Invest in some Dallas downtime

Brad Holthaus
Publisher

When fuel’s as high as it is, you have a tough time justifying driving anywhere you don’t have to, whether you’re riding on 18 wheels or four. If there’s enough payback, though, it’s not tough. And that’s the case with what’s offered at the Great American Trucking Show, Aug. 21-23, at the Dallas Convention Center.

Start with fuel. Attend the Aug. 22 Partners in Business seminar and you’ll learn how you can actually profit from high fuel costs. There will be many other tips about operating efficiently in this free two-hour seminar, brought to you by Overdrive, ATBS and Castrol.

Beyond fuel, you will learn about how to improve your business when you’re not on the road. Hundreds of exhibitors, including the top truck and engine makers, as well as carriers of all sizes, will be represented.

The freebies don’t stop with Partners in Business or seminars sponsored by the Texas Motor Transportation Association. Attendees can catch a concert by Grammy award winner Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives Aug. 22, sponsored by Mobil Delvac. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, another Grammy-winning act, will perform Aug. 23, sponsored by Volvo Trucks North America.

Other musicians and celebrities will be on hand to meet you and sign autographs: musicians Katie Armiger, Matt Coleman and the Roadhammers; trucking radio stars Bill Mack and Larry Shannon; and members of the Chrome Shop Mafia, made famous by Country Music Television’s “Trick My Truck.”

Onsite parking for trucks is free, although the city doesn’t allow overnight stays in this location. You’ll also be subject to a stiff fine for idling unless you’re within your mandated DOT rest period.

You’ll find more information on GATS on pages 54 and 60. I hope you can take a break from the daily grind and visit the show. It will be time – and fuel – well spent.