10-4 Magazine March 2023

The Veteran’s View: By Dennis Mitchell Is it March already? It must be, because we have used up all the days in February, and April is just around the corner. And that can only mean one thing – we are counting down the days until MATS (Mid-America Trucking Show) in Louisville, KY. Who said Christmas only comes once a year? MATS is Christmas for truckers, without the greenery and tinsel... ah, hold up there, on second thought, there are plenty of shiny things and colored lights all around, so all you need is one of those pine scented tree shaped air fresheners and there you are, Christmas in spring. The expo center is stuffed to its limit with all things trucking – everything from a valve stem and air pressure gauge for your tires, to a new set of tires, and maybe even a completely new truck. If your one of the big rollers, you can buy a whole fleet of trucks with matching trailers, all it takes is money. People say money makes the world go around, but I’m not so sure. My vote is for trucks and the drivers who pilot them – they are the reason the world goes around. Without them everything stops: no food, no gas, no nothing! So, let’s hear it for all the dedication to details, the safe operation of equipment, and of course the sacrifice of those who make the wheels turn. I’m talking about you, our valuable and faithful readers. If you have never experienced all things trucking, then now is the time to saddle up, pack up, and move out with the rest of us heading that way. While you are roaming the halls at the show, don’t forget to stop by the 10-4 Magazine booth (#11268 in the North Wing) and meet and talk to the people responsible for producing the magazine every month. Then, don’t forget to take a selfie of you with the “Team 10-4” folks and post it on their social media pages. You can never be sure who you may see in the booth or out walking the grounds. Should you run into a big guy with a video camera and lots of other equipment, beware of the microphone he is carrying. That’s J.T. (John Testa), of 10-4 and Studio 10-4 Live, and if you stop and strike up a conversation with him, I guarantee it will be entertaining and informative. Who knows, he might make you famous, but I don’t think you will become rich – at least not at first. Keep your eyes peeled for more of the crew as most of our contributing writers, editors, and photographers may be lurking around and waiting for the unsuspecting to become the center of their next article or photo shoot. If you do stop by the booth, don’t forget to pick up some swag to wear at your next show, as we will have a brand new shirt design making its debut at MATS. Tell them the old man sent you. It won’t get you any discount, but you might get a free poster, if they aren’t all gone. On your way out from the show, take the opportunity to stop by the show trucks outside in the parking lots, along with all the working treasures parked in the adjoining areas around the expo center. They may not be entered into any competition, but they are certainly worthy of a look. This is the first show to kick off the 2023 season, so buckle up and hold on. I have been kicking around these shows for many years (probably longer than some new drivers have been alive). In that time, I have seen lots of changes, and the level of competition is much tougher today than it was in the early days. Judging is also more competitive, 56 10-4 Magazine / March 2023 GOOD AS GOLD!