Starting strong: Custom rigs kick off MATS 2024 in new location on-site

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Updated Mar 23, 2024

The Mid-America Trucking Show officially kicks off today, March 21, but the unofficial start to the show was Wednesday in Lot N, just outside the West and South wings of the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, where the PKY Truck Championship contestants are staged this year.

There is no shortage of impressive rigs on the lot, ranging from everyday workers to full-on custom show builds. Below, find a small sampling of the many on display this year at MATS. And if you are planning to attend the show before it closes Saturday, be sure to take a stroll through the lot.

Davis Bros.' 2024 Peterbilt 389One of the rigs competing in the MATS Big Rig Build-Off is this 2024 Peterbilt 389, built by Davis Bros. Designs out of Owensville, Indiana. The full custom build -- just like the others in the build-off -- can only be truly appreciated in person. Davis Bros. didn't miss a detail on the rig.

Kevin Babler Trucking's 2024 Peterbilt 389XKevin Babler Trucking's 2024 Peterbilt 389X is powered by a 605-hp Cummins X15 with an 18-speed and 3.08 rears. It's paired with a 48-foot 2024 Reitnouer flatbed.

McKinney and Sons Transfer's 2024 Peterbilt 389"Black Tie Affair" is a 2024 Peterbilt 389X owned by McKinney and Sons Transfer. It sports a 605-hp Cummins with an 18-speed and 3.36 rears. It's paired with a 2024 Mac flatbed.

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Austin Kiser's 2018 Peterbilt 389Austin Kiser's 2018 Peterbilt 389, "Midnight Shadow."

Evans Detailing & Polishing's 1984 Peterbilt 362Evans Detailing & Polishing is showing this 1984 Peterbilt 362 -- just a 63-inch cab over a 350 Big Cam Cummins with a 9-speed.

Ronnie Jordan's 2024 Peterbilt 389XRonnie Jordan's 2024 Peterbilt 389X, "Georgia Pete."

Brian Kurtz Trucking's 1968 KenworthThis 1968 Kenworth was restored from the ground up by Brian Kurtz Trucking.

Daniel and Phyllis Snow's 1996 Freightliner XLA truck show staple, "The Goose," is owned by Daniel and Phyllis Snow. The 1996 Freightliner Classic XL and accompanying 2006 Utility van mostly travel the truck show circuit helping recruit for the Bennett Family of Companies. As such, the trailer just got a new wrap in December, as shown in the following photos.

Daniel and Phyllis Snow's trailer

Daniel and Phyllis Snow's trailer

Greg Kendall's 1969 Peterbilt 359Greg Kendall with Kendall Trucks & Parts is showing this 1969 Peterbilt 359. It features a Cat 3406B with an 18-speed on a 280-inch wheelbase. It also boasts a Unibuilt 60-inch flat top sleeper.

Austin Kiser's 2002 Peterbilt 379"Just Gettin' By" is Austin Kiser's 2002 Peterbilt 379, powered by a 600-hp Cat with an 18-speed.

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