53,000+ Strong: MATS 2026 Drives Optimism for the Year Ahead
The Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) concluded its 2026 event, welcoming 53,507 attendees from all 50 states and 55 countries to the Kentucky Exposition Center. Despite a year defined by economic volatility and a testing freight market, the final attendance numbers signal an industry that is not only enduring but actively preparing for a return to growth.
With 830 exhibiting companies representing 44 states and 13 countries across more than one million square feet of exhibits, education, and events, MATS 2026 once again proved to be the industry’s definitive destination for discovering solutions, forging partnerships, and shaping the future of transportation.
A major highlight of the event was a visit from Sean Duffy, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, who met with industry leaders, exhibitors, and professional drivers to discuss the importance of trucking to the nation’s economy, supply chain, and infrastructure. The visit underscored the federal government’s recognition of trucking as a critical pillar of American commerce and mobility.
Education remained a cornerstone of the Mid-America Trucking Show experience in 2026, with a robust lineup of Pro Talks, which included expert-led seminars and industry panels designed to help attendees navigate today’s rapidly evolving trucking and freight environment. Sessions delivered timely insights on regulatory updates, emerging technologies, workforce development, safety, and strategies to improve profitability in a challenging market. From practical, driver-focused learning to forward-looking discussions on innovation and business growth, the show’s education program equipped carriers, fleets, and industry professionals with actionable knowledge to apply immediately in the year ahead.
MATS 2026 brought together more than 30,000 verified carriers and drivers, alongside suppliers, technology innovators, manufacturers, and service providers. The show floor buzzed with hands-on demonstrations, product launches, educational programming, and networking opportunities designed to help businesses navigate today’s evolving market.
“In a landscape of uncertainty, the industry looks for a roadmap,” said Toby Young, President of The Mid-America Trucking Show. “The turnout this year proved that, regardless of market fluctuations, in-person connections, education, and collaboration are vital for all industry stakeholders in the year ahead. MATS 2026 wasn’t just a trade show; it was a strategic gathering of professionals seeking the tools and partnerships necessary to navigate the current cycle with confidence.”
The Official Numbers:
* 53,507 attendees
From 50 states and 55 countries
* 830 exhibitors
From 44 states and 13 countries
* 1,000,000+ square feet
Of exhibits, education, and events
The success of the 2026 event provides a strong foundation of optimism as the industry looks toward the 55th Anniversary of MATS in 2027. The momentum generated over the three-day event confirms that when the trucking community faces challenges, it gathers in Louisville to define the future.
Following the success of MATS 2026, planning is already underway for an exciting milestone: the 55th anniversary of the Mid-America Trucking Show in 2027, which will take place March 18-20th, 2027.
MATS Show Management extends their gratitude to attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and industry partners who helped make this year’s event a historic success.
About MATS
Since 1972, the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) has grown to be the world’s largest and longest-running annual heavy-duty trucking event. MATS is the place to experience everything from new technologies to networking with industry thought leaders. This is where the industry’s largest brands and promising startups do business, form partnerships, and make meaningful connections. More than 800 exhibitors and 50,000 attendees are expected from across the globe at MATS this year, making it the education and innovation epicenter of the trucking industry. The entire industry connects at MATS 54 on March 26-28, 2026.
2026 PKY Memorial Truck Beauty Championship Winner List
People’s Choice: Jason Flores, “Alfalfa Cruiser,” 2018 Peterbilt and 2018 XL double flatbeds
Big Rig Build Off: Randy Menkel, Never Satisfied Builds/J&L Contracting, 1985 Peterbilt 359
Limited Mileage: Bobtail with Miles: Best of Show: Darryl Beger, “Mint Condition,” 2019 Peterbilt 389; 2nd: Bryant Mann, “Ribbon Runner,” 1998 Peterbilt 379; 3rd: Josh & Jayson Loyer, “Tax Exempt,” 1989 Mack Superliner
Limited Mileage: Bobtail with No Miles: Best of Show: CJ Nairn, 2025 Kenworth W900L; 2nd: Jared Nelson, “Curb Appeal,” 2022 Peterbilt 389; 3rd: Eddie Homfeld, “Crown Jewel,” a 2024 Peterbilt 389
Limited Mileage: Combo: Best of Show: Chad & Brad Sand, “Asphalt Outlaw,” 2016 Peterbilt 389 and 2018 MAC trailer; 2nd: Jason Flores, “Alfalfa Cruiser,” 2018 Peterbilt 389 and 2018 XL double flatbeds; 3rd: Jerry Mies, “Mooving Violation,” 2007 Peterbilt 379 and 2022 Walker
Working Truck: Bobtail: Best of Show: Phillip Couch, “New Testament,” 1999 Freightliner Classic XL; 2nd: Austin Badders, “Fine Wine,” 1983 Peterbilt 359; 3rd: Ashton Kaley, 1995 Kenworth W900
Working Truck: Combo: Best of Show: Blake Ray, 2020 Peterbilt 389 & 2026 Mac trailer; 2nd: Tucker Jacob, 2024 Peterbilt 389 & 2024 Eby; 3rd: John Treadway, “Teal Appeal,” 1998 Peterbilt 379 & 2017 Great Dane
Antique: Original/Bobtail: 1st: Ethan Tipton, “Wildcard,” 1972 Brockway 457; 2nd: Thomas Menges, “Sweet, Smooth & Sassy,” 1986 Mack RW 613 Superliner; 3rd: Earl Chapman, “Pearl,” a 1966 Peterbilt 352
Antique: Custom/Bobtail 1st: Jaden Warner, 1988 Peterbilt 362; 2nd: Brian Sweet, 1979 Kenworth W900A; 3rd: Casey Field, “Curley,” a 1969 Peterbilt 359
Antique: Original/Combo: 1st: Bruce Jones, 2000 Peterbilt 379 & 2025 MAC; 2nd: Jason Sanders, 1994 Kenworth W900 & 2014 Great Dane
Antique: Engine: Winner: Brant Arnold, “F5,” 1970 Peterbilt 289M
Antique: Paint: Winner: Wayne Smith, “Gangsta Hauler,” 1968 Kenworth W925A
Antique: Interior: Winner: Brian Sweet, 1979 Kenworth W900A
Limited Mileage: Interior
Winner: Jerry Mies with “Mooving Violation,” a 2007 Peterbilt 379 and 2022 Walker
Limited Mileage: Engine: 1st: Eddie Homfeld, “Crown Jewel,” 2024 Peterbilt 389
Limited Mileage: Bobtail/Paint: Winner: Jared Nelson, “Curb Appeal,” 2022 Peterbilt 389
Limited Mileage: Combo/Paint: Winner: Jason Flores, “Alfalfa Cruiser,” 2018 Peterbilt 379 & 2018 XL doubles
Limited Mileage: Bobtail/Lights: 1st: Eddie Homfeld, “Crown Jewel,” 2024 Peterbilt 389; 2nd: Bryant Mann, “Ribbon Run,” 1998 Peterbilt 379; 3rd: Jared Nelson, “Curb Appeal,” 2022 Peterbilt 389
Limited Mileage: Combo/Lights: 1st: Chad & Brad Sand, “Asphalt Outlaw,” 2016 Peterbilt 389 & 2018 MAC; 2nd: Jason Flores, “Alfalfa Cruiser,” 2018 Peterbilt 379 & 2018 XL doubles; 3rd: Jerry Mies, “Mooving Violation,” 2007 Peterbilt 379 & 2022 Walker
Working Truck: Bobtail/Company Owned: Winner: David Dyck, 2025 Peterbilt 589
Working Truck: Combo/Company Owned: Winner: Rob Baesel, “Henhouse,” 2024 Peterbilt 389 & 2025 MAC
Working Truck: Engine: 1st: Blake Ray, 2020 Peterbilt 389 & 2026 MAC; 2nd: Tucker Jacob, 2024 Peterbilt 389 & 2024 Eby; 3rd: Rob Baesel, “Henhouse,” 2024 Peterbilt 389 & 2025 MAC
Working Truck: Bobtail/Paint & Graphics: 1st: Phillip Couch, “New Testament,” 1999 Freightliner Classic XL; 2nd: Ashton Kaley, 1995 Kenworth W900; 3rd: Douglas Prier, 2026 Kenworth W900
Working Truck: Combo/Paint & Graphics: 1st: Rob Baesel, “Henhouse,” a 2024 Peterbilt 389 & 2025 MAC; 2nd: Mark Aragon. “Slammed Distraction,”, 2003 Peterbilt 379EXHD & 2020 Wilson; 3rd: John Treadway, “Teal Appeal,” 1998 Peterbilt 379 & 2017 Great Dane
Working Truck: Bobtail/Lights: 1st: Richie Foster, “Controversy,” 2022 Peterbilt 389; 2nd: Nicholas Deal, 2007 International 9900I, 3rd: David Dyck, 2025 Peterbilt 589
Working Truck: Combo/Lights: 1st: Jeff Dills, 2007 Peterbilt 379 & 2001 Utility 3000R; 2nd: Blake Ray, 2020 Peterbilt 389 & 2026 MAC; 3rd: John Treadway, “Teal Appeal,” 1998 Peterbilt 379 &2017 Great Dane
Working Truck: Interior/Cab Only: 1st: Mark Aragon with “Slammed Distraction,” 2003 Peterbilt 379EXHD & 2020 Wilson; 2nd: Rob Baesel, “Henhouse,” 2024 Peterbilt 389 & 2025 MAC; 3rd: Ashton Kaley,1995 Kenworth W900
Working Truck: Interior/OEM Sleeper: 1st: Blake Ray, 2020 Peterbilt 389 &2026 MAC; 2nd: John Treadway, “Teal Appeal,” 1998 Peterbilt 379 & 2017 Great Dane; 3rd: Tucker Jacob, 2024 Peterbilt 389 & 2024 Eby
Working Truck: Interior/Aftermarket Sleeper: Winner: Dean Cross, 2000 Peterbilt 379 & 2022 Utility 3000R
New Truck: Winner: Douglas Prier, 2026 Kenworth W900
First Show: Bobtail: 1st: Park Mastre, 2020 Peterbilt 389; 2nd: David Duncan, 1984 Peterbilt 359; 3rd: Nathan Van Tilburg, “The Eliminator,” 2001 Peterbilt 379
First Show: Combo: 1st: Jeff Dills, 2007 Peterbilt 379 & 2001 Utility 3000R; 2nd: Milan Duncan, 1998 Peterbilt 379 & 2020 Reitnouer Big Bubba; 3rd: Lance Galpin, 1987 Kenworth W900B & 1981 Western Alloy
Wrecker: Winner: Jacob Ripley, “Wreckless Behavior,” 2025 Kenworth W900B
Troy “The Legend” Huddleston Award: Winner: Tyler LaMontagne, “Nelly Bell,” 1983 Peterbilt 359
Rockwood Running Late Award: Winner: Paul Brookhart, “Pendleton,” 2001 Peterbilt 379
Bette Garber Memorial Award: Winner: Austin Badders, “Sexual Chocolate,” 1983 Peterbilt 359
Bennett Louisville Invite Winner: Winner: Tucker Jacob, 2024 Peterbilt 389 & 2024 Eby