MONCTON, N.B. — The Atlantic Truck Show attracted nearly 12,000 visitors through its gates this week, and Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, the show’s owner, says the 14^th installment of the event did not disappoint.

The APTA says the two-day event exceeded all its expectations in terms of exhibitors, content and visitor attendance.

Organizers say attendees were in awe of the displays of big rigs and industry-related products and services that encompassed the Moncton Coliseum floor and parking lot, also noting that recruitment drive was a “huge hit.”

“The mood on the floor was definitely demonstrative of how the economy has rebounded,” said show manager, Mark Cusack. “Past shows were great, but the excitement, coupled with the new technology and companies in recruitment mode made for an awesome event in 2012 and we could not be more pleased.”

Organizers say industry leaders were well represented at the event and noted that manufacturers have raised the bar when it comes to fuel efficiency, environmentally friendly products, and hybrid technology, all of which were showcased at the show.

The APTA says its Back to the Future breakfast was well attended, as was the charity lobster dinner and silent auction, with proceeds from that benefitting juvenile diabetes research and the APTA scholarship fund.