MATS 2022 has just concluded. The show was quite different without all the big OEMs. There was still a lot to be learned from the vendors who attended seminars and networked with others in the industry including other vendors, owner-operators, and drivers. I wanted to attend the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the US Department of Labor sessions, but other things interfered with my schedule.
I had the privilege of being one of the speakers for the Trucking Solutions Group at the PRO TALKS stage. Our discussions were about the benefits of forming a group, in order to benefit your business. The Trucking Solutions Group has been around since 2008. The biggest benefit is that collectively we can gather more knowledge, than each one as an individual. We talked about how as a group, we find solutions to help navigate our business as changes impact our industry.
This year's MATS seemed to be attended heavily by the owner-operator crowd. This made for many opportunities to network with others, and gain knowledge and insight into the trucking world.
Having attended MATS for many years, the weather during March has provided an interesting array of conditions. There have been years when there were tornadoes in the area, hail, snow, windstorms, heavy rain, and sometimes just absolutely perfect Spring weather. This year's event brought some rain, along with colder temperatures, mainly in the forties. Out at the Papa John's parking lot, where many of the drivers and owner-operators gather, the cool weather did not stop the spirit that has been a MATS tradition for many years. You could almost always find people walking around and visiting with others.
It was great to see everyone again at MATS and I look forward to attending this event again in 2023! Until then, be safe and profitable.
Some pictures, courtesy of Trucking Solutions Group member Stephen Halsted, are below.
