Mike Most’s Freightliner a Showhorse AND a Workhorse

Michael Most, owner of Phoenix-based Michael Most Trucking, Inc., drove a truck for 10 years before taking a big gamble in 1998—starting his own business with a single truck.  Nearly a decade later, Michael Most Trucking has grown to 59 trucks and 115 trailers, plus 14 owner/operators.  The company, a member of the Arizona Trucking Association since early 2004, is a dedicated interstate truckload carrier hauling mostly dry freight. 

Mike was born in New York City and raised in Long Island, and comes from a family of policemen and firefighters.  He is one of the few in his family who chose a different type of occupation.

            In addition to trucking, Mike (who, as a child was nicknamed M&M—like the candy) has another passion—his 1998 Freightliner, painted bright yellow and covered with murals depicting the theme “Legends and Heroes.”  Artwork of the Twin Towers as they once stood is a reminder of his childhood growing up in New York, the 9/11 attacks and the heroes who fought to rescue victims, many losing their own lives in the process.

            Mike is also a racing fan and a longtime admirer of Dale Earnhardt, the late race car driver.  Earnhardt—in his signature sunglasses and cap, alongside his legendary #3 car—adorns the inside of the hood and a ghosted image appears on the outside. The “M&M” characters are also depicted in two different settings on each side of the sleeper.

 

The interior of the truck is another work of art in and of itself.  It’s upholstered in suede top to bottom, including the seating.  The dash panel is powder-coated in yellow.  It’s easy to see, then, why Mike Most’s beloved 1998 Freightliner has dozens of awards in the Working Truck class competitions at various truck shows.  “Working Truck”???  Yes—it hauls regular loads from Phoenix to Northern California and back, qualifying it for that particular competition.

 

In June 2007, Mike drove the truck to Las Vegas where he entered it in the Stars and Stripes Truck Show—and swept the competition!  The truck more awards in Reno and Dallas in August, and next year, Michael will take it to the Mid-America Truck Show in Louisville, Kentucky. 

 

            Just a few of the awards Mike has won include: WORKING BOBTAIL - CUSTOM PAINT – First Place; WORKING TRUCK ENGINE – Second Place; WORKING TRUCK INTERIOR, OEM SLEEPER – Second Place; BEST THEME AWARD, PRESENTED BY TRUCK RODZ BY JONES PERFORMANCE – First Place; WORKING BOBTAIL, 2000 & OLDER – First Place;
BEST OF SHOW – BOBTAIL; and MOST OUTSTANDING MURAL.

The 200 attendees at ATA’s building dedication and open house Nov. 9 were privileged to view the truck as part of a racing-centered display supporting the event’s theme “Setting the Pace for the Next 70 Years!”  Thanks, Mike, for taking time to share your spectacular truck with all of us!
(Adapted from a Freightliner Sterling Western Star of AZ feature article.)