A stadium full of the latest products and services for heavy-duty trucks is reason enough to not miss the annual Mid-America Trucking Show. This year, the cool factor didn’t hurt either.

Optimus Prime, a semi-trailer-slash-giant-robot from the popular “Transformers” silver screen franchise, made a stop in Louisville, Ky., for the March 27–29 show. In addition to the movie star, show participants also came face to face with opportunities to efficiently research the latest products and services that will keep dump, recycling, utility bucket trucks and other heavy city vehicles on the road and operating efficiently into the next decade.

“The preeminent event in heavy-duty trucking” presented detailed sessions on alternative fuels and retrofitting, plus showcased new tank, refrigeration and other technologies designed to make large-vehicle operation efficient while at the same time maintaining driver comfort.

If you’d like to make plans to attend next year’s show, also in Louisville, keep tabs on www.truckingshow.com.

“The Road Ahead Begins at mats” was the theme of the 43rd annual Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. Pictured, from left, are Daniel Lewis of Commercial Vehicle Group Inc. and The Municipal Account Executive Chris Smith on the show floor. (Photo by Ashley Adamaitis)