Panels
Trucking Insight Panel:
Surviving & Thriving as a Carrier
Monday, March 2 | 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.
​
Key takeaways:
-
Establish an effective reporting cadence to achieve true data visibility.
-
Understand the difference between expense tracking and strategic financial leadership.
-
Explore the importance of creating your organization’s desired roadmap.
Chris Hummer
President | Don Hummer Trucking
Ty Walker
Director of Finance | Stokes Trucking, LLC
Mark Walker
CEO | Transland
Moderator:
Graig Morin
President | Brown Dog Carriers
Trucking Insight Panel: Managing Costs Relentlessly & Preparing for the Future
Tuesday, March 3 | 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.
​
Key takeaways:
-
Discuss strategies for ensuring optimal operating size.
-
Identify the leading economic indicators & internal KPIs that reliably signal a true market up-turn.
-
Understanding the actionable steps needed to avoid the trap of reacting too slowly to renewed demand.
Dennis Dellinger
President & CEO | Cargo Transporters
Gregg Troian
President | PGT Trucking
Pete Hill
Executive Vice President |
Hill Brothers Transportation
Moderator:
David Williams
Sr. VP, Equipment & Gov't Relations |
Knight-Swift Transportation Company
Understanding Commercial Driver, Training, and Vehicle Enforcement
Tuesday, March 3 | 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.
​
Key takeaways:
-
Learn what enforcement agencies are focusing on today and how these priorities impact carriers and drivers.
-
Gain clarity on upcoming regulations & enforcement initiatives that will influence operational strategies.
-
Hear practical ways carriers & enforcement can work together to improve safety and reduce violations.
-
Identify proactive steps to stay ahead of evolving enforcement practices and maintain compliance.
Adrienne Gildea
Deputy Executive Director |
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
Andrew Poliakoff
Executive Director |
Commercial Vehicle Training Association
Erick McGuire
Major | Florida Highway Patrol
Moderator:
David Heller
Sr. VP, Safety & Gov't Affairs | TCA
Workshops
Everyday AI: How any Carrier can Work Smarter
Tuesday, March 3 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
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!​
Chris Davies
Chief Strategy Officer | TruckRight
Jeremy Stickling
Chief Administration Officer |
Nussbaum Transportation Services
Abby Ryan
Chief Financial Officer |
Crawford Trucking, Inc.
Moderator: Delaney Rea
Project Manager | Drivers Legal Plan & TCA 2025-2026 Elevate Class Member
TCA Profitability Program (TPP): Driving Profits through Benchmarking
Tuesday, March 3 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
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.
Nicky Morrison
Controller | Prime Inc.
Carl Svendsen
Chief Strategy Officer | Halvor LInes
Ed Nagle
President & CEO | Nagle Companies and TCA Secretary
Moderator: Steve Phillips
TPP Facilitator | TCA
The Importance of Culture:
What Works and What Doesn't
Tuesday, March 3 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
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.
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