This year’s event will take place June 25 through June 27 at Bristol Motor Speedway, a venue widely known as “The Last Great Colosseum.” The location is no stranger to large-scale events, hosting everything from major racing series to football matchups and concerts. It also features one of the largest outdoor center-hung four-sided video screens in the world, along with an on-site campground for attendees.

Those planning to enter will want to move quickly. Early registration gives participants access to a reserved parking space and the ability to choose a preferred judging time, according to event organizers.

Sign-ups will stay open until 4 p.m. Central on June 26, or until the field reaches its 125-truck limit, whichever comes first.

The competition continues to draw attention across the trucking world, known for highlighting both appearance and the work behind the wheel. According to a news release, SuperRigs remains one of the industry’s premier events, bringing together the best-looking and hardest-working trucks on the road.

Participants this year will be competing for more than just recognition. The event will award over $25,000 in cash and prizes across more than 20 categories, including the top honor of Best of Show.

In addition, 12 drivers will earn a spot in the 2027 Shell Rotella SuperRigs Calendar, a feature that has become a goal for many entrants over the years.

The event is open to the public and designed to be family-friendly, offering a chance for attendees to get up close with custom rigs and meet the people behind them.

Winners in each category will be selected by a panel of judges, while the Shell Rotella team will determine which trucks make it into the annual calendar.

With limited entry spots and added incentives for early sign-up, this year’s show is expected to fill quickly as anticipation builds for Bristol.

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On Saturday, April 11, Pasco will host the Washington Truck Driving Championship at Gesa Stadium. The event brings together experienced drivers from across the state to compete in a series of challenges that focus on what matters most out on the road: safety, precision, and consistency.

Organized by the Washington Trucking Associations, the competition is designed to highlight drivers who have proven themselves behind the wheel and in the day-to-day demands of the job.

What drivers can expect at the competition?

This is not just a driving course. Competitors are tested across multiple areas that reflect real-world responsibilities.

Drivers will take part in:

• A written examination covering industry knowledge and safety
• A pre-trip inspection to demonstrate equipment awareness
• A skills course designed to test control, accuracy, and decision making

Each portion is built around the same standards drivers rely on every day, whether they are running local routes or long-haul miles.

A path to the national stage

Top performers in Pasco will move on to the national truck driving championship, often referred to as the Super Bowl of Safety within the industry.

“The Truck Driving Championship competitions inspire tens of thousands of drivers to operate accident-free for the right to compete,” said WTA President and CEO Sheri Call. “Safety is the paramount goal for our industry, both for drivers and the traveling public. These competitions are a testament to the thousands of truck drivers who operate safely on our roads every day and inspire their peers to operate accident-free.”

For many drivers, qualifying for nationals is not just about competition. It is recognition of years of safe driving and professional discipline.

Who can compete

To enter, drivers must meet strict requirements that reflect the standards behind the event.

• At least one year of continuous employment with a motor carrier fleet
• An accident-free record for that same period

Drivers will compete across nine different equipment classes, including Straight Truck and Sleeper Berth, allowing competitors from different types of operations to showcase their skills.

Why it matters across the industry

Events like this go beyond trophies. They reinforce the importance of safety and professionalism across trucking.

For drivers, it is a chance to measure their skills against some of the best in the state. For fleets and industry stakeholders, it highlights the value of training, consistency, and a strong safety culture.

At the end of the day, competitions like this reflect what the industry is built on. Drivers who take pride in doing the job right every mile.

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Organizers of MATS have confirmed that the MAC Trailer Winter Nationals Championship Truck Pull will once again be part of the show’s lineup, bringing competitive pulling back to Freedom Hall during the final day of the event.

When and where the truck pull takes place

The Winter Nationals Truck Pull is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, beginning at 5 p.m. The event will be held in Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky, immediately following Saturday’s MATS show activities.

The Mid-America Trucking Show itself will run March 26, 27, and 28.

What fans can expect from the competition

The championship pull will feature competitors across multiple pulling classes, continuing a format familiar to longtime fans of the event. Organizers say the lineup will again include hot rod semis, pro stock tractors, light modified tractors, and super stock diesel trucks.

The truck pull has become a staple of the MATS experience, drawing both pulling enthusiasts and trucking professionals who attend the show for equipment, education, and networking.

A staple event alongside the show floor

The Winter Nationals Truck Pull is positioned as part of MATS’s broader effort to balance industry-focused programming with live entertainment. While the show is known for its exhibit halls, educational sessions, and business connections, the truck pull provides an opportunity for attendees to see performance engineering and competition on display in a live arena setting.

For many attendees, the event serves as a capstone to the final day of the show, bringing together drivers, exhibitors, and fans in a shared experience centered on power, precision, and competition.

Ticket alerts and additional details

Additional details about the MAC Trailer Winter Nationals Championship Truck Pull, including ticket availability, can be found through the official MATS website. Those interested can sign up to receive an alert when tickets become available by visiting
https://truckingshow.com/truck-pull/

The return of the Winter Nationals Truck Pull adds another major draw to the 2026 Mid-America Trucking Show schedule, continuing a tradition that blends trucking culture with live motorsports entertainment.

Source: Truckers News

The post MAC Trailer Winter Nationals Truck Pull Returns to MATS 2026 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The PKY Truck Beauty Championship will take place March 26 through March 28 at the Kentucky Expo Center as part of the Mid-America Trucking Show. The 2026 event marks the 34th time the championship has been held alongside MATS and is expected to feature as many as 175 competing trucks.

Registration for competitors is open through February 15, or until the maximum number of entries is reached.

A kickoff to the custom truck season

Often viewed as the unofficial start of the custom show-truck calendar, the PKY Championship draws a wide range of participants. From heavily customized owner-operator rigs to fleet showpieces and professional builds, the event highlights both craftsmanship and creativity across the heavy-duty truck segment.

“The PKY Truck Beauty Championship is more than a competition — it’s an industry spectacle that brings together builders, owners, drivers, and fans to showcase the best in truck design and craftsmanship,” said Toby Young, MATS President. “We’re excited to welcome the custom truck enthusiast community back to Louisville in 2026 and raise the bar even higher.”

Events tied to the PKY Championship

Beyond the judged competition itself, the PKY schedule includes several high-profile events that give attendees multiple ways to see the trucks up close and in motion.

Scheduled PKY events include:

• PKY Lights Show
  Thursday, March 26, after dark through 9:30 p.m., Lot N
  A nighttime showcase where competing trucks illuminate the showgrounds, emphasizing custom lighting, finishes, and design details.
• PKY Parade Presented by Big Rig Videos
  Saturday, March 28, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m., parking lot outside the Circle of Champions
  A moving display of featured and competing trucks that allows spectators to view each rig from all angles.
• PKY Awards Ceremony
  Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.
  Recognition of winners across multiple categories, including Best of Show and People’s Choice.
• Big Rig Build-Off
  A head-to-head competition featuring elite custom builders, highlighting fabrication, innovation, and attention to detail.

Why the event matters to the industry

For drivers, the PKY Truck Beauty Championship is more than a show. It reflects the pride many take in their equipment and the role customization plays in personal branding, fleet identity, and craftsmanship within trucking culture.

For manufacturers, builders, and suppliers, the event offers a live look at trends in lighting, paint, interior work, fabrication, and technology that often influence future builds across the industry.

As the championship returns for its 34th year, organizers expect another strong turnout from both competitors and spectators, reinforcing the event’s place as a staple of the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Source: Overdrive

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Hosted by the American Trucking Associations, the conference is co-hosted by ATA’s Safety Management Council and Transportation Security Council. The event brings together industry professionals responsible for policy, risk management, compliance, and operational decision-making.

“Earlier this year, the 2025 SSHR National Conference in Louisville showcased the power of innovation and collaboration,” said Dan Horvath, ATA’s COO. “The sessions equipped safety, security, and HR professionals with practical strategies to meet today’s challenges and prepare for what’s ahead. The momentum from Louisville has us energized for the 2026 conference in Oklahoma City, where we’ll continue driving a safer, more secure, forward-thinking mindset for the industry.”

Conference details and focus areas

The 2026 conference is scheduled for April 1–3, 2026, at the Omni Oklahoma City. More than 400 attendees are expected to take part in educational sessions and networking opportunities.

Programming will be organized into four dedicated tracks:

• Safety
• Security
• Human resources
• Claims and loss prevention

Sessions are designed to deliver practical insight into current challenges, with discussions centered on real-world application rather than theory.

Speakers, sessions, and networking

The agenda includes three general sessions featuring industry leadership, including ATA President and CEO Chris Spear, along with keynote speaker Tim Richardson. Attendees will also participate in panels and interactive roundtables covering topics such as camera technology, driver coaching, artificial intelligence, and recruitment and retention.

“Our mission with SSHR is to create a space where trucking professionals can collaborate, grow, and elevate their impact,” said Jacob Pierce, executive director of ATA’s Safety Management Council & Transportation Security Council. “By uniting a wide range of expertise and perspectives, we strengthen the industry’s safety and security efforts while advancing a more innovative and supportive human resources landscape for the trucking workforce.”

In addition to educational sessions, the conference will feature networking events, including a casino night and an evening at TopGolf.

Registration now open

Registration is now available through ATA’s official SSHR conference website. The event continues to serve as a central meeting point for advancing safety, security, and human resources practices across the trucking industry.

Source: The Trucker

The post ATA Opens Registration for 2026 Safety, Security & HR National Conference appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

For McConnell, the win did not happen overnight. It came after years of learning the competition and refining his approach.

Learning the Rodeo One Year at a Time

McConnell first competed in the Rush Enterprises Tech Skills Rodeo in 2023. He did not place, but the experience left a strong impression. Rather than seeing the outcome as a setback, he focused on understanding how the event worked and what judges were looking for.

He returned in 2024, competing in San Antonio. Once again, he did not place, but the second appearance gave him a clearer view of the Rodeo’s structure and scoring. Beyond fixing the truck, success depended on following procedures precisely and communicating each step of the process to the judges.

That trip also marked a personal milestone. McConnell got engaged on the Riverwalk, adding even more motivation heading into his next attempt.

Everything Comes Together in Nashville

Coming into his third Rodeo appearance in Nashville, McConnell set a realistic goal. He wanted to make the finals. With his fiancé cheering him on and his wedding just weeks away, McConnell leaned on everything he had learned from previous competitions.

This time, it all clicked.

McConnell captured the Medium-Duty, Peterbilt, and Medium-Duty Grand Championship titles, then was named the all-around Grand Champion at the 20th anniversary Rush Enterprises Tech Skills Rodeo, held Tuesday at the Gaylord Opryland.

“It feels amazing. I never would have thought” it possible, McConnell said.

Training and Staying Current Made the Difference

McConnell credited his performance not only to prior Rodeo experience but also to the work he has put into staying current throughout his career. Keeping up with new systems, procedures, and manufacturer guidance played a major role in his success.

“This is why it’s so important to make sure that you’re reading up on all the new stuff, studying up on all the new information and keeping up on everything new,” he said. “The biggest thing is just read, read, read. Absorb that knowledge so that when you’re working on a truck, you’re not just taking a guess. You’re taking an educated guess based on what you know from the information [from the manufacturer].”

For technicians, that mindset mirrors real-world shop conditions, where accurate diagnostics depend on understanding evolving technology rather than relying on instinct alone.

Showing the Work, Not Just the Result

During the two-day competition, McConnell focused on an area that had held him back in the past. While he had always been able to diagnose and repair the truck, he had not consistently communicated his process to the judges.

That changed this year.

“You know, the first couple times I came here, I was focused more on fixing the truck as fast as possible rather than following the procedures correctly,” he said. “These procedures are ingrained in my mind by now, but I needed to make sure the judge knew that I knew them. So this year I made sure to just tell him every single thing I was doing and I guess it worked out.”

That attention to procedure and transparency proved to be the difference.

Recognition and Results

As all-around Grand Champion, McConnell earned $18,500 in total cash and prizes, a timely bonus with his wedding less than three weeks away.

“Got a little extra spending money now,” he said.

McConnell was recognized during the awards ceremony alongside Rush Enterprises Chairman, President, and CEO Rusty Rush, as well as Clint Bowyer.

2025 Rush Enterprises Tech Skills Rodeo Winners

More than 2,700 technicians completed over 4,600 qualifying tests ahead of this year’s event, with more than 220 competitors advancing to Nashville. Approximately 800 people attended the awards ceremony Tuesday evening.

Nearly $300,000 in cash and prizes were awarded this year, bringing total prize money distributed over the Rodeo’s 20-year history to $3.5 million.

Grand Champions

• Heavy-Duty Service: Nat Dixon, Rush Truck Centers – Joplin
• Medium-Duty Service: Dom McConnell, Rush Truck Centers – Orlando South
• Parts: Eric Valenzuela, Rush Truck Centers – Joliet
• Aftermarket Sales: Ryan Summers, Rush Truck Centers – Denver
• Truck Sales: Steven Nace, Rush Truck Centers – Smyrna

Reserve Grand Champions

• Heavy-Duty Service: Paul Crawford, Rush Truck Centers – Haines City
• Medium-Duty Service: Joe Behrend, Rush Truck Centers – Idaho Falls
• Parts: Aaron Van Straten, Rush Truck Centers – Houston Northwest
• Aftermarket Sales: Francisco Ferrara, Rush Truck Centers – Greeley

What This Win Represents

McConnell’s journey highlights a message that resonates across service departments and fleets. Skill competitions reward more than speed. They reward preparation, adherence to process, and the ability to clearly communicate technical decisions.

For carriers and service organizations, the Tech Skills Rodeo underscores the value of investing in training and giving technicians opportunities to test their skills at a high level. For technicians, McConnell’s third-time win shows how experience and persistence can turn lessons into results.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post Process, Preparation, and Persistence Pay Off at Rush Tech Skills Rodeo appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Truckload 2026 will take place from February 28 through March 3 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando. The new pricing applies to all carriers, regardless of TCA membership status.

Why TCA is changing the pricing model

TCA said the decision reflects the current operating environment and the need for carriers to have stronger access to education, peer discussion, and industry collaboration.

“Our industry continues to be plagued by uncertainty,” TCA said. “At moments like this, access to education, peer insight, and meaningful connections is more essential than ever. The philosophy is simple. The more carriers in the room, the stronger the conversations, the better the solutions, and the greater the value for everyone. That’s why TCA’s Officers have unanimously approved a reduced registration rate for all carriers, regardless of TCA member status, to attend TCA’s 2026 Annual Convention, taking place from Feb. 28 – March 3 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando.”

The association emphasized that expanding participation strengthens discussions and leads to more practical outcomes for the truckload sector as a whole.

Flat rate registration for carriers

Under the updated structure, carriers can register for Truckload 2026 at a flat rate of $500. According to TCA, the reduced rate is designed to remove financial barriers that may have kept some fleets from attending in the past.

“We hope this $399 discount encourages new carriers to check out the meeting and that it allows our longtime attendees to bring new team members and strengthen their involvement in TCA,” TCA said.

For carriers considering professional development opportunities for operations leaders, safety managers, or executives, the reduced cost may allow broader internal participation.

Focus on collaboration across the truckload sector

TCA leadership framed the pricing change as part of a broader effort to strengthen industry collaboration during a challenging period.

“TCA has always believed that a stronger industry is built through collaboration,” said Jim Ward, TCA president. “By offering a $500 carrier rate for Truckload 2026, we’re removing barriers and reinforcing a simple truth: when carriers come together to learn, compare notes, and support one another, it lifts the entire truckload community.”

The association noted that creating space for carriers to share experiences and strategies is especially important as fleets navigate cost pressures, regulatory requirements, and shifting freight demand.

What carriers can expect at Truckload 2026?

Truckload 2026 will feature roundtable discussions focused on current industry challenges, educational sessions, and opportunities to connect with peers. The event also includes a keynote appearance by Jimmy Johnson and a live performance by Sugar Ray.

Carriers that have already registered will receive communication from TCA’s events team regarding the updated pricing.

For fleets evaluating where to invest time and resources in 2026, the discounted registration offers an opportunity to engage with industry peers and gain insight without the usual cost barrier.

Source: The Trucker

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MATS will run March 26 through 28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Registration stays free until the end of February, making it easy for drivers to claim a spot early.

The contest is already underway and runs through Feb. 27. Each week, MATS will pick winners and announce them on its social media pages. Three grand prize winners will be named on Feb. 27. According to the show, this is meant to keep the community engaged and help put a little money back in drivers’ pockets.

Toby Young, president of MATS, explained the idea behind the promotion. “We designed the ‘Share & Win’ contest to be a fun, social way for our community to connect and rally around the show. It’s a great opportunity for attendees to share their excitement and see who else is planning to be there. But most importantly, it’s our way of helping offset the costs of attendance by giving away cash prizes, hotel stays, and VIP access. We want to welcome everyone back to Louisville for MATS 2026.”

Drivers who participate will be in the running for several prizes, including six nights of free hotel stays, twenty-eight hundred dollars in cash awards, VIP access for the 2026 show, and parking passes that cover the entire event.

To qualify, drivers need to register between Dec. 1 and Feb. 27, post the “I’m attending” graphic, and share the weekly post. Full contest rules and the downloadable graphic can be found at truckingshow.com/share.

Source: Truckers News

The post Mid America Trucking Show Opens Registration with New Share and Win Giveaway for Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

MATS will run March 26 through 28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Registration stays free until the end of February, making it easy for drivers to claim a spot early.

The contest is already underway and runs through Feb. 27. Each week, MATS will pick winners and announce them on its social media pages. Three grand prize winners will be named on Feb. 27. According to the show, this is meant to keep the community engaged and help put a little money back in drivers’ pockets.

Toby Young, president of MATS, explained the idea behind the promotion. “We designed the ‘Share & Win’ contest to be a fun, social way for our community to connect and rally around the show. It’s a great opportunity for attendees to share their excitement and see who else is planning to be there. But most importantly, it’s our way of helping offset the costs of attendance by giving away cash prizes, hotel stays, and VIP access. We want to welcome everyone back to Louisville for MATS 2026.”

Drivers who participate will be in the running for several prizes, including six nights of free hotel stays, twenty-eight hundred dollars in cash awards, VIP access for the 2026 show, and parking passes that cover the entire event.

To qualify, drivers need to register between Dec. 1 and Feb. 27, post the “I’m attending” graphic, and share the weekly post. Full contest rules and the downloadable graphic can be found at truckingshow.com/share.

Source: Truckers News

The post Mid America Trucking Show Opens Registration with New Share and Win Giveaway for Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

But one broker decided to do something about it.

Dan Lindsey, a longtime freight broker, was tired of the constant back-and-forth and the bad blood between carriers and brokers. So, in March 2023, he launched the first Broker-Carrier Summit, a face-to-face event built around actual conversation instead of complaining.

“It started as an event born out of frustration,” Lindsey said during a recent interview on Trucking with OOIDA. “Everybody who has been in trucking and logistics knows that freight brokers and trucking companies … they don’t have the greatest relationship, and there are a lot of reasons for that … I was getting to the point in my career where I was just tired of hearing everybody snipe at each other … So, we decided to have a time where brokers and carriers got together and basically hashed out their differences and got to know each other in an actionable, personal way.”

Summit Heads to Orlando in Late October

The next Broker-Carrier Summit is set for October 28-30 in Orlando, Florida, and drivers are strongly represented — Lindsey says around 40% of attendees are from motor carriers.

His goal is for drivers and fleet owners to walk away with real tools and takeaways they can use immediately.

“We want drivers and carriers to walk away from the (summit) with things and strategies they can implement in their company day one to make them more profitable and more efficient,” Lindsey said.

The three-day event includes sessions on:

• Broker-carrier agreements
• Fraud prevention
• Cross-border freight
• Technology in logistics

OOIDA Steps In to Speak for Drivers

One of the most anticipated sessions happens on opening day. At 9:20 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday, Oct. 28, OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh will lead a session titled:

“Building Trust with Owner-Operators – A Candid Conversation with OOIDA.”

The talk will dig into the long-standing frustrations drivers have with brokers, and what brokers need to do differently if they want to improve relationships with independent carriers.

“I look forward to educating brokers on the ongoing challenges faced by small-business truckers, hopefully providing insights that lead to establishing trust and positive outcomes,” Pugh said.

Want In?

Drivers, carriers, and small fleets can still sign up for the Broker-Carrier Summit. Those who want to attend can register through the official event link.

Source: Land Line Media

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