Texas Trucking Show draws a crowd
Waiting in line isn’t exactly the way most would like to spend part of their Saturday morning.
However, the line to get in the doors on Saturday morning at the Texas Trucking Show was a good sign for organizers of the Houston event, which is the largest of its kind in the state.
Of course, the goal was not to make people wait in line, but with a potentially record-setting crowd it’s all part of the process.
Early estimates from Oscar Medina, general manager of the event that took place June 24-25 at NRG Center, were for a show that was at least double the size of the previous show in 2022.
“This first couple of hours have been crazy,” Medina said. “We have lines all the way to the parking lots and we’re expecting over 20,000 attendees this year.”
At the show, attendees could find over 300 companies represented. Among those exhibitors were truck parts sales, brokerage and logistics companies, financial and legal services, marketing, advertising, recruitment, truck stops and more.
In addition, commercial driver’s license testing as well as medical examinations were being conducted on site in Houston.
“We want to cover every aspect of the trucking industry,” Medina said. “We have trucking schools here for those who would like to start in the business, all the way to someone who wants to expand their fleet. We’re giving truckers options and trying to gather more companies that offer similar services so they can compete and offer better services and pricing for the truckers.”
OOIDA Marketing Manager Mike Schermoly and Trevor Williams, fuel card coordinator for OOIDA, spent the weekend in Houston answering questions, signing new members up and informing attendees about the services available through the Association.
The Association’s representatives said it provided another great opportunity to connect with new and old colleagues.
Beyond the wide variety of exhibitor offerings, the Texas Trucking Show also featured games and activities for the whole family including arcade and yard games, a make-your-own bobblehead booth and minitruck racing to go along with lots of giveaways and contests.
Medina said when the regional show returns in 2024 it will continue to provide a one-stop shop for truckers in the Lone Star State.
The Texas Trucking Show is scheduled to be back at NRG Center next year with dates yet to be determined. LL