ARE buyers coming back into the work truck market? They are if the recent Work Truck Show is any indication.
Approximately 10% more people attended the marketplace that is The Work Truck Show, an exhibition of commercial trucks and related products held March 3-5 in Atlanta.
The exhibition, held in conjunction with the 39th annual National Truck Equipment Association Convention, attracted more than 5,600 fleet managers, truck equipment distributors, leasing company representatives, and other professionals involved in buying, selling, or using commercial vehicles — up sharply from a year ago.
“There was a positive atmosphere at the show this year. It was obvious that business was getting done,” says Jim Carney, NTEA executive director. “We see that reflected in our booth sales to-date for the 2004 show. Because of the success they had in Atlanta, exhibitors are increasing the size of their booths for the Baltimore show next March. We've already sold almost 90% of the available exhibit space at the Baltimore Convention Center.”
Among the show's exhibitors were 12 of the world's leading chassis manufacturers — 10 of which held educational sessions to review technical information on chassis specifications; design; body installation; equipment mounting; and current and future model lineups. Coverage of these sessions, along with other news from chassis manufacturers, will be included in the May Trailer/Body Builders.
Attendees also took advantage of the 37 industry-specific educational sessions, numerous networking opportunities, and a keynote address by Steve Spurrier, head coach of the National Football League's Washington Redskins.
The convention and the Work Truck Show are under the direction of the NTEA board of directors. Serving on this year's executive committee are Vic Tedesco, Zoresco Equipment, president; Rod Robinson, Waltco Truck Equipment, first vice-president; Mike Frizzell, Royal Truck Body, second vice-president; Robert Green, Robert Green Truck Division, third vice-president and treasurer; and Jim Carney, NTEA, executive director and secretary.
Distributor trustees are Stan Coveleskie, SIA Truck Bodies; Menno Eby, M H Eby Inc; Dennis Jones, Fort Wayne Fleet Equipment; John Princing, Scientific Brake & Equipment; and Steven Sill, Aspen Equipment.
Manufacturer trustees for 2003-2004 are Jim Kraschinsky, Stahl/A Scott Fetzer Co; Tom Rawson, RKI Inc; and Harley Westfall, Adrian Steel Co.