More than 1,100 exhibitors from the continental United States and 12 foreign countries showcased the latest and greatest products the trucking industry has to offer at the 37th annual Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), held March 27–29 in Louisville, Ky.
This year's show at the Kentucky Exposition Center, attended by 76,564 trucking and construction professionals, encompassed more than 1.2 million feet of indoor exhibit space. The event showcased state-of-the-art vehicles, advanced components, technologically improved parts, and a variety of services.
In addition to the numerous exhibits, MATS presented many special events and features. Attendees had access to educational seminars addressing industry issues, and product and service demonstrations.
Innovative Products
During MATS, Mack Trucks Inc. introduced the Titan by Mack — a Class 8 truck it says is its most powerful truck in the company's 108-year history. Designed for heavy transport and heavy construction applications, the Titan by Mack is powered by a MACK MP10 engine, a 16-liter workhouse with a top rating of 605 horsepower and 2,060 lb-ft of torque.
Navistar International Corp. displayed three LoneStar models. LoneStar is available in LoneStar Day Cab, LoneStar Sleeper and LoneStar Aero Sleeper variations. Production of the trucks will begin at Navistar's plant in Chatham, Ontario, Canada and will be delivered to customers in fall 2009.
Phillips Industries introduced the i-Box, a larger, more efficient nosebox to handle the expanding electronic requirements of today's trailers. The i-Box features a hinged lid that houses a weatherproof gasket that protects the interior against corrosion and extreme weather; circuit breakers that can be changed in a matter of seconds; and a seven-way QCS2 Quick Connect Socket that allows for easy replacement when required.
Freightliner Trucks, a division of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, announced the Cascadia 72-inch XT. The XT, designed for flatbed and tanker operations, has a standup sleeper that boasts 78 inches from the base of the bunk to the ceiling.
Thermo King showcased its new SLX trailer refrigeration unit. According to the company, the SLX line was recently launched in Europe and brings customers improved performance, reduced environmental impact and a lower cost of ownership.
Kenworth announced new finish trim accents for cabs and sleepers on its Class 8 and medium-duty conventional models, and unveiled new front and rear suspensions — AG130, AG210L and AG400L — for its heavy- and medium-duty truck models. The company will begin full production of medium-duty, diesel-electric hybrid trucks this summer.
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. revealed the 4000A flatbed trailer. The new optimized design of the 4000A features an aluminum/steel composite that reduces tare weight by 400 pounds.
Vanguard National Trailer Corp. spotlighted two new products — a converter dolly and 28-foot (pup) trailers. The trailers feature galvanized components including rear frame and gussets, impact guard and adapter, unitized forklift package, and landing gear mounting brackets and cross bracing.
Western Star Truck Sales Inc. outlined several product enhancements for on-highway and vocational applications. Updates include the availability of air disc brakes and the largest on-highway radiator in the industry; the reconfigured Western Star LowMax; and new fifth wheel options from SAF-HOLLAND.
Cummins Inc. announced that it has created a driver training audio CD through which the listener can learn about key topics and engine features.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport Partnership presented its new web-based finance clearinghouse where buyers of clean trucks and other emissions and fuel-saving technologies can submit one application and have multiple lenders compete for their business.
