Since you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance you already recognize that truckers are probably the most terrific people in this fine nation.
But in case you get into an argument with friends from other industries about just how important your job is, here are a few fantastic stats from American Trucking Associations:
- Trucks move 71.4 percent of America’s freight by weight – this equates to 11.49 billion tons in primary shipments only.
- In 2017, there were $42.6 billion in federal and state highway-user taxes paid by trucks.
- In the same year, there were 36 million trucks registered and used for business purposes, and they traveled 297.6 billion miles.
And while truck drivers certainly move the nation in the US, don’t forget that your brothers and sisters behind wheels across the world do the exact same and this is an industry that’s woven into the cultural and economic fabric of many nations.
To celebrate, perhaps your staycation or overseas vacay next year might include popping into a fantastic gathering of fellow truckers?
If this sounds like fun, here are three global truck festivals you can’t miss in 2020.
- The Great American Trucking Show (GATS)
With more than 500 exhibitors, 50,000 registrants, over 150 trucks and 50,000 products, plus fresh food and live music you’ll find that visiting GATS feels more like a festival experience than a trade show.
Held between August 27-29 in Dallas, Texas, this is the ideal place to catch up with the latest truck tech, get up close and personal with beautiful trucks and even hire skilled drivers for your fleet – what’s not to love?
- Trucking Australia 2020
The distances some truckers Down Under have to cover as part of their regular duties are mind-blowing and it takes guts and guile to keep your rig running smoothly in some of the world’s wildest terrain.
So if you fancy bonding with some antipodean truckers and finding out how they stay focused and safe as they traverse the outback, make sure you’re in Cairns between 1-3 April for Trucking Australia 2020. Find out more at truck.net.au, the official site of the Australian Trucking Association.
- Truckfest Scotland
Scotland has a fine tradition of road haulage and an upstanding community of truckers who love nothing more than to polish up their prized tractors and trailers and meet up to swap notes, sink a few cold beers and make connections.
And the main Caledonian juggernaut jamboree is Truckfest, which is held at The Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh between 1-3 August. You can even camp out to make a weekend of it – grab tickets at truckfest.co.uk.
Getting There
No matter which one of our terrific truck festivals you choose to attend, you can find the best deals on flights on a powerful comparison site like skyscanner.com.
And by booking US airport parking at Looking4.com you can cruise to your departure hub in the comfort of your own ride and stow it somewhere safe and secure for the duration.
So ends our list, but please share your own truck festival tips in the comments section.
