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The Great American Trucking Show is making its way back to Dallas this month and you won’t want to miss it. With over 500 exhibitors, 50,000 attendees and more than 500,000 square feet of show floor space, there is truly nothing like it. With only three days to experience all that the convention has to offer, we’re sharing the most exciting events and activities that will have you scheduling a visit to GATS in your calendar.
Not sure if you’re going to GATS this year? Check out our 14 reasons why you won’t want to miss out on this the Great American Truck Show.
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Visit the Discovery Pavilion
Want to learn about all the latest and greatest products in the trucking industry? Learn about new equipment and how it could benefit you and your business as you interact with fellow truckers. Find information about individual booths and their products that will be in the Pavilion.
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Visit the Landstar Health and Wellness Pavilion
GATS is a huge advocate for driver health. Landstar will be providing free health screenings for truckers, as well as cooking, fitness and other health related educational demos. Stop by the Health and Wellness Pavilion to try some tasty - and healthy - food alternatives, plus other wellness related products.
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Get recruited
Is your current driving position the career of your dreams? If not, stop by the Recruiting Pavilion to find the perfect driving job for you. Here you will be able to get in contact with more than 100 exhibiting fleets who are all currently hiring new drivers. Speak to representatives, make a good impression and learn about all of the potential benefits! Learn about different job types and companies who you will be able to meet.
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Participate in the Roadhouse Run
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Whether you want to run, or just watch, come and support all truckers on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. for this year’s 5k run and walk. The location of the race has been moved to Trinity Grove, which is conveniently located near some of the most popular bars and restaurants in the area. All proceeds from the race will go to the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund.
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Trucker Talent Search
Watch this year’s three talented finalists sing and perform on Friday, Aug. 24 at 3 p.m. as they take the stage for some friendly competition. The winner receives $1,000 cash, plus a studio recording session provided by AxleOutPro. Enjoy the live performance, as well as an opening show from country star Tony Justice!
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Hang with the Red Eye Radio Network
Red Eye Radio is taking GATS to the next level this year with live performances, meet and greets, prizes and more! Stop by their booth to meet the hosts of the show, as well as other celebrities and country music artists such as Tyler Farr, Jerrod Neimann, Janie Fricke, Tony Justice, Jayne Denham and Bill Weaver.
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Let TA Truck Service do the work
TA Truck Service technicians will be providing maintenance and repair services at the TA-Petro Truck Parking Community while you enjoy exhibits and entertainment at GATS. Park your truck at the lot, then head over to the TA-Petro shower tent to schedule your service. See all of the services that TA Truck Service has to offer.
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Put your knowledge to the test with the Pre-Trip Challenge
Test your pre-trip inspection skills with Homer Hogg and Daniel Mustafa in booth #1341. Contestants will have 10 minutes to conduct a pre-trip inspection and record any faults they find on the equipment. 50,000 UltraONE points will be rewarded to first place, 25,000 UltraONE points for second place and 10,000 points for third place. Find out the details of when each challenge will take place on the GATS website.
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Get the best tire deals
Stop by the TA-Petro booth (#1618) and meet the TA Truck Service Commercial Tire Network team to take advantage of show special tire prices and to discuss all of your tire maintenance and repair questions.
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Enjoy live entertainment at the TA-Petro Truck Parking Community
The exhibits in the convention center may close at 5 p.m., but at the TA-Petro Truck Parking Community at the Cotton Bowl Fair Park, the party has just begun! Enjoy live entertainment sponsored by Heniff Transportation and Godspeed Expediters, get some grub from the Flaming Grill Barbeque Truck and enjoy the company of fellow truckers.
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Experience the pet parade
Bring your furry friends to the TA-Petro Truck Parking Community for a parade just for them on Saturday at 3 p.m.! Celebrate your pet and all that they do for you on the road, and at home. Let your four-legged road partner interact with the other animals and get the chance to win prizes.
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Get your four-legged friends groomed
All Paws and Claws is bringing pet grooming to the TA-Petro Truck Parking Community this year. On both Friday and Saturday, All Paws and Claws will be on-site from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. to pamper your pet while you enjoy GATS! For dogs, they will provide a complete grooming service, with brush and bathing services available for cats. To make an appointment for your pet, call Angela Pena at 903-357-1227. Walkups are also welcome.
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Pride and Polish
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Want to see the wildest trucks on the road? Check out Overdrive’s Pride and Polish truck show to see some of the most amazing show trucks. Do you have a truck that you think could compete? Register your rig.
14. Take a load off
After a day full of exploring at the convention, head across the street to Eddie Deen’s Ranch for some free entertainment! Admission is free with a ticket, which are available at the Uber Freight booth in Lobby B of GATS. Enjoy live music from Tony Justice and Jesse Raub, Jr., as well as the winner of the Trucker Talent Search. You’ll want to preregister for tickets.
At times, certain aspects of a trucking career can be long and tiring. Make the time you spend this year at GATS stress-free and well worth it. Take time to interact and meet other truckers, learn about new products and technology, get involved in the fun happenings and activities and most importantly, have a great time. With these 14 exciting things to do at this year’s show, there isn’t a doubt that it’ll be the best one yet!
*Updated Aug. 11, 2018