Life on the Road – Trucking News Blog

As I keep looking at the calendar, I feel a bit of anticipation growing. I must be such a truck nerd. Oh the smell of new truck *sigh*. What can get any better than that? Or how about chrome so shiny it will leave you grasping onto something because you can’t see (oh the glare!).

Those are the things I look forward to at the truck show. That and my boys’ child like enthusiasm for looking at the new trucks, checking out the engines, interior, and yes, especially the chrome.

What I do not look forward to are those who go to the truck show to get autographs from famous people and have NO clue about the transportation industry at all.

I can remember a few years ago when all of the NASCAR stars were at the truck show it was so over crowded, wall to wall people and strollers. Not that I mind little kids being there, because I think it’s a great opportunity to teach them where their toys and such come from, that is besides Santa Claus of course. Ha.

I guess I mind the fact more that the people who attend are not aware of why all the other people are there. Whether it be someone looking to change companies (or just looking for a job!), buy some pretty chrome (I’m addicted to it can you tell?), check out the latest trucks and trailers, or maybe even to stop by the DOT booth and find out the new regulations (ha ha I couldn’t resist!).

Instead what I found from the, shall we say outsiders, was that when their little kid would say “Can we go see the trucks?” I heard the reply of “We came to see Richard Petty and get free stuff!” Did they even have a clue what the free stuff was for, like a logbook ruler?

But I guess I shouldn’t fret too much over it. Considering that I saw somewhere online that the amount of exhibitors has went from 1200 down to 860 companies.
It must be a sign of the hard times we are in. Deciding whether or not it is worth the trip to set up and possibly get one new customer after spending hundreds of dollars. I am guessing that more than likely we will see mainly the big names at the truck show and all of the “little guys” will have to stay at home.

But that’s ok. Maybe that just means this year, the people the truck show is aimed at will be the people who are attending and not the ones going for the freebies or the autographs.

So if you see a full-figured, red headed chick wandering around the chrome area. That more than likely is me. Especially if I am being escorted by two, taller than me, young men that are more than likely drooling on the chrome. Oh yeah, that will be me. Lord knows they have already made a list out of what dad “needs” for the truck.

Don’t forget to stop by the NaviStar/International booths either.
Be sure to tell them I sent you!