesn’t get bigger than the Mid-American Trucking Show! Known as “MATS”, the show began in 1972 with Paul K. Young, the former Kentucky Motor Transport Association president, and some of his industry colleagues. Wanting a truck show closer to their area and feeling like there was enough interest and demand, Paul and his friends set out to build an event targeted toward owner-operators and fleets alike. 

The first MATS show was held in Louisville, KY in 1972. It included 83 exhibitors and had over 4,000 attendees. By 1991 the show was attracting 650 exhibiting companies and over 35,000 attendees, becoming the largest trucking trade show in North America. In 2018, the massive (and still growing) show had over 81,000 attendees and featured exhibits like Shell’s Starship, a hyper-fuel efficient Class 8 concept truck, new designs from Mack Trucks and Linings Inc., and a Peterbilt SuperFan was awarded a Model 657 Heritage truck for FREE as Peterbilt’s one millionth truck.

Slated for March 30 - April 1, 2023 in Louisville, KY, the MATS is now home to over a million square feet of exhibit space and 40 featured events. With hands-on demonstrations, educational sessions, and a full-blown concert, there’s a ton to see! 

Learn more about the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Fun for a Cause at the Great Salt Lake Truck Show

This one is a close-to-home favorite of ours because it was created by Pride Transport founder Jeff England and inspired by his friendship with an employee. With family members who suffered from kidney disease, Jeff set out to raise awareness of kidney disease and build up their trucking community. 

Over 30 years later, the annual Great Salt Lake Truck Show is still a hit! We just celebrated its 33rd year with two days of fun including dinner, entertainment, family activities, awards, and a Kidney Walk. Funds from the show benefit the annual Truck Show Family Kidney Kamp, a program especially for dialysis and transplant patients and their families.

Admission to the Great Salt Lake Truck Show is free, so make sure to put it on your calendar and join in next year!

Learn more about the Great Salt Lake Truck Show.

A Guide to 2022 Truck Shows

There is still plenty happening in the world of truck shows this year. While many shows take place during the summer, there is still an exciting opportunity to see some great trucks coming up in October!

California Trucking Show - October 15, 2022

The California Trucking Show takes place in Ontario, CA with a massive variety of vendors, seminars, and products available. Tickets are free, with two days of exhibition and seminar time. Visit their website to reserve your tickets.

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Truck shows happen all across the country, proof that the community and camaraderie that truck drivers feel easily crosses state lines. Whether you’re interested in careers that support drivers, like dispatchers or training, or you’re ready to get on the road yourself, we’d love to meet you. Pride Transport is a family business dedicated to our drivers, or work family, and our community. Learn more about how we’ve cared for our drivers for over 40 years, and how we can help you get started with a career at Pride Transportation.