The past and the present
 |
This is the fourth installment of this annual free-admission outdoor event and the organizers say that this year's show will offer even more of what expediters want to see at the Expo.
For two days in August, the Expedite Expo takes over a portion of the Detroiter Truck Stop in Woodhaven, MI and attracts not only the professionals currently in the fast-freight business, but the owner-operators and drivers from general trucking and other prospective expediters as well.
The event's organizers feel that they have found a winning formula for their shows by focusing on the recruiting and business side of expediting. This focus includes recruiters from virtually every major expedited carrier and seminars and workshops about the business of emergency freight. Another highlight of the shows has been the Expediter Pride Truck Beauty Show for expediting straight trucks and cargo vans.
Past Expo's have also included a variety of attractions including a circus-type midway, dunking booth, and in 2002, an evening concert on the opening day with no less than three oldies bands performing.
Beginnings
Lawrence McCord, the General Manager of Expediters Online.com, the company behind the Expedite Expo, tells of the short history of the event: “We held our first Expo in 2001, and of course, we had torrential rains both days of the show! That first year, we had maybe thirty of these little ten-by-ten foot tents for our exhibitors and those weren't much protection from the rain.”
“We learned our lesson from that, and since then, we've held the show under a 40' x 160' big top tent. The exhibitors like being out of the sun and rain and so do the attendees!”
He adds, “Something we can't control though is the heat, so the Detroiter always ensures that they have plenty of cold beverages (along with hot dogs, hamburgers, etc.) available in their tent!”
“On the perimeter of the big tent, we have our truck dealer exhibitors showing the latest in their expediter truck setups. Last year, for example, we were happy to host the debut of Freightliner of Knoxville's brand new “960 Express Cruiser”.
McCord says that the Expedite Expo is typically an informal affair, and visiting with the recruiters in this low-key, pressure-free setting allows the attendees to gather a great deal of solid information about the different carriers.
Expedite Expo 2004
McCord says that the Expo is dependent upon the generosity of a number of “heavy-hitters” in the expediting/trucking field. It's through their sponsorship that the Expo continues to bring expediting to a new audience.
“Freightliner of Knoxville has been a major show sponsor since the first event and we owe them a real debt of gratitude for their assistance. In 2004, our sponsors also include FedEx Custom Critical, Big Rig Owner magazine, Espar of Michigan, Tri-State Expedited Service and O.O.I.D.A. Thanks to all of these fine companies and others, we can offer an event just for expediting and the professional owner-operators and drivers in this business.”
What you'll find at Expedite Expo 2004 Recruiting
 |
Empty-nest couples
Retirees (including ex-military personnel) Casualties of downsizing from other industries (there are a number of former mid-level management types who have found expediting to be an exciting new career) Company drivers from Truckload, LTL and General Trucking looking for a change.
The expediting industry utilizes virtually 100% owner-operator fleets which means that it's an ideal vocation for the entrepreneur and the millionaire-in-the-making!
OK, that's a little strong, but the time-sensitive freight business does offer opportunities for the independent business person to start and grow his company and the Expo is a great place to gather the information necessary.
Seminars/Workshops
This year's Expo will feature the most comprehensive list of topics and speakers that we've ever had,” says Jeff Jensen, Editor of Expediters Online.com. “These free seminars will deal with the issues and subjects that are of interest to the professional drivers and others in the time-sensitive freight business.”
The seminar list includes:
*Ellen Voie, Executive Director of Trucker Buddy, International and noted trucking author will present an industry roundtable discussion on the topic - “Recruiting and Driver Retention.”
*John Mueller, Safety Director, Premium Transportation Logistics - “What is Expediting?”
*Jon Mosier, Expediting Truck Specialist, Freightliner of Knoxville - “Spec'ing, Buying and Financing the Expediting Truck”
*Curtis Morton, Transport Insurance Agency - “Insurance for small fleets”
*Joe Manley, DJ Trucking - “Growing an expediting fleet”
Jensen adds, “Sometimes I think the word “seminars” sounds like it's a formal classroom setting. Our seminars and workshops are very informal and there's always plenty of give-and-take with the audience.
Everyone attending should be able to get all of their questions answered.”
Expediter Pride Truck Beauty Show
Once again, expediters get to show their pride in their ride at the only truck beauty show just for the time-sensitive freight industry. This is an opportunity for all of those owner-operators and drivers to display their good-looking expediting, working trucks in categories for cargo vans, straight trucks and tractors.
Winners are awarded cash and prizes for those clean machines.
Joey Holiday
Recording artist and songwriter Joey Holiday performs for truck driving audiences nationwide. The veteran entertainer performs his music from a Rolling Stage/Museum that houses memorabilia from the Trucker Entertainers of the past. Truck Drivers from everywhere will be able to vote on their favorite artist to induct into this Hall of Fame.
From Music City USA, he tours the country playing his own brand of trucking music. His six albums have sold briskly and his shows are hits at truck stops and major trucking events.
He has also performed at such nationally recognized events as the Mid- America Truck Show (Louisville, KY) and Shell Superrigs Show (Walcott, IA).
Lawrence McCord says of Holiday, “We've wanted Joey to perform at the Expo from the very beginning, but scheduling difficulties always got in the way. Well, this year, Joey was able to make it to our show and we're very proud to have this fine entertainer and trucking supporter with us!”
Dave Nemo
Jeff Jensen says, “Expedite Expo 2004 is fortunate to have our long-time friend Dave Nemo at this event, and we're sure that his fans and listeners will welcome his appearance as well.”
“We've had a great working relationship with Dave for a number of years now and it's always a special occasion when he can take time of his very busy schedule to attend the Expedite Expo. He's a great friend of expediting and we're proud to have our radio program, “Expediter News Break,” on the Dave Nemo Radio Network!”
This veteran trucking radio broadcaster has a career spanning 30-plus years and is now one of the featured trucking personalities on XM Satellite Radio, Channel 171 (Open Road Channel).
Dave's friendly manner and easy-going charm have endeared him to listeners across the US and Canada and he will be providing live Expo reports to his vast XM audience. He will also act as the Master of Ceremonies for the Expediter Pride Truck Beauty show awards.
Trucker Buddy Charity Golf Outing
Expediters Online's own National Sales Representative, Sean Masters, will host this very popular event on the day prior to the opening of the Expedite Expo. The date is August 10, and the place is the Wesburn Country Club, approximately 6 miles from the Expo site.
Coordinating this event are Sean Masters from Expedite Expo and Jon Mosier of Freightliner of Knoxville. Register online or contact Debbie McCord at 859 746-2046.
Vendors
Of course, the Expedite Expo 2004 will have expediting truck dealers on hand who will be displaying their newest offerings to the show's attendees. The sales representatives are glad to help you with your questions and to assist you in spec'ing out your new truck.
There will also be vendors and dealers of aftermarket products for the expediting owner-operator and driver. •
Networking
The Expo is a great meeting place for those friends you've made on the road and a great way to make new ones!
Well, that's the lowdown on Expedite Expo 2004, Knoxville. It's a trucking show, trade exposition, expediting truck showroom and a good time.
See you there!
Expedite Expo 2004 -
August 11-12, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sponsored by
Freightliner of Knoxville, FedEx Custom Critical, Big Rig Owner magazine, Espar of Michigan, Tri-State Expedited Service and O.O.I.D.A.
Detroiter Truck Stop, Exit 32 off I-75, Woodhaven, MI
Fore more information, visit www.expeditexpo.com or call Debbie McCord at 859 746-2046