EVENTS & EDUCATION

Network and learn how executives from Bosch, Geotab, CameraMatics, and Amous are managing the ever-changing world of logistics technology. From fleet and transportation management to technology integration, operations management, and in-transit visibility, learn how the experts work collaboratively with industry leading companies to help carriers, brokers, and industry stakeholders through their digital journey.

Admission is $100. Attendees and Exhibitors can add this event to their badge during Registration.
More Info at VIP Breakfast

An elite competition hosting the best of the best custom show trucks in North America. More info at PKY Championship.

FMCSA update on our efforts to build a new FMCSA Registration System (FRS) and our fraud prevention efforts.

• Surviving the spot market in a down market
• Getting your authority
• Working with brokers
• Power only is the future
• Q and A

Redefine your approach to fleet safety and profitability with meaningful and actionable data insights. Join us at the Mid-American Trucking Association Conference for an eye-opening session that will show you how to:
Unearth Hidden Insights: Discover how readily available data, from fleet inspection to safety scores and driver information, can unveil crucial insights that impact your business’s financial health. We’ll show you how to turn raw data into gold for a more profitable fleet.
Navigate the Insurance Landscape: Understand how your fleet’s safety scores can be the pivot point between insurance rates that go sky high and those that stay firmly grounded. Learn to wield data as a tool to minimize liability and other expenses, ultimately safeguarding your bottom line.
Elevate Your Safety Expertise: Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to build internal safety expertise that not only ensures compliance but also fosters a culture of safety excellence. Learn how this can be your secret weapon in reducing costs and enhancing profitability.
See how data-driven decision-making can forge connections that not only boost efficiency but also transform your business strategy. Join us and unlock the potential of data-driven excellence!

Business leaders estimate they waste $2.1 million a year dealing with inefficient processes,
according to original research from WEX. Yet there are a number of simple technologies that
truck drivers can use to fight these inefficiencies – many right from their phone – that save time,
cut costs, and/or improve cash flow. From accessing discounts, combatting fraud while still
keeping your truck on a load, and gaining a greater transparency into purchasing and volume
performance, this session will review product innovations by WEX – from EFS and Fleet One
fuel cards to factoring and permitting – that reduce friction for sole proprietors *and* large
enterprises alike by offering simple, convenient access to WEX’s suite of business and fuel
efficiency tools built specifically for trucker drivers and fleet managers.
Intended outcomes and learning objectives:

• Review of fuel discounts: WEX’s director of OTR product will review new technology
  that allow large companies, owner operators, contractors, and other truckers to access
  national fuel discount networks and instantly save at the pump – no matter the size of
  their operation.
• Time savings that improve the profit margin: Since time is a valuable and limited
  resource for truckers, WEX’s director of OTR product will review shortcuts to combat
  fraud, achieve discounts, avoid fees, and improve cash flow – and get back on the
  road fast.
• Integrations: From telematics to permitting and factoring, we will review how WEX’s
  EFS and Fleet One fuel products dovetail with telematics systems, improve permitting
  flow, and allow access to capital in a way that integrates and simplifies operations.

It is all about choosing the right freight and controlling your costs. Join industry leading advisor, Kevin Rutherford of Let’s Truck and Brent Hutto of Truckstop as they deliver savvy trucking advice to help you run your trucking business.

Join Dean Croke, Principal Analyst with DAT, as he shares a freight market update and tips on how to navigate the current landscape of low rates and demand. This session will cover:

• Truckload market conditions with a full market update
• Driver-oriented business conditions & lifestyle
• Current issues in the economy; economic outlook

There are common pitfalls when it comes to the role in vehicle maintenance when it comes to a DOT audit. From record keeping, tech qualifications, roadside inspection data and DVIRs. Many things get overlooked that come back to haunt a carrier during an audit.

More than 30 acres of FREE truck parking located less than one mile from the Kentucky Expo Center with a free shuttle to and from the Expo Center during show hours. More info at Truck Parking Community.

Many companies are experiencing challenges as a result of driver shortages. Join this session with Rich Moore, Stericycle’s EVP of North America Operations, where he’ll explore:

• Internal and external recruiting measures
• Retention best practices
• How training and safety measures can improve retention numbers

If you have an aging workforce and want to learn about all things “Next Gen” you won’t want to miss this session. We will give practical ideas on what Gen Z looks for when job searching, what kind of company they want to work for, practical recruiting ideas, and how to retain and manage them. Let us help you attract the next generation by helping you form a workforce development strategy.

For 16 years, the Best Fleets to Drive For® program has been recognizing the for-hire carriers that provide the best workplace experiences for their drivers. This session will share the trends and best practices uncovered in the 2024 edition of the program, as well as reviewing innovative ideas from this year’s winning fleets.

Focusing specifically on areas most relevant for company drivers, owner-operators, and small fleets, the content will show what’s going on behind the marketing at winning fleets, and what drivers have to say.

Join us at the opening reception for a lively evening of celebration, networking, and recognition, open to all attendees! The reception is a great opportunity to connect over drinks, food, and live entertainment. The reception will feature the MATS Wall of Fame induction, Bourbon Tasting, Craft Beer Tasting, and so much more. More info at Opening Reception.

The PKY Light Show is a spectacle like no other. Competitors light up the night with a wide array of colors displayed on their custom trucks. More info at PKY Light Show.

An elite competition hosting the best of the best custom show trucks in North America. More info at PKY Championship.

FMCSA policy and regulatory updates, rulemaking general update, and information on ELDT, grants to help drivers get CDLs, truck parking, and crashes and reducing crashes (including work zones).

We will delve into the critical topic of achieving cost-effectiveness in fleet operations amidst rising inflation. A key focus will be on the strategic acquisition of high-quality replacement parts. These superior parts, though initially more expensive, prove to be more cost-efficient in the long term by outperforming their cheaper counterparts. We will explore how investing in these quality components not only extends the service intervals of trucks but also significantly cuts down on labor costs associated with frequent repairs and replacements. This approach, we argue, is essential for maintaining profitability and operational efficiency in a challenging economic climate. The presentation will provide practical insights, backed by data and case studies, demonstrating the long-term financial benefits of prioritizing quality over short-term savings in parts procurement.

Digital marketing is a puzzle we’re all trying to piece together. We know it should fit together in a specific way, but finding the means to make it happen isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll cover why shops need marketing strategies and plans to increase customers and revenue, to engage existing customers and to recruit new employees. Further, we’ll cover the vital elements that MUST be in your marketing plan for it to be successful as well as discuss the essential analytics to measure so that you can accurately track your success. At the end of this session, you won’t question why you need marketing in your shop, you’ll only ask yourself how fast can I get it implemented?

This session offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of terminal operations within Aurora and the broader trucking industry. It delves into the shared challenges and solutions, the distinctive features of Aurora’s approach, and the integration of safety culture and technology for a forward-looking operation model.

Statistics show that anywhere between 20 to 30 percent of new trucking businesses will fail by their first year, and over 50 percent will fail by their fifth year. So how do you avoid being one of the casualties? The answer is simple, create a business plan. The OOIDA Foundation will walk you through step-by-step how you can create a business plan that will help you lay out your goals on your way to success. We’ll discuss company description, market analysis, marketing strategy, cost of operations, and more.

This panel discussion explores effective strategies for truck drivers to boost fuel economy using existing technologies and practices. Topics include the benefits of low viscosity lubricants, aerodynamic improvements for tractors and trailers, benefits of low rolling resistance tires and more. The discussion will focus on how integrating these approaches can lead to substantial fuel savings, ultimately increasing profitability.

Key highlights include:

• How currently available technologies can improve trucking efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions
• How technology, such as fleet management, TPMS, and digital insights can increase tire life – meaning less tires consumed and less CO2 emitted
• Overview of current and upcoming engine oil specifications
• Benefits of using high-quality DEF

This session is a must-attend for truck drivers looking to navigate the evolving landscape of engine performance and efficiency. Attendees will be able to ask questions of the panel.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the ups and downs of the freight market? Join DAT’s trucking experts as they go over proven methods to keep your wheels turning profitably, no matter what the economy throws your way. This session will break down important strategies for your trucking biz, like how to develop and maintain profitable broker relationships, the best ways to use operational tools like a pro, a preview of new features on the DAT One network, and other tips on how to save big on every haul. It’s a tough market out there, but there are ways to rev up your success.

Today’s freight market is unpredictable and bad actors are making it worse. Learn how to choose the good from the bad and best negotiate with brokers from industry leading broker Tyler Johnston of Mercer Transportation and Brent Hutto of Truckstop.

As we approach the end of the second year of a historic freight recession, small carriers are faced with unique challenges and uncertainties. During this session, a panel of industry experts representing carriers, payments, and fuel will provide valuable insights to help the small carrier adapt and emerge stronger than ever. Join moderator Garrett Wolfe, EVP, Product Strategy at Triumph Financial, and our panel of experts for a conversation about the tools you need to navigate toward success.

Topsy-turvy, sometimes contradictory economic forecasts aren’t hard to find around trucking these days. This owner-operator business-focused session aims to cut through the noise to equip your small trucking business with ways to bolster stability in this time of reduced and ever-uncertain trucking demand, and chart a profitable path forward.

It’s part of the long-running Partners in Business program, a coproduction of Overdrive magazine and the owner-operator business consultants and tax specialists at ATBS, launching the 2024 update of the Partners in Business in-depth business book with a presentation and Q&A with ATBS Vice President Mike Hosted and Overdrive Extra contributor and owner-operator business coach Gary Buchs. Hosted will present short- and long-term business trends with year-end 2023 revenue, cost and income performance of ATBS owner-operator clientele across segments.

The numbers provide benchmarks against which to measure your own operation. Better yet, they offer a springboard for discussion of long-term strategies and short-term tactical moves to thrive despite the odds.

How can you ensure you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of truck diagnostics, avoiding costly downtimes and maximizing efficiency? This session covers the evolution of truck diagnostics, demonstrating the importance of staying current with the latest tools and insights. Discover how understanding your truck’s diagnostic needs can enhance decision-making and lead to significant cost savings. Explore the idea of DIY diagnostics, learn about the benefits of OTR Diagnostics for real-time health monitoring, and discuss aftertreatment systems and DPF maintenance to optimize truck performance. We’ll also share strategies for executing cost-effective maintenance routines and overcoming common maintenance challenges. This seminar is a must-attend for truck drivers, owner-operators, fleet managers, and fleet owners looking to navigate the future of truck diagnostics and maintenance with confidence. Don’t miss this opportunity to revolutionize your approach to fleet management and operational efficiency.

Ricky Jordan with Centramatic, present benefits and solutions to balancing tires and wear on trailer tires and drive tires, steer tire wear, and what a customer can and should expect from a commercial truck using Centramatic Balancers. Ed will discuss driver retention, Benefits of Balancing on your electronics bushings and hard parts.

Kevin Beckett with MD Alignment will present analysis and solutions to inside edge cupping wear on trailer tires and drive tires, outside right edge of passenger steer tire wear, the effect of shocks on handling and tire wear and what a customer can and should expect from a commercial truck or trailer alignment.

Trailer and drive tire inside edge wear
Causes: loose and worn components, lighter axle and suspensions, low rolling resistance tires
Solution: methods of properly adjusting bearings, specing or improving suspension strength, specing tires

Outside right passenger steer tire wear
Causes: alignment, high turning radius, caster
Solutions: alignment, lower turning radius, lower caster

Shocks
Use of shocks on commercial trucks
Indications of good or bad shocks for drivers

Expectations drivers can and should have for a commercial truck/trailer alignment
What does an alignment do for tire wear, handling, or fuel consumption?
What are indications an alignment was done well/ poorly?
How long should an alignment hold on a commercial truck?

More than 30 acres of FREE truck parking located less than one mile from the Kentucky Expo Center with a free shuttle to and from the Expo Center during show hours. More info at Truck Parking Community.

13th annual Salute to Women Behind the Wheel, a celebration for professional female drivers.

Tom Herlache, owner and President of Herlache Truck Lines, gets ~70% of his volume via direct customer freight with ~20 trucks as well as his brokerage.

In this fireside chat, Tom will discuss with Bryan Jones, CEO of Truckbase, how he developed relationships, service, and systems to service that volume as a Wisconsin-based regional carrier. Some key topics they’ll discuss, followed by open Q&A:

1. How did I win my first contract as a carrier?
2. How have I differentiated on service & compete with mega-carriers?

3. What’s the role of your brokerage relative to your asset side?

4. What role do systems & technology play in winning & servicing your customer freight?

As a seasoned truck driver, as a company-driver, owner, operator, and now as co-owner of Alpha Drivers Transportation operating under their own DOT Authority, Alec Costerus has covered over 1¼ million OTR miles in 49 states and most of Canada.

In these multiple roles, together with business partner Joel Morrow, Alpha Drivers has perfected trucking efficiency from several facets:

• trucking equipment, technology, and maintenance;
• fuel efficiency, recording among the highest annual fuel economy of any on-road, production, diesel-powered long-haul truck;
• business operational excellence;
• driver pay that affects recruitment, retention, and safety;
• optimizing fuel purchases;
• reducing insurance costs;
• implementing a telematics system (“if you don’t track it, you can’t improve it”); and,
• aftermarket fuel and oil additives

With this background, Alec offers to speak to owner-operators and small fleets about Leveraging Your Competitive Advantage.
Because if individuals, whether leased to a carrier, operating under their authority, or as a small fleet operator, forfeiting that competitive advantage form efficiency puts them at a disadvantage to larger fleets that operate by their very size on an operational economy of scale model. That omission will put those small operations out of business in today’s low rate, high-cost business environment.

Join us for the official MATS Concert, presented by Bennett Family of Companies, Bridgehaul, and Ace Doran. The concert will be headlined by The Steel Woods, with an opening performance by Tony Justice! More details at MATS Concert.

An elite competition hosting the best of the best custom show trucks in North America. More info at PKY Championship.

Long hours on the road can take a toll on your body, causing discomfort, muscle tension, and reduced mobility. But don’t let pain put the brakes on your journey to wellness. Our “Road to Relief” talk addresses the unique challenges faced by drivers and provides practical solutions that fit right into your daily routine. Discover simple, yet powerful techniques that help reduce pain, relax muscles, and enhance mobility – in just minutes a day.

Attendees will walk away feeling empowered to tackle pain and stiffness from behind the wheel. You’ll learn easy-to-implement techniques crafted specifically for drivers that help melt away muscle tension, alleviate aches, and reclaim your mobility. Finally, unlock the secrets to healthy living on-the-go and become the driver of your own well-being. All it takes is a few minutes each day and the desire to make a change – so let’s hit the road to relief together!

Get a chance to win Road Pro cookware & gear when you attend this talk!

The custom trucks have been judged, now it’s time to celebrate these works of art and crown the winners. All attendees are invited to the Awards Ceremony where the winners of each class will be announced, along with Best of Show, People’s Choice, Big Rig Build-Off, and other awards.

Imagine this: you get pulled over, and suddenly, you’re hit with an out-of-service order because of unintentional noncompliance! As regulations keep emerging, many carriers are starting to find themselves in this situation. Get ahead of the curve today by learning how to stay in the loop on the latest compliance regulations and requirements. Stay compliant and stay confident on the road!

OOIDA will always take the position, “Do not factor if you don’t have to.” Over several decades, OOIDA has observed that once you begin factoring you have started the clock on trouble for your business. If you must factor, then you need to know the details of factoring. This includes how to avoid predatory factoring, learning the pitfalls and dangers of factoring, and how they impact your everyday operation.

Gain a behind-the-scenes look into the industry as the Sense Per Mile team engages in an honest conversation about driver recruiting. We dive into the nuances of the process, exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between. Tune in for a candid question and answer session after with SPM Host and former driver, turned recruiting extraordinaire Charles Gracey. He provides insights from a person who has been on both sides of the industry and with the help of his co-host Paul Gibson they will help make “Sense make Cents”.

The members of the Trucking Solutions Group will have a round table discussion of the need to be and ways to be invisible. Avoid being a target for the DOT, law enforcement and unkind private citizens (thieves and lawsuit seekers) Also, tips on being visible to improve your ability to get your work done. Audience participation is highly encourage and we look forward to any and all questions and suggestions.

A look at how the commercial rules and regulations are applied during the inspections process from the enforcement side. What are the level of inspections, violations and how they affect my company.

In this session, attendees will learn practical strategies and actionable insights to capitalize on the lucrative opportunities presented by overdimension freight. From understanding the unique demands of oversize loads to how to leverage technology for streamlined operations, my goal is for participants to gain valuable insights that will enhance their profitability and efficiency in the transportation industry.

Some key topics to be covered include:

• Understanding the Overdimension Freight Landscape: An overview of the market trends, challenges, and opportunities associated with moving oversize and overweight loads.
• Strategies for Profit Maximization: Practical tips and strategies for optimizing route planning, load management, and operational efficiency to increase profit margins.
• Leveraging Technology Solutions: The role of technology in streamlining permit processing and route optimization for smoother operations and enhanced profitability, including showcasing the overdims freight software and its applications.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Best practices for ensuring regulatory compliance, mitigating risks, and avoiding costly penalties when moving overdimension freight.
• Real-Life Success Stories: Inspirational case studies and success stories from industry leaders who have successfully capitalized on overdimension freight opportunities to achieve significant revenue growth.

By the end of the session, attendees will:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the overdimension freight market and its profit potential.
• Learn practical strategies to optimize operations and increase profitability when moving oversize and overweight loads.
• Discover innovative technology solutions to streamline permit processing, route planning, and communication.

Wreaths Across America will roll out the details for this year’s Virtual Convoy to support Arlington National Cemetery: Truckloads of Remembrance. This program was kicked off in 2023 and had support from more than 40 State Trucking Associations. The goal for 2024 is to fill a truckload of wreaths from EVERY STATE to honor and remember all the hometown heroes who weren’t laid to rest at home but in our Nation’s Cemetery at Arlington. This year, more than 260,000 sponsored veterans’ wreaths will be needed to honor all those laid to rest at Arlington. Through this program, Wreaths Across America hopes to fill 50 tractor-trailers nationwide while giving back to those local programs, making a difference in each state.

Truck Stops of the Future with Transitional and Renewable Fuels including how Fleets and Drivers can extract Value and Cost Efficiencies from Tracking Scope 1,2,3 Emissions for their Freight Clients

In this presentation, FocustApps will explore how data analysis is essential for trucking companies and drivers to thrive in an industry with slim margins. We’ll discuss the risks of ignoring data analysis, as well as the benefits it brings, including cost savings, smarter decision-making, and sustainable growth. Join us to learn how harnessing data can steer your company towards success in a competitive landscape.

ETAs are accurate once they are not. ELD data has brought many improvements to load tracking. However, it’s still up to dispatchers and planners to factor in many variables, such as HoS, route optimization, and appointment schedules, sometimes multiple times during a load, to accurately predict arrival times. With recent advancements in AI, new solutions are now available to alert owners, dispatchers, and drivers many hours or days in advance so that teams can respond and prevent disruptions ahead of time. Discover how to implement intelligent predictions and exception handling into your carrier fleet operations.

Professional photographer Anne Marie Michel and a diverse group of ladies from the trucking industry are challenging the public’s perception of what a driver is. Anne-Marie and a group of drivers featured in the book Sister of the Road will share their experiences of being part of a project that uses their voices to challenge what a driver is and how they are using their voice to create change in the industry in their hometowns, across the nation, and the world. They will share their experiences and the importance of drivers getting involved in creating change in the industry both at home and across the nation.

More than 30 acres of FREE truck parking located less than one mile from the Kentucky Expo Center with a free shuttle to and from the Expo Center during show hours. More info at Truck Parking Community.

Following the Saturday session of the Mid-America Trucking Show, attendees are invited to attend the MAC Trailer Winter Nationals Championship Pulling Event.

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Post-show parade of show trucks as they travel around the circle road that surrounds the Kentucky Expo Center