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.
Committees
New Member & First-Time Attendee Reception
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
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
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.
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.
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
Small Carrier General Session
9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Small carriers face unique challenges, from rising operational costs to complex regulations. This session brings together leaders from small fleets who share creative solutions to market pressures and strategies for building resilience.
Learn how to tackle resource constraints and thrive in today’s competitive and economic landscape.
Education
Refreshment Break
10:45 - 11:00 a.m.
Networking
Round Table Discussion Groups
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.
Compliance/Regulations
Maintenance
Operations
Marketing Technology
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: Netradyne and TruckRight
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
Large Carrier General Session
9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Hear from top executives as they share strategies for maintaining competitiveness in the current economic landscape. Gain actionable insights to lead your organization with vision and resilience.
Education
General Session
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Education
Press Conferences
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Other
Lunch in the Exhibit Hall & Learn + Go Sessions
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
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.
​
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!
​
Panelists:
-
Kennedy Alvarez, Director of Digital Marketing, Melton Truck Lines
-
Chris Davies, Chief Strategy Officer, TruckRight
-
Jeremy Stickling, Chief Administration Officer, Nussbaum Transportation Services, Inc.
​​
Moderator: Delaney Rea, Project Manager, Drivers Legal Plan and TCA 2025-2026 Elevate Class Member
TCA Profitability Program (TPP): Driving Profits through Benchmarketing
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.
​
Panelists:
-
Nicky Morrison, Controller, Prime Inc.
-
Carl Svendsen, Chief Strategy Officer, Halvor Lines
-
Ed Nagle, President & CEO, Nagle Companies
​​
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.
​
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.
​
Panelists:
-
Mike Ludwick, President & CEO, Bison Transport and TCA At-Large Officer
-
Phil Wilt, President & CEO, American Central Transport
​​
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: Truck Right and Netradyne
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
