Why is GBATS the Most Unique Truck Show in America?

GBATS (Guilty By Association Truck Show) is a massive 3-day event that has the atmosphere of a carnival - with over 800 custom truck builds. 

Location: Joplin, Missouri near I-44 Exit 4.

To the hundreds of truckers and their families who attend this bi-annual event, it's more than just another semi truck show, it's a celebration of community: "the working man's truck show."

Here's a deep dive into:

1. The evolution and history of GBATS
2. What to expect from the event.
3. What makes this the most unique semi truck show in America. 

What Makes GBATS the Most Unique Truck Show in America?

It's really all about treating truckers like rock stars. Hundreds of people gather together to marvel at custom truck builds and talk shop.

The Difference Between GBATS & MATS Truck Shows? 

Mid America Trucking Show (MATS) is the largest truck show in America. But it focuses more on being an exhibit, featuring speakers, booths, and product showcases.

It's a massive trucking convention that takes place namely indoors, and the custom trucks, food, and events outdoors. 

GBATS is more like an open-air festival and family-oriented carnival that's focused on appreciating custom truck builds and truckers. 

The GBATS' Semi Truck Show Origins and Evolution

GBATS started over 20 years ago (2008) as a small-time annual getogether for 4 State Trucks to better appreciate their regulars, the most die-hard customers and fans of the 4 State and Chrome Shop Mafia brand. 

Over time, it began to expand. By the 4th, 5th, or 6th GBATS event, the goals changed.

"We wanted to draw in people who were new to the 4 State Trucks brand and loved trucking," said Bryan "Bossman" Martin. 

With each subsequent truck show, the goal was to be bigger, more dynamic, and more engaging. We met and exceeded that goal.

The Timeline of GBATS

• 2008–2009: appreciation roots → first public show.
• 2010–2015: convoy grows from small beginnings (Visit Joplin notes 17 trucks in 2010 → 370+ by 2015).
• 2016: convoy hits 403 trucks and raised $100K+ (Overdrive report).
• 2018: record turnout cited (~693 trucks, ~15,000 people) and the shift to biennial begins.
• 2020: show skipped due to pandemic (noted in 2021 coverage).
• 2021: big comeback with 700+ trucks and expanded experiences (burnouts, drag races, etc.).
• 2025: three-day schedule with demolition derby + FMX stunt show + fireworks + downtown street party.

Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse at Building a Truck Show

Employees often work 90-100 days in preparation for the event (on top of the regular 9-5 duties). You might imagine that putting together a truck show of this size would take enromous time, money, effort, and energy.

Well, you'd be right.

That's why it's bi-annual and not yearly.

It's controlled chaos. From coordinating with business partners and brands and marketing the event to cleaning up the mess once the party is over, hosting a truck show is a massive undertaking.

But it's incredibly rewarding. 

This is a large part of why the GBATS truck show continues to grow year after year. 

Why is it Growing in Popularity? 

With every iteration, the event attracts more visitors from all across America, and even international visitors from Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

These are people who are putting their busy lives on hold, taking time off of work, booking hotel stays, and more.

Why? 

It's because GBATS offers a unique experience that's hard to replicate. It builds a powerful atmosphere of a comradery and community among truck drivers, friends, and family. 

Treating Truckers Like Rock Stars

The show really focuses on trucker appreciation and trucker culture. Everything is shaped around this core theme, from the layout of the show to the games and events. 

The Trucker Olympics

The trucker olympics is a big part of the evet. It involve a series of mini games and competitions, like tire toss and the winch strap rollup race to name a few. 

Awarding the Best Custom Truck Build: How it's Done

We wanted to focus on comradery, rather than strict competition.

Every trucker gets 1 vote for his fgavorite bobtail truck, and 1 vote for his favorite tractor trailer truck.

Whatever truck gets the most votes in each category is deemed the "best of show tractor-trailer" and the "best of show bobtail."

The final award. The People's Choice Award is one that anybody and everybody can vote for, trucker or not. The votes can be submitted via mobile app, so you don't have to even be at the even in person! 

The coolest-looking trucks get photographed and added to next year's 4 State Trucks calendar edition. 

Why This All-American Truck Show is All-Inclusive 

There's always something to do that keeps the entire family engaged, especially kids. 

Petting zoos, mini train rides, tricycle races, ice cream trucks, face painting, and more. 

There are also mini-games and activities for spouses and older kids, like axe throwing, for one. 

Semi Trucks and Food Trucks Galore

Dozens of food trucks gather together for this massive event in Southwest Missouri. 

Dent & Ding Used Parts Treasure Hunt 

The dent and dinged used parts are up for sale. Drivers can get chrome upgrades for up to 80 or 90% off the market value. 

These are found under the dent and ding tent where 4 State Trucks employees can show customers what's available in the junk yard.

It's the chance to find some diamonds in the rough - so to speak.

The GBATS Experience: What to Expect From the Truck Show

The Custom Truck Convoy Drive in Downtown Joplin

The entire town basically shuts down to make room for this massive event. "The World's Largest Convoy" parades through downtown to showcase a semi truck light show.

In 2018, there were around 693 trucks (15,000 people). More recently (2025 GBATS), there were over 800 custom trucks. 

Crowds gather together to admire the sleek chrome, and custom finishes of classic big rigs: Peterbilts, Kenworths, Freightliners, Western Stars, Internationals, Macks, and Volvos galore.

Tractor-Trailer Pull Races

Semi Truck Burnouts

Watching burnouts is a fun way to spend part of your time at GBATS as you enjoy some food and drinks. 

Motorcross Stunt Shows

The evening motorcross stunt show keeps things lively and varied. So it's not just semi trucks you're looking at. 

Nighttime Shows: Truck Lights and Exhaust Shows

Truckers showcase their dual-function watermelon light setups, custom underglow lights, and more during a nighttime drive through the main street. There are also exhaust shows. 

The Days' End Concert: A Live Band Performance + Fireworks

Every evening, after the main events are done, the bands plays. Whether it's a ZZ Top cover band or a popular country artist, there's always a great show to end the night. 

It's a full event - jam-packed from start to finish. 

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