The trucking industry heads to Dallas for the 5th annual Great American Trucking Show trade show in mid-September.
Last year over 36,000 industry professionals visited the show. New this year is 20 acres of free on-site truck parking for all big rigs. The parking is adjacent to the Dallas Convention Center and features 24-hour security.
A big draw is expected to be the free concerts taking place at the trade show. Diamond Rio plays at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 and you can catch Tracy Byrd at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 27. Tickets for both concerts will be distributed on the day of show starting at 10:00 a.m. and are free to registered GATS attendees on a first-come, first-served basis, while ticket supplies last.
On display throughout the show will be the newest Class 8 trucks from manufacturers, including some still in the testing stage. Along with big trucks will be the Commercial Work Truck Pavilion, containing all aspects of the light & medium work truck. This proved to be one of the more popular exhibits last year.
There'll also be a Recruitment Pavilion, to put truck drivers in contact with major companies offering driver programs. And an Internet and Technology Pavilion will offer hands-on instruction about computer programs and Internet sites to help attendees run their businesses.
Like show trucks? You'll want to check out the Pride and Polish Competition, featuring new trucks and restored classics.
There will also be giveaways and educational seminars on topics of interest to all drivers, including caring for your rig, and the new hours-of-service regulations.
Great American Trucking Show
Where: Dallas Convention Center, downtown Dallas, Texas
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27;
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 28
How: Registration is free through Sept. 22. Everyone, including children, must have a badge to enter the exhibit area. On-site registration cost is $10.
More Info: For a show brochure, information on exhibiting or attending, contact Sellers Expositions at (888) 349-4287. Information about GATS 2003 is also available
on the Internet at www.gatsonline.com.
Great American Trucking Show seminars
GATS will hold free educational seminars addressing a variety of industry issues, as well as providing technical, management and personal development information. Here is a partial list of the seminars planned for GATs, Sept. 26-27:
Friday, September 26
- Tax Solutions For Drivers
- Reducing Insurance Costs
- Saving Dollars Through Maintenance
- How To Survive A Safety Audit
- Legal Deductions For Drivers
- Company Structure For Owner/Operators
- The Future Of Diesel Engines
- Spec'ing and Maintaining The Right Tires
Saturday, September 27
- Tax Solutions For Drivers
- Saving Dollars Through Maintenance
- Reducing Insurance Costs
- How To Survive A Safety Audit
- Legal Deductions For Drivers
- Extending Engine Life Through Synthetics
- Company Structure For Owner/Operators
- The New Hours-of-Service Regulations
- The Future of Diesel Engines
- Financial and Estate Planning for Independent Contractors
- Truck Wheel Alignments
