Smart Truck BBQ at GATS 2014

At GATS in Dallas this year, drivers who had parked in the parking lot came out to find a pleasant surprise. The folks from Smart Truck Systems decided to hold a BBQ for drivers of the second year in a row. They came up with the idea as a way to thank drivers for what they did.

Some of the good food that was provided.

Drivers were treated to a BBQ feast which was delicious.  The BBQ Brisket was fantastic, however the crowd pleaser and spotlight stealer has to be the smoked turkey breast. It ran out well before the brisket.

Entertainment was provided by the country band Empty Pockets. Brad James (interview coming in the near future) was invited on stage to sing a song and it was well received by the crowd.  In a later conversation, Brad told me that this was his first time singing with a live band. He did a fantastic job.

Empty Pockets performing at GATS

It was an unexpected treat to come out and find this prepared for drivers. Since this is Driver Appreciation week I would like to publicly express my thanks to the wonderful people at Smart Truck. Drivers often feel overlooked. To have a vendor recognizing drivers in such a meaningful way was truly appreciated. It did not matter if you used their products, were a company driver, or owner operator. Their concern was to make sure you were well fed, entertained, and knew you were appreciated.

Some of the team from Smart Truck

Anytime someone goes out of their way to show drivers appreciation I believe it deserves credit. Whether it is a stranger buying a driver a cup of coffee, another driver giving a fellow driver a shower credit. Or one of the several other events that was done to thank drivers at GATS, I feel they deserve credit. It is nice being shown how you are appreciated.

My personal thanks to you for the great dinner, and all you did.