MATS kicks off Thursday, March 22

The Mid-America Trucking Show is the largest annual trucking event in the U.S., and it starts next week in Louisville, Ky.

With more than 1 million square feet of area and more than 1,000 exhibitors, MATS 2018 kicks off Thursday, March 22, and runs through Saturday, March 24, at the Kentucky Expo Center.

MATS organizers anticipate around 75,000 attendees this year.

This year three major North American truck makers – Kenworth, Peterbilt, and Mack Trucks – will be there to display their latest models and equipment.

Mack plans to show off its all new Anthem model at MATS.

On Saturday, Peterbilt will hand the keys to its 1 millionth truck – a customized Model 567 Heritage – to the winner of its Superfan competition.

You can find OOIDA and Land Line staff at Booth 11128 in the North Wing, Booth 65229 in West Wing and in Parking Lot J at OOIDA’s tour truck, the Spirit of the American Trucker, parked with the competition show trucks.

Celebration of life for Jim Johnston
On March 23, members of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association will be joining together to celebrate the life and career of the Association’s late President and CEO Jim Johnston.

Goodyear Highway Hero finalists announced at MATS
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. has announced its three finalists for its 35th annual Highway Hero Award. The winner will be revealed during a ceremony on March 22 as part of MATS.

2018 MATS offers opportunities for education, entertainment
The FMCSA will be on hand at MATS to talk about ELDs, and there are other educational opportunities scheduled, too.

Richard Petty among celebrities to appear at MATS
There’s a good chance you will see NASCAR legend Richard Petty or country music icon Tanya Tucker at MATS this year.

Kellie Pickler to headline MATS concert
Kellie Pickler, a country music star and “American Idol” alum, will headline the 2018 Mid-America Trucking Show concert on Friday, March 23, at the Kentucky Exposition Center’s Freedom Hall in Louisville. The free concert is sponsored by ExxonMobil and the Mobil Delvac team.