Wednesday, March 21, 2012

We have liftoff!

Press day at the Mid-America Trucking Show is only halfway over as I write this, and already the Expo Center is buzzing with activity. This morning we had a nice breakfast and a look at new driver assistance technology, courtesy of the folks at Bendix. And we saw the reveal of the Kenworth T680, a new aerodynamic truck that seems to have been built with driver comfort in mind. It's got larger doors, a larger cab, plenty of storage space and places for a fridge, a small flat-screen TV and even a microwave. And it looks pretty cool, too.

We also saw a presentation from Continental (yes the same outfit that sells tires) about their new EOBR device. The device was kind of neat, with touch screen and a built-in printer.

There's been some talk around here about the EOBR mandate and many seem to think that it's a foregone conclusion. I know it was their press conference, but OOIDA has some news for them: That fight isn't over yet.

We are at the midway point of Press Day here in Louisville. Mark Reddig is off-site with Jami Jones, Dave Tanner and Suzanne Stempinski to see what the folks from Peterbilt have to say this year. I'm sure you'll hear more from them later on.

Meanwhile, In the North Lobby, "Land Line Now" Sound Engineer Barry Spillman is busy setting up at the booth so he and Mark will be able to record from the show this week. I just ran into OOIDA member Lee Strebel, and he says things are gearing up out at the parking lot at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.

Show trucks are being shined, booths are being assembled, and everything is coming together for tomorrow's grand opening.

The forecast is calling for rain later on the week, but for right now the sun is shining in Louisville!

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