Although new truck sales are well below their highs of just two years ago, and freight tonnage has fallen with the slowdown in the general economy, you had to look closely for signs of our industry's problems at this year's Mid-America Trucking Show.

Attendance at the 30th annual show in Louisville, Ky., was up slightly from last year's record of more than 75,000. Competing for attention were new components and accessories, seminars, meetings, and arguably the finest collection of show trucks ever gathered.

There were some signs of the turmoil. While there were no new Class 8 models un.veiled, there were a number of enhancements to existing models. Driver recruiters were busy, but the freight slowdown has eased the driver shortage of the past few years. Last year's show bulged with dot-com startups and new online offerings from established companies; this year, hardly a double-click could be heard.

Overall there were fewer major announcements. Truck builders said they expect a slow year in new Class 8 sales, maybe 110,000, down again from last year's disappointing numbers. Although freight is picking up again, the outlook for new and used big truck sales remains grim at least through 2001 and most likely well into 2002.

The news about medium- and lighter-duty vehicles was more upbeat. The changing economy has helped spur growth in these classes, and recent sales here have fared better than in over-the-road tractors. Several new medium- and light-duty vehicles and components were announced at the show, as demand in that area continues. Thinking about coming off the long-haul but don't want to leave the road behind? This may be where your next job comes from.