The 2026 Mid-America Trucking Show is under way, and once again, competitors in the PKY Truck Beauty Championship did not disappoint with what they brought to the show.
From brand-new 2026 units to rigs from the 1950s -- and everything in between -- truck enthusiasts are sure to find something on the lot that fits their style.
Below, just a sampling of the nearly 200 trucks competing in the annual event. Stay tuned for plenty more coverage out of MATS.
Defending Big Rig Build-Off champ Luke Rethwisch is looking to defend his title with "High Rise Suite," a 1976 Peterbilt 352H with a 110-inch big bunk. It boasts a V8 Cat with an 18-speed and 3.70 rears.
"Blue Collar Roots" is a 2007 Peterbilt 379 built by Stegall's Truck Shop for the Big Rig Build-Off. It's powered by a C15 Cat with a 13-speed and sits on a 295-inch wheelbase.
Cody McCandless, with Geis Peterbilt, is showing his latest creation, which he built for Josh Baker and Paige Roberts over the course of just 90 days. The 2025 Peterbilt 589 features plenty custom touches, including "ghost stripes" that show up in the sunlight.
Heavy-haul owner-operator Gary Johnson is showing his "Purple Reign" 2026 Peterbilt 567, featuring an 80-inch sleeper on a 305-inch wheelbase.
Overdrive Pride & Polish champ Clifton Parsley's "Heavy Hook" 2024 Peterbilt 389 heavy tow truck proudly displays the American flag.
North Carolina-based owner-operator Richard Yeager has built this 1954 International over the course of about eight years.
Kentucky-based small fleet owner Chad Howton has owned this 1983 Peterbilt 359 for the last 10 years. When it was originally ordered from Peterbilt, it was bought for NASCAR drivers Darrell Waltrip and Junior Johnson, who used it to haul race cars for several years in the '80s.
Texas-based owner-operator David Duncan hauls in this 1984 Peterbilt 359.
[Related: Four truck builders to compete in 2026 MATS Big Rig Build-Off]
