Saturday
February 28
NATMI Board of Directors Meeting
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
by invitation only
Committees
TCA Scholarship Trustees Meeting
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
by invitation only
Committees
Attendee Orientation
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Networking
TCA Officer's Meeting
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
by invitation only
Committees
TCA Membership Committee
3:45 - 4:00 p.m.
sponsored by: Tenstreet
Committees
New Member & First-Time Attendee Reception
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
sponsored by: Tenstreet
Networking
TCA Opening Party
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
sponsored by: Volvo
Networking
Sunday
March 1
Attendee Networking Breakfast
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
Networking
Inspirational Session
7:30 - 8:00 a.m.
Other
Presented by Tommy Hodges, Chairman, Titan Transfer, Inc.
TCA Committee Meetings
8:00 - 11:00 a.m.
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Highway Policy
sponsored by National Interstate Insurance
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Independent Contractor Practices Policy
sponsored by TrueNorth Companies
10:10 - 11:00 a.m. Recruitment, Retention & Human Resources
sponsored by PCS Software
Committees
Luncheon with Presentations
11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
featuring:
Alix Miller, President & CEO, Florida Trucking Association
TCA Chair Karen Smerchek
Elevate Class Presentation
sponsored by Driver's Legal Plan & Tenstreet
TCA Champions Club Award
sponsored by Peterson Manufacturing
TCA Ambassador Club Recognition
TCA Scholarship Fund Presentation
Other
Spouse/Guest Activity
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Craig Karges
The Extraordinist
Other
TCA Committee Meetings
12:45 - 2:30 p.m.
12:45 - 1:50 p.m. Regulatory Policy
2:00 - 2:30 p.m. Communications & Image
Committees
TCA Board of Directors Meeting
2:45 - 4:00 p.m.
sponsored by: Samsara
Committees
Exhibit Hall Opening Reception
& Learn + Go Sessions
4:15 - 7:30 p.m.
Come explore the latest in innovative technology and products & services to enhance your business.
sponsored by: Pilot Flying J
Exhibits
TCA Chairman's Special Reception
7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
by invitation only
Networking
Monday
March 2
Attendee Networking Breakfast
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
sponsored by: CAT Scale Company
Networking
Refreshment Break
9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Networking
Trucking Insight Panel:
Surviving & Thriving as a Carrier
9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
This session is dedicated to helping truckload operators understand the importance of a financial reporting cadence and leverage their data for genuine strategic growth. Learn how to transform raw financials into actionable insights that inform decision-making. We will emphasize the critical need for a concrete strategic business plan—moving beyond reactive decisions to defining your company’s desired roadmap.
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Key takeaways:
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Establish an effective reporting cadence to achieve true data visibility.
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Understand the difference between expense tracking and strategic financial leadership.
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Explore the importance of creating your organization’s desired roadmap.
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Panelists:
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Chris Hummer, President, Don Hummer Trucking
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Mark Walker, CEO, Transland
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Ty Walker, Director of Finance, Stokes Trucking, LLC
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Moderator: Graig Morin, President, Brown Dog Carriers
Education
Refreshment Break
10:45 - 11:00 a.m.
Networking
Round Table Discussion Groups
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.
Building a Culture of Compliance and Safety: Strategies for Today’s Challenges
In an era of evolving regulations and heightened enforcement, compliance and safety are no longer just check-the-box activities, they are core business imperatives. This interactive roundtable discussion, moderated by Dave Heller, Senior Vice President of Safety & Government Affairs, TCA, brings together industry leaders to explore practical strategies for fostering a culture of accountability, mitigating risk, and aligning safety programs with regulatory requirements.
Participants should share insights on emerging compliance trends, proactive risk management, and innovative approaches to employee engagement. Join us for a candid discussion on how organizations can stay ahead of regulatory changes while ensuring the well-being of their workforce and the integrity of their operations.
The Unknown World of Equipment & Maintenance
The road ahead for equipment investment is complex. Join your industry peers, moderated by Jack Porter, TCA TPP Facilitator, for a crucial, open-sharing session dedicated to equipment & maintenance strategies. How are you navigating higher maintenance costs with any extension you have done to your replacement cycles? Has tariffs impacted your maintenance costs, and have you done anything to combat that increase?
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This is your opportunity to step away from the abstract and dive into the concrete decisions truckload owners are making right now. We will discuss the core elements driving your decision-making process, from navigating economic headwinds to optimizing fleet longevity.
Driving Operational Excellence and Profits
In this roundtable session, moderated by Steve Phillips, TCA TPP Facilitator, carriers will discuss what they are doing to drive operational excellence and profits. The term “operations” is often used as an all-encompassing term for the day to day, revenue generating activities in trucking that includes Drivers, Fleet Management, Customer Service and Planning. Be prepared to share, and learn from carriers that are succeeding in these challenging times.
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Topics to include but not limited to: What KPI’s are most important to you and how do use “data” to make good decisions? Do you benchmark those KPI’s with others? How do you motivate employees? What incentives work? How do you optimize your network? Are you getting the most out of your TMS?
Has changes in driver demographics caused you to change your approach to hiring and retaining talent?
Marketing Technology
In this session we will be sharing & discussing various marketing strategies that will improve the visibility of your business. From paid advertising, social media posts, direct mail campaigns, websites to workforce development strategies.
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Topics to include but not limited to: Why is Marketing important to my business? Who is your target audience? Should you have a dedicated staff for social media? Is the relationship between Sales & Marketing important? How important is the Recruiting & Marketing relationship? Do you have a Marketing budget?
Education
Press Conferences
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Other
Luncheon sponsored by PrePass
with Award Presentations
12:00 - 1:15 p.m.
featuring:
TCA Elite Fleets
​Supporting sponsors: TruckRight & Acrisure
TCA Highway Angels of the Year
Presented by: Epic Vue
Supporting Sponsors: Driver Facts & Northland Insurace
TCA Past Chairmen's Award
Education
Refreshment Break
1:15 - 1:45 p.m.
Networking
Exhibit Hall & Learn + Go Sessions
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Exhibits
Networking Reception
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
sponsored by: Daimler Truck
Networking
Truckload Strong Event
6:00 - 9:30 p.m.
requires ticket
Proceeds help to support TCA’s major initiatives and programs such as the TCA Scholarship Fund, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Wreaths Across America, Highway Angel, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, and other programs that positively promote the trucking industry.
sponsored by: Daimler Truck
Networking
Tuesday
March 3
Attendee Networking Breakfast
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
sponsored by: Great Dane and Fleet Pulse
Networking
Refreshment Break
9:30 - 9:45 a.m.
sponsored by: AON Risk Services
Networking
Trucking Insight Panel:
Managing Costs Relentlessly & Preparing for the Future
9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
This session dives into the critical metrics, technology, and customer strategy required for successful company right-sizing. We'll examine which key performance indicators (KPIs) should determine your optimal operation. More than just surviving, we’ll explore the springboarding philosophy: how to identify the precise, data-driven KPIs that signal a true market upturn. Learn how to accurately read the "crystal ball" so your operation is strategically positioned to scale rapidly and profitably the moment the economy fully rebounds.
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Key takeaways:
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Discuss strategies for ensuring optimal operating size.
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Identify the leading economic indicators and internal KPIs that reliably signal a true market up-turn.
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Understanding the actionable steps needed to avoid the trap of reacting too slowly to renewed demand.
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Panelists:
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Dennis Dellinger, President & CEO, Cargo Transporters
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Gregg Troian, President, PGT Trucking
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Pete Hill, Executive Vice President, Hill Brothers Transportation
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Moderator: David Williams, Senior Vice President, Equipment and Gov't Regulations
Education
Understanding Commercial Driver, Training, and Vehicle Enforcement
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join us for an engaging in-depth dialogue with enforcement & subject matter experts as we explore the fast-evolving landscape of commercial driver and vehicle enforcement and compliance. This conversation will dive into the critical role enforcement is playing in improving roadway safety, the challenges faced by inspectors and carriers, and the impact of recent regulatory actions that have and will affect the industry. Attendees will gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on how enforcement strategies are developing, what trends are shaping the future of compliance and training, and how collaboration between carriers, training providers, regulators, and enforcement agencies can create safer roads for everyone.
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Key takeaways:
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Learn what enforcement agencies are focusing on today and how these priorities impact carriers and drivers.
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Gain clarity on upcoming regulations and enforcement initiatives that will influence operational strategies.
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Hear practical ways carriers and enforcement can work together to improve safety and reduce violations.
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Identify proactive steps to stay ahead of evolving enforcement practices and maintain compliance.
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Panelists:
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Adrienne Gildea, Deputy Executive Director, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
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Erick McGuire, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol
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Andrew Poliakoff, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicle Training Association
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Moderator: Dave Heller, Senior Vice President, Safety and Gov't Regulations, TCA
Education
Press Conferences
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Other
Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
serving station sponsors: Geotab
Exhibits
Workshops
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Everyday AI: How any Carrier can Work Smarter
​Artificial Intelligence doesn’t have to be pricey, complicated, or reserved for tech wizards. In this session, we’ll dive into the most accessible, low-cost AI tools—like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and meeting assistants like Otter AI—and show you real, practical ways to make them part of your everyday workflow.
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Feeling overwhelmed by all the AI buzz and now sure where to start? Want to hear from AI enthusiasts who aren't trying to sell you a system overhaul? Already dabbling in AI and curious how others are using it to boost efficiency and creativity? This AI is lazy or a creativity killer? Answered yes to any of the above - this session is for you!
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Panelists:
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Kennedy Alvarez, Director of Digital Marketing, Melton Truck Lines
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Chris Davies, Chief Strategy Officer, TruckRight
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Jeremy Stickling, Chief Administration Officer, Nussbaum Transportation Services, Inc.
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Moderator: Delaney Rea, Project Manager, Drivers Legal Plan and TCA 2025-2026 Elevate Class Member
TCA Profitability Program (TPP): Driving Profits through Benchmarking
In this session we will explore how participating carriers use the TCA Profitability Program to drive excellence and profits. From very robust monthly Group KPI Composites to biannual, in-person events, our expert panel will share how they have reduced costs and increased revenue through peer group Benchmarking strategies.
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Panelists:
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Nicky Morrison, Controller, Prime Inc.
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Carl Svendsen, Chief Strategy Officer, Halvor Lines
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Ed Nagle, President & CEO, Nagle Companies
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Moderator: Steve Phillips, TCA Profitability Program Facilitator
The Importance of Culture: What Works and What Doesn't
Culture is the invisible force that shapes how people behave, collaborate, and make decisions within an organization. It's not just about shared values or mission statements—it's the lived experience of employees, the unwritten rules, and the emotional tone that permeates every meeting, email, and hallway conversation.
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This session will explore how three trucking companies have built cultures that not only support their goals but also empower their people - what worked, what didn’t, and what others can learn from their journey.
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Panelists:
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Mike Ludwick, President & CEO, Bison Transport and TCA At-Large Officer
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Phil Wilt, President & CEO, American Central Transport
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Moderator: Brent Nussbaum, CEO, Nussbaum Transportation Services and TCA At-Large Officer
Education
Private Reception Honoring TCA Elite Fleets
4:15 - 5:00 p.m.
by invitation only
sponsored by: TruckRight and Acrisure
Networking
Closing Banquet Reception
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
sponsored by: ACT 1
Networking
Closing Banquet sponsored by ACT1
& Entertainment sponsored by WEX
6:00 - 10:30 p.m.
featuring:
TCA Fleet Safety Awards
sponsored by Great West Casualty Company & Gallagher
TCA Professional Drivers of the Year
sponsored by Cummins, Inc. & Love's Travel Stops
Entertainment by:
Sugar Ray
Presenting sponsor: WEX
Education
"There are things I’ve learned here over the years that I didn’t even know I needed."
Tim Chrulski
Garner Trucking
