The Used Truck Assn. said its 5th annual convention in Scottsdale, Ariz. last month drew 300 participants -- including spouses -- up 67% from a year ago. About 107 dealers from across the U.S. and Canada were represented.

In his opening address, “What does 500 Mean to You?” (a reference to the UTA’s 2004 membership goal) UTA president, Eddie Walker, set an optimistic tone. Walker pointed out in the past year the UTA exceeded its goal of 500 members growing from 318 members to 530, quadrupled member benefits, held 17 educational programs, created a merchandise catalog, added $15,000 to the endowment fund and hosted its largest convention ever.
Christopher Brady, president of Commercial Motor Vehicle Consulting, followed Walker with a positive forecast of balanced and moderate growth in 2005. Brady noted the 2004 holiday season is the bellwether indicator for 2005 trucking economy. Brady pointed out so far inventories have remained tight, with high fleet capacity utilization, however, should poor spending on the holiday season occur, excessive supply could result in an inventory correction.