Photos: Mid-America Trucking Show
Caterpillar left the new-truck engine business more than six years ago, but its engines live on. This rebuilt 550-hp 3406E will go in glider kits, like the Fitzgerald example just behind. Photo: Tom Berg
Hunter wheel-mounting and alignment equipment travels to Florida customers in this mobile workshop operated by Arnie Wins. Multi-door body sits on a Mitsubishi Fuso chassis. Photo: Tom Berg
Brian Miller enjoys wheeling Detroit Radiator's "Dr. Cool," a customized Kenworth W900L that pulls a Featherlite display trailer. He drives full-time for another Motor City-based carrier. Photo: Tom Berg
Tinted eyeglasses were almost needed against the shine of polished aluminum on trailer builders' products in the South Wing. Photo: Tom Berg
Kids enjoyed having their pictures taken with the jolly Michelin Man. Photo: Tom Berg
With OEs absent, considerble space in the south end of the long South Wing sat empty. But the rest of this hall and all the others were occupied. Photo: Tom Berg
Marvel Comics' Wonder Woman traveled in a transparent car and airplane, but this isn't her truck. It's Bendix's display of brakes, steering geaer and other components it produces. Photo: Tom Berg
Visitors enjoy browsing the displays Thursday afternoon. Photo: Deborah Lockridge
The rain cleared Thursday afternoon for attendees to enjoy the famous pork chop sandwiches. Photo: Deborah Lockridge
The name may sound regional, but Mid-America draws exhibitors from all over -- even China. Photo: Deborah Lockridge
TA served a cake in the shape of a service center in order to celebrate its new Truck Service brand. Photo: Deborah Lockridge
Battle scenes were vinyled onto driver Mark Seligman's W900L on orders from Bill Brinser, owner of Wolf Pack Transport, Elizabethtown, Pa. The boss believes military veterans should be publically honored for their sacrifices. Photo: Tom Berg
"Can I go in there?" Snag, a personable and well-behaved bichon frise, waited outside a Hyundai Translead van until his doting mistress walked him inside. Photo: Tom Berg
Truck dealers subbed for the OEs with vehicles spec'd for their northern Kentucky-southern Indiana market. For instance, buyers still prefer the 6x4 axle configuration in spite of OEs' promotion of 6x2s, one dealer sales manager said. Photo: Tom Berg
Just because the OEs weren't there didn't mean there weren't still plenty of trucks, with this dealer showcase as well as an antique truck show. Photo: Deborah Lockridge
Trailer makers enjoyed a prominent position in the South Hall this year, as truck makers decided to skip the show in favor of the international IAA event in Germany this fall. Photo: Deborah Lockridge
Trucking Moves America Forward announced it had exceeded its goal of deploying 100 of these image building trailer wraps, and wants to sell 200 by next year's show. Photo: Deborah Lockridge
Many booths use games to get the attention of showgoers. Photo: Deborah Lockridge
A lot of shiny wheels with automatic tire inflation on a bulk tanker. Photo: Deborah Lockridge
Goodyear's Highway Hero, Julian Kaczor, center, and finalists enjoy a photo opp with Goodyear's head of marketing. Photo: Deborah Lockridge
Tire maker Pirelli had a little fun with a photo booth as they announced they will soon be introducing tires for the North American commercial truck market.
Now that's a funny-looking e-log. Rand McNally's new ELD 50 plugs in under the dash and connects wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet. Photo: Rand McNally
In the West Wing, attendees enjoyed a little entertainment. Photo: Deborah Lockridge.
It's truck racing season at the Continental booth. Photo: Deborah Lockridge
The West Wing is home to many accessory companies, plus recruiters, technology companies, and many driver- and owner-operator-oriented booths. Photo: Deborah Lockridge