The Veteran’s View: By Dennis Mitchell Honey, call the airline and check on tickets to Kentucky before it’s too late – or not. We could drive this year if you want to do some sightseeing along the way. We can always stop at our favorite chrome shops and then take in a highway light show at night rollin’ down highway 65. It will be just like old times except for no leaking exhaust and bad radio reception in my old Peterbilt. Breaker, breaker, how about it sweetheart, what do you say... you in? I’m sure a lot of our readers have had this conversation at some point over the years. March is the start of show and shine season for most of us. If nothing else, it’s the time of year when we start looking forward to warmer weather and dry, not so dusty roads. However, is mud really a better option? The month of March is of course the time when truck people make plans to congregate in Louisville, Kentucky for the annual “Big Event in Transportation” – MATS. In case you are new to this thing called trucking, that stands for the Mid-America Trucking Show, and it’s the place to see and be seen. Just for the record, 10-4 Magazine will have their display booth there (#11268 in the North Wing) with Dan the Man and his band of merry associates. You never know who might be there handing out 10-4 swag. It’s a great place to possibly meet the people who write the stories and snap those fantastic pics we see each month. It’s also a prime opportunity to purchase a subscription or get the latest shirt, poster, or magazine, while they last. There really is too much to see in just one visit. It’s a three day affair, so plan to spend some time just wandering around asking yourself, “Why didn’t I think of that?” When it’s said “there is something for everyone” there really is something for all of us. A few wives have told me that their favorite thing is the parking lot on the way out. They expressed concern they might have to ride on top of the hood going home because all the “great deals” their drivers bought. In all honesty I have never seen anyone strapped across the hood like a deer on opening day, but this could be the year. If you do see one, don’t forget to send a picture to 10-4 Magazine, in care of the Veteran’s View. Remember, chrome won’t take you home, but it will make the wife and kids wonder who has to ride in the trunk because the back seat is full of shiny new truck parts. On a more serious note, there are many great opportunities at the show and industry leaders are available to discuss all topics of transportation and potential concerns regarding future development, equipment maintenance, and regulatory compliance. If you have never taken in one of these trucking trade shows, I recommend doing so. The level of top tier people and leadership personnel in attendance is amazing. From the design engineers to marketing analysis to the people who make transportation move, all will be in town somewhere. As a side note, if you have an idea for product improvement or questions on how or why something is made the way it is, don’t be afraid to seek out the people who offer those goods and/or services. I have developed lifelong associations with some of these folks, most of which recommend you bring a sketch pad, blueprint, or some other type of plans for change. Trust me, if you find the right person, they will be able to talk “how to” and maybe fix the trouble for future repairs or possible developments. If you’re looking to sell an idea or a new service, there are folks for that, as well, if you have the fortitude to find them. Each month I try to enlighten our readers on some aspect of transportation. The last few months I’ve touched on expenses, or more importantly, how to 50 10-4 Magazine / March 2025 PROTECTING YOURSELF
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