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Mack MD Special Upfit Protects Highway Workers in Rear-Impact Crashes

Gulf Highway Equipment is purchasing 160 more Mack MD models to be upfit with truck-mounted attenuators, an energy-absorbing crash cushion attached to the rear of a truck that is designed to protect workers and motorists in construction zones.

White work truck with yellow bed and yellow rear-mounted crash protection device parked in a parking lot.

Gulf Highway Equipment will upfit truck-mounted attenuators onto 160 Mack MDs to better protect construction zone workers and motorists.

Credit: Mack Trucks

3 min to read


Gulf Highway Equipment, a leader in delivering truck-mounted attenuators (TMAs) and equipment to construction companies and government agencies, has announced plans to purchase 160 more Mack MD Series chassis cabs.

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Mack said the decision comes as a result of the strong performance and durability of the more than 250 Mack MD6 vehicles GHE previously purchased to support its commitment to quality, long-term reliability, and safety.

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“Gulf Highway Equipment selected the Mack MD because it delivers the durability, reliability, and versatility we expect from a vocational platform at a competitive price,” said Travis McCain, founder of GHE. “The MD offers a strong chassis, excellent upfit flexibility, and the engineering quality Mack is known for, all in a medium-duty package that fits well with our specialized equipment applications.” 

Founded in 2014 by McCain, Gulf Highway Equipment, based in Richland, Texas, specializes in designing and manufacturing highly customized highway safety and vocational equipment solutions. With a focus on quality, performance, and long-term reliability, GHE partners with industry-leading OEMs and dealers to deliver equipment built to work, day in and day out. 

Energy-Absorbing Crash Cushion 

A TMA is an energy-absorbing crash cushion attached to the rear of a truck that is designed to protect workers and motorists in construction zones. The TMA is placed behind work crews to help protect them and redirect motorists from potentially driving into the work zone. Should an accident occur, the attenuator absorbs the impact, reduces its effect on the worker and the driver, and can increase the likelihood of survivable accidents.

“We’re proud that Gulf Highway Equipment continues to choose the Mack MD6 as the foundation for its TMA upfits,” said Gregory Stohler, Mack vice president of leasing, rental, and medium-duty sales. “The MD6 pairs a strong, durable chassis with upfit-friendly packaging and a comfortable cab to support crews through long shifts. We’re happy that GHE recognizes the versatility of the MD6, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with them.”

The Mack MD6 & MD7

The Mack MD6, a Class 6 model, has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 25,995 pounds, and the MD7, a Class 7 model, has a GVWR of 33,000 pounds. Both models are exempt from the 12% Federal Excise Tax (FET).

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Mack said the MD Series models meet the needs of trucking applications requiring dry van/refrigerated, stake/flatbed, dump, and tank truck vocations. The MD6 model does not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate for non-hazardous payloads.

The Mack MD Series is a model range built specifically for medium-duty applications. Available in 4x2 configurations, the MD6 and MD7 models feature a sharp wheel cut for enhanced maneuverability in tough urban settings. The MD Series cab was updated in 2025 to include a larger cab with a bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) measurement of 107 inches, providing industry-leading comfort.

“The Mack MD aligns well with our current and future needs,” McCain said. “Combined with the responsive service, parts availability, and ongoing support provided by Bruckner’s Truck Sales, the Mack MD is a platform we expect to continue investing in as Gulf Highway Equipment expands. Since 2020, we consistently increased our demand for Mack trucks.”

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