Experience the pulse of America’s trucking industry like never before—step inside the energy, pride, and powerhouse stories of the Mid America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, KY.

In this episode, join Caitlyn Folks and Lee Gentry as they take you on a lively tour of MATS, where drivers, families, and companies from all corners come together to celebrate life on the road. Discover why MATS isn’t just another event—it’s a milestone moment for the trucking community, bringing together both veterans and newcomers in an unforgettable atmosphere.

Meet notable guests like Ryan Dubrow of “Playing With Fire,” who shares the adrenaline and innovation of competitive truck and tractor pulling, and Evan, widely dubbed “the truck show guy,” whose detailing expertise keeps the show’s sharpest rigs shining. Hear from Bill Trotter, Vice President of Capacity at Bennett, on how these events anchor the company’s culture and recruiting, along with Emily, who offers a heartfelt look at what makes Bennett’s community truly special.

Key moments you won’t want to miss:
- The jaw-dropping specs of a 5,000-horsepower semi and what it takes to keep those engines roaring
- An inside look at how the Bennett team and their partners elevate the show—from recruiting new drivers to supporting long-standing family traditions
- Candid reflections on what sets Bennett apart: real connection, family vibes, and memorable moments (including a brand new trucking anthem)
- Whether you’re a driver, an industry insider, or simply fascinated by the

American trucking scene, this episode delivers a front-row seat to the spectacle and spirit of MATS.

Subscribe for more conversations and behind-the-scenes stories celebrating the people who keep America moving!

CHAPTERS:
00:18 Inside the Mid America Truck Show: Community & Energy
01:27 Truck Pulling Stories: Power, Sponsorship, & Family Ties
03:02 5,000 Horsepower Semi: Technical Wonders & Crowd Awe
04:47 Detailing and Polishing: Behind-the-Scenes Truck Prep
06:04 Growth of the Show: Biggest Year for Exhibitors
07:39 Truck Show Season Kickoff & New Builds
09:13 Why Drivers Choose Bennett: Family Culture vs. Numbers
10:20 Hatermaid Truck’s Debut & Community Pride
12:04 Sitting Around the Fire with Bennett Leadership
13:31 25 Years of Truck Show Memories & Concert Tales
15:32 Exclusive Performances: “Bennett, Take Me Home”
16:51 National Truck Championship: Picking the Top Three
18:56 Why Star Stripes & White Lines Is “Greatest American Truck Show”
19:43 Episode Wrap-Up: What Makes MATS So Special

Step into the cab and buckle up—this episode of Transportation Nation unpacks a legacy of faith, family, and fearless trucking that’s bound to inspire anyone connected to life on the road.

In this compelling conversation, we’re joined by Speaker A—author, preacher, and veteran heavy-haul operator—whose new book, The Highway Knows Your Name, weaves together generations of trucking know-how with life lessons and spiritual wisdom. Hear how Speaker A's family transformed from a small-town service station crew into a powerhouse in the heavy haul industry, leaning on teamwork, grit, and a steadfast faith at every turn.

Discover what happens behind the scenes of massive, superload moves—where planning can take a year, details make all the difference, and “the devil’s in the details,” as passed down from Speaker A’s own father. You’ll hear why safety, prayer, and trust became non-negotiable parts of every job, and how a simple prayer tradition among rough-and-tumble truckers turned into a lifeline for crews stretched to their limits.

Key highlights include:

• The wild story of a near disaster in a muddy Texas ditch, and how quick thinking—and a little divine intervention—kept the day from going off the rails 23:00.
• How writing down trucking tales and faith lessons, first for a church newsletter, blossomed into a book meant to preserve a family's legacy, cement trucker camaraderie, and invite new readers into a life-changing perspective 17:13.
• Why “boomers” (aka load binders) carry lessons that go far beyond rigging, revealing both the dangers and discipline of the trade.

Perfect for anyone who loves true stories from the highway, values the legacy of family businesses, or seeks encouragement to blend faith and work. Whether you’re a seasoned driver, industry insider, or simply curious about the human side of trucking, you don’t want to miss this heartfelt episode.

Subscribe for more conversations like this—where the stories of the road meet the lessons that last a lifetime.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Preserving Family Legacy Through Trucking Stories
01:26 Coming Full Circle: The Bennett Connection
04:08 Becoming a Pastor & Truck Driver at 19
05:25 Life Lessons Learned from Dad
07:27 The Davenport Siblings’ Business Journey
09:20 Blending Road Stories with Faith
10:23 The Hidden Challenges of Heavy Haul Trucking
12:38 Why the Book Was Written—Legacy & Faith
14:11 The Boomer Story: Trucking Hazard & Humor
16:08 Connecting Trucking Lessons to Scripture
18:54 Prayer Practices in a Tough Trucking Crew
22:01 Divine Help in Impossible Road Situations
23:08 Hand Caught in Truck Door: A Harrowing Tale
29:05 How to Get “The Highway Knows Your Name”
30:20 Gratitude, Farewell, and Faith Forward

Step inside the heart of trucking culture at America’s biggest truck show—MATS, where pride, innovation, and community collide! In this episode of Transportation Nation, hosts Lee Gentry and Jason Brady pull back the curtain on the annual Mid-America Truck Show in Louisville, Kentucky, sharing insider tips, unforgettable memories, and exciting event highlights you won’t want to miss.

Get ready as Jason Brady and Lee Gentry—both seasoned pros with decades in the industry—discuss everything from the jaw-dropping trucks on display in the legendary parking lot, to the game-changing technology that’s revolutionized trucking over the last 50 years. Special attention goes to the proud tradition of “Show and Shine,” the electrifying PKY truck light show, and Bennett’s sponsorship of the Friday night concert featuring Long Haul Paul, Mark Ware, and Frank Foster—an all-star lineup for trucking fans.

Tune in for key insights like:

• What truly sets MATS apart as the kickoff truck show of the season and why it’s a “must-walk” event for anyone passionate about trucking.
• The powerful sense of community at the show—connecting executives, owner-operators, and supporting organizations in an industry-wide celebration.
• How Bennett’s involvement extends beyond Louisville, from organizing their own Stars, Stripes and White Lines truck show to fundraising for Wreaths Across America, honoring veterans in meaningful ways.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee seeking tips or a longtime trucker eager for nostalgia and networking, this episode delivers firsthand perspectives, practical advice, and plenty of warm encouragement to join the action. Plus, discover who’s competing in the jaw-dropping tractor pull, hear about the Women In Trucking initiative’s growing impact, and learn how to snag your concert tickets from the Bennett booth.

Subscribe for more conversations like this—celebrating trucking, community, and the stories that move America forward!

CHAPTERS:
00:00 The Must‑See MATS Parking Lot Experience
02:47 Comparing Trucking Then and Now: A Veteran’s Perspective
04:55 Overwhelm at MATS: Jason’s First Impressions
07:11 MATS: More Than a Truck Show—A Community Gathering
09:35 Friday Night Concert Lineup Unveiled
11:15 How to Score Free Concert Tickets at MATS
14:14 Launching the Truck Show National Championship Passport
16:24 Women in Trucking: Empowerment & Bennett’s Role
18:11 Tractor Pull Preview: Setting the Grand Finale
19:49 Celebrating Ryan DeBro: Champion Tractor Puller
22:05 Star Stripes & White Lines: Growing the November Show
23:05 Track Laps for Reese’s Cross America Charity
24:16 Ball Drop Fundraiser: Huey Helicopter & Prize Details
25:26 Star Stripes & White Lines Invitation: All Are Welcome
26:12 Swag Swipers: Podcast Humorous Moment & People Watching
26:54 Closing: How to Connect and Subscribe