Working the Work Truck Show: attendance jumped 20 percent at the 2004 Work Truck Show, which featured a wide variety of commercial trucks and accessories

Pit & Quarry, May, 2004 by Mark S. Kuhar

Fleet managers, equipment distributors, manufacturers, leasing company representatives and aggregates producers involved in buying, selling or using commercial trucks and equipment visited the Baltimore Convention Center for The Work Truck Show 2004. The show, produced by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA), was held March 3-5 in conjunction with the 40th Annual NTEA Convention.

Boasting an increase of 20 percent over 2003 attendance, the event brought together about 7,000 representatives from a variety of industries that use work trucks. "The feedback we received from exhibitors and attendees has been very complimentary," says NTEA's Executive Director Jim Carney. "A lot of business was conducted on the show floor. Due to the success in Baltimore, we've already sold almost 90 percent of the available exhibit space for The Work Truck Show 2005 in Indianapolis."

Show attendees viewed the latest work truck chassis, bodies and equipment from 420 exhibiting companies. Many booths were staffed with engineers to aid in the specifying process.

The Work Truck Show is the only place to see full-size commercial trucks and transportation equipment from vehicle Classes 1 through 8, says NTEA, making it easy for fleets and leasing company representatives with a variety of equipment demands to find what they need to improve productivity and efficiency.

Upwards of 50 exhibiting companies featured new products and innovations, from components and accessories to entire vehicles. New this year, attendees were able to vote for the New Product Spotlight Innovation Award. This year's winner, Standfast Enterprises (Macedon, Victoria, Australia), showcased their its TRAM--Total Restraint Access Module.

"This was one of the best shows we've had," Carney says. "Every year we try to raise the bar to provide additional industry resources for our attendees.

The educational sessions and industry updates give insight to work truck professionals. The exhibitors were pleased with the number of qualified leads collected at the show. It was a success for industry suppliers and attendees alike."

Among the show's exhibitors were 12 of the world's leading chassis manufacturers--nine of which held educational sessions to review technical information on chassis specifications, design, body installation and equipment mounting, as well as current and future model lineups. Attendees also took advantage of more than 30 industry-specific educational sessions, numerous networking opportunities and a keynote address by former president George Bush.

The Work Truck Show 2005 is scheduled for March 2-4 at the Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Ind. The show will be held in conjunction with the 41st Annual NTEA Convention (March 1-4). Registration for The Work Truck Show 2005 opens in October 2004.

The NTEA was established in 1964 and represents nearly 1,600 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and the major commercial truck chassis manufacturers also belong to the association.

The NTEA provides in-depth technical information, education and money-saving opportunities through its member programs, publications, services and sponsorship of The Work Truck Show.

The association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and a government relations office in Washington. Its Web site, www.ntea.com, provides an interactive listing of members and their products/services as well as important industry news and resources. Contact the NTEA at 800-441-NTEA (6832). Following are some products shown at the show.

International

The International 7600 truck is built for severe-duty applications. It delivers big-bore power up to 430 hp, according to the company. It features superior strength, outstanding maneuverability, dual steering gears and a 50-degree wheel cut.

International

800-44-TRUCK (87825)

www.internationaldelivers.com

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power

Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power's Vanguard V-Twin Big Block air-cooled and liquid-cooled commercial engines provide economical power, increased hp-to-weight ratio and the same mounting footprint for air- and liquid-cooled applications, according to the company.

Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power

P.O. Box 702

Milwaukee, WI 5201

414-259-5333

www.commercialpower.com

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Durakon Industries

The 1,250-lb. capacity CargoPro truck-bed tray is made of skid-resistant, high-density polyethylene mounted on a maintenance-free extruded aluminum frame. Precision bearings provide smooth roll-out action with the release of the CargoPro's latch. It is now available for full-size pickups with both standard 6-ft. and long beds.

Durakon Industries

2101 N Lapeer Rd.

Lapeer, MI 48446

810-664-0850 ext. 1258

www.durakon.com

Roll-Rite Corp.

The all-new integrated, top-rail design tarp system for trailers using side tarping eliminates small accessories from topsides of trailers. The system installs into the aluminum top-rails on trailers manufactured to incorporate a new larger 4-ft. Roll Rite tarp axle, providing more self-support when spanning longer distances and reducing the required number of interior cross-supports.