The "Shack Shaker" is indeed the stuff of legends- For 21 years, Don Shacklette has been driving this truck for Mercer. With a cool 4 million miles on it, the old KW has seen its share of blue horizons and rocky roads. At first glance, what is most notable is the enormity of the tractor. With a 110" Double Eagle sleeper and 80" custom ICT drum box, the Shack Shaker specializes in high security military freight. In addition, Shacklette pulls a 48' Mac polished aluminum step deck. After the 3 million mile mark, the burned-out KTA 600 HP Cummins engine was replaced with a 600 HP Electronic CAT. He's also replaced the old 5/4 transmission with an 18-speed double overdrive. Not only is the truck functional, it has quite a few bells and whistles too. Donna says, "We started with a tiny cab sleeper - nothing special. And although he promised he wouldn't run up a chrome bill, Don kept adding chrome one piece at a time, like Johnny Cash." As an owner-operator team, Don & Donna enjoy spending quality time together over the road. When they return to their home in Louisville, KY, they can be found at the lake or spending time with their two children and grandchildren. Don, a true daredevil at heart, spent his early career as a commercial pilot. His hobbies include boating, fishing, taking a spin in his antique fighter plane – he even used to skydive! Donna, a self-proclaimed chicken, would prefer her two feet on the ground, where she feels more useful looking skyward, caught half-between a rolling her eyes and saying a prayer on her husband's behalf.

In the Best of the Rest category, "Old No. 7" exhibits true renegade style with a lowered suspension, suicide doors, minimal lights and no chrome. The truck features a 3406 Model CAT engine, 13-speed transmission, 325 rears and a 325" wheelbase. The truck is owned by Todd Gillen of Wheat Ridge, CO and driven by "Flattop" Dan Archer. Fabrication is credited to Todd Reinauer, who added the low-leaf clip suspension, uni-bilt cab, suicide doors, shaved door handles and bow-tie visor. Reinauer is also responsible for the sharp flat black paint job, complimented by the red frame and fenders. "Old No. 7" is an ongoing project with one key objective: to have fun. Driver, Dan Archer, hauls flatbed freight in the Southwest, while Gillen's other two trucks specialize in car hauling in the Colorado area. There is no doubt that Dan and "Old No. 7" are a great match. Gillen says, "Dan is a great driver and he does a lot to keep the old horse running. He truly enjoys running that truck. We've invested in the truck because he's invested in us."