The trucking industry continues to be incredibly competitive and complex, with success in the field hinging on industry leaders' abilities to improve supply chain efficiency and overcome challenges. Logistics experts dedicate time and effort to improving inbound and outbound supply chains.
Supply chain and trucking conferences exist mainly to provide a healthy international supply chain for a thriving world economy and a more prosperous global community. The transportation industry organizes hundreds of annual trucking conferences and expos catered to all interests.
2025 is the perfect time to seek networking opportunities, monitor industry trends, check new equipment and attend educational sessions on managing truck fleets better.
Why You Should Attend Industry Conferences
Attending interactive exhibits in the trucking and logistics field is the ideal opportunity for fleet managers to meet trucking industry leaders and gain insight into their world. This segment explores reasons to attend the next trucking annual conference.
- Education and training: The annual events' educational sessions help fleet managers enhance their skills, learn about cutting-edge tools, improve their supply chain management knowledge and optimize their operations.
- Exposure to new technologies: Trucking conferences feature an excellent opportunity to explore cybersecurity features, software, hardware and equipment to streamline fleet operations, reduce cost and improve efficiency.
- Network opportunities: Trucking managers come together from different logistics and supply chain sectors, allowing for exclusive networking opportunities and strengthening professional relationships and opportunities.
- Regulatory updates: The trucking and transportation industry is heavily regulated. These annual conferences provide fleet managers with regulatory updates and compliance best practices that might impact businesses.
Who Should Attend?
Various businesses and professionals in the trucking and shipping industry can benefit from attending trucking conferences. They include:
- Trucking companies
- Manufacturers and shippers
- Consultants and advisers
- Freight brokers and agents
- Supply chain managers
- Government and regulatory bodies
- Logistics software providers
- Academics and researchers
Attending trucking conferences provides valuable insight for education sessions, business growth and networking, making them beneficial for many businesses and professionals in the industry.
The Best U.S. Conferences to Attend in 2025
Numerous trucking conferences occur across various industries in the United States annually. 2025 marks some of the best annual events, with a diverse selection across different fields to consider attending.
SMC3 JumpStart | January 27-29 | Atlanta, GA
JumpStart 25 takes place at The Waverly Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, from January 27-29. JumpStart features a diverse mix of middle-to-senior level officials involved in the decision making processes surrounding foreign and domestic freight.
Manifest | February 10-12 | Las Vegas, NV
Expect more than 6,000 attendees at the 2025 Manifest conference at The Venetian in Las Vegas from February 10-12. A few of the many industry leading speakers include Reginaldo Ecclissato, Chief Business Operations and Supply Chain Officer at Unilever; Vanessa Clemendot, the Chief Supply Chain Officer for L’Oreal; and Dave Wheeler, Chief Operating Officer for New Balance. Receive a $200 discount rate here.
RILA LINK | February 16-19 | Orlando, FL
The Retail Supply Chain Conference takes place February 16-19 in Orlando, FL, making it a great chance to learn more from knowledgeable retail supply chain executives. Multiple rates are available for members and non-members, including early bird individual rates, standard individual rates, on-site individual rates and prices for teams of seven or more.
NMFTA Spring Membership Meeting | March 2-4 | Clearwater Beach, FL
Clearwater Beach, FL is home to the 2025 NMFTA Spring Membership Meeting from March 2-4. Enjoy meals, meetings, activities, and more over 3 days. It takes place at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, so there's no shortage of ways to stay busy, even during the off hours.
TPM25 | March 2-5 | Long Beach, CA
TPM25 is a global ocean container supply chain conference happening from March 2-5 in Long Beach, CA. Incredible speakers include James Caradonna, the Executive Vice President of Spedag Americas.;Katie Farmer, the President and CEO of BNSF Railway; and Lars Jenson, the CEO and Partner of Vespucci Maritime.
Food Shippers of America | March 2-5 | Palm Desert, CA
The 2025 Food Shippers of America Conference will occur at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, CA, from March 2-5. Special room rates are available for attendees staying on site at a first come, first serve basis.
ATA Technology and Maintenance Council - TMC Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition | March 10-13 | Nashville, TN
The TMC Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition takes place in Nashville, TN from March 10-13 at the Music City Center. There are many exhibits, forums, study sessions, networking events, and more to attend, making it a fantastic opportunity to obtain a wealth of knowledge and meet others in the industry.
TCA Annual Convention | March 15-18 | Phoenix, AZ
The TCA Annual Convention will take place March 15-18 in Phoenix, AZ. Over a thousand attendees will fill the Phoenix Convention Center, where there are plenty of additional activities to do before and after the event.
MODEX | March 17-20 | Chicago, IL
MODEX 2025 takes place at the McCormick Place Covention Center in Chicago, IL. This conference features 50,000 qualified buyers to help supply chain industry professionals find the most effective and efficient solutions to critical challenges.
Mid America Truck Show | March 27-29 | Louisville, KY
Tens of thousands of attendees are expected to fill the more than 1 million square feet of the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville for the Mid-America Trucking Show from March 27-29. There are more than 870 exhibitors and dozens of events, making it the ideal chance to learn about all the latest trends in the industry.
TIA Capital Ideas Conference | April 9-12 | San Antonio, TX
The 2025 TIA Capital Ideas Conference occurs at the five-star JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, TX, from April 9-12. Registration for this third-party logistics event is already open. In addition to obtaining plenty of information, there will be pool and a golf club.
National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) | April 22-24 | Tampa, FL
Individuals involved in the tank truck industry will want to attend the 2025 National Tank Truck Carriers conference in Tampa, FL from April 22-24. It takes place at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.
NMFTA W&R Meeting | April 23-24 | Las Vegas, NV
The spring National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc., Weighing and Research Advisory Council Meeting takes place on April 23 and 24 in Las Vegas, NV, but it’s by invitation only. It happens at the Horseshoe Las Vegas, but to receive the group rate, attendees need to book by March 24.
ATA Safety Management Council & TSC Safety, Security, & Human Resources National Conference | April 23-25 | Louisville, KY
The ATA Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition takes place in Louisville, KY, from April 23-25 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown. Hundreds of attendees will be there to learn more about, as the name suggests, the security, safety and human resource aspects of the industry.
ATA Mid-Year Management Session | May 3-7 | Scottsdale, AZ
The American Trucking Association Mid-Year Management Session takes place at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, AZ from May 3-7. Many activities are available on-site, with numerous additional options nearby to do during the off time.
Gartner Supply Chain Symposium | May 5-7 | Orlando, FL
May 5-7 is the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo™ 2025 conference in Orlando, FL. Topics range from fulfillment and manufacturing to planning and strategy. The public sector price is $4,625; the early bird price, valid until March 8, is $4,950; and the standard price is $5,600.
National Private Truck Council (NPTC) | May 11-13 | Orlando, FL
Head down to Orlando, FL, from May 11-13 for the NPTC 2025 conference and exhibition. You’ll be able to interact with more than 1,300 other attendees during exhibits, networking events, and more throughout the 3 days. Early bird registration is before March 12.
Home Delivery World | May 21-22 | Nashville, TN
Individuals who want to learn more about supply chains and retail logistics should attend Home Delivery World at the Music City Convention Center in Nashville on May 21 and 22. More than 250 speakers and thousands of attendees will make their way to the event.
ISM World | June 1-3 | Orlando Florida
Head over to the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel & Conference Center in Orlando, FL from June 1-3 to attend ISM World 2025. All-Access Pass includes the in-person events and the on-demand library. Discounted group hotel rates may be accessible depending on availability.
NMFTA Summer Membership Meeting | June 1-3 | Kansas City, MO
Head back to Kansas City, MO, from June 1-3 if you want to attend the NMFTA Summer Membership Meeting that focuses on the LTL motor carrier industry. It occurs at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center.
FreightWaves Future of Supply Chain | TBD | Atlanta, GA
The FreightWaves Future of Supply Chain event happens in Atlanta, GA, dates TBD. This conference features freight technology at the forefront of the industry, bringing together supply chain experts and professionals for networking and insightful demos and discussions.
SMC3 Connections | June 23-25 | Salt Lake City, UT
SMC³ Connections takes place in 2025 Salt Lake City, UT, from June 23-25. Hear from expert speakers in the industry and network with other supply chain professionals.
ATA Litigation Center's Trucking Legal Forum | July 27-30 | Denver, CO
The ATA Litigation Center’s Trucking Legal Forum is a must-do event for fleet operators and supply chain business owners. This conference offers valuable insight into the legal and compliance concerns surrounding the trucking industry. Network with authoritative experts and even claim continuing education credits.
ATA NTDC & NSVDC | August 20-23 | Minneapolis, MN
Make it a point to attend the 2025 ATA National Truck Driving Championships (NTDC) and National Step Van Driving Championships (NSVDC) from August 20-23. It takes place at the Minneapolis Convention Center, conveniently located about 15 minutes from the Minneapolis Airport.
Parcel Forum | September 8-10 | Chicago, IL
Individuals involved in Business-to-Business and Direct-to-Customer processes will want to head over to Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center for the 2025 Parcel Forum. The event, which focuses on the small package supply chain, takes place from September 8-10.
ATA TMC Fall Meeting & TMCSuperTech | September 14-18 | Raleigh, NC
The annual fall meeting for ATA Technology & Maintenance Council offers a week-long opportunity for education and insight. During the week, TMC also hosts skill-based competitions as part of its TMCSuperTech event. Participants in these competitions must be TMC Technician Members.
Trimble Insight | TBD | Las Vegas, NV
You can return to Las Vegas once again to attend the Trimble Insight event, dates TBD. This conference brings together 1500+ attendees and features thought-provoking educational sessions, presentations, and interactive demos and breakout sessions.
IANA Intermodal Expo | September 15-17 | Long Beach, CA
The IANA Intermodal Expo occurs from September 15-17. Attendees can learn more about industry topics ranging from sustainability to staffing. There will be many experts with whom you can interact and numerous attendees to meet.
JOC Inland Distribution | TBD | Chicago, IL
The Inland Distribution event is a prominent conference organized by the Journal of Commerce (JOC), a leading source of news and analysis for the global trade and logistics industries. This event focuses on various aspects of inland transportation and logistics, bringing together industry professionals to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector.
McLeod User Conference | September 21-23 | Denver, CO
The McLeod Software User Conference occurs from September 21-23 in Denver, CO. Network with peers and learn in breakout sessions or even personalized 1-on-1 training.
NMFTA Fall Meeting | September 28-30 | Washington, DC
Head to Washington, DC, September 28-30 for the NMFTA 2025 Fall Meeting pertaining to the LTL motor carrier industry. This year’s autumn meeting takes place at the Madison Hotel. Register by August 29 for group room rates.
NMFTA W&R Meeting | October 8-10 | Scottsdale, AZ
The 2025 Fall National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. Weighing and Research Advisory Council Meeting occurs October 8-10 in Scottsdale, AZ. It’s an invitation-only event at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas.
Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Cyber Security Conference | TBD | Atlanta, GA
The Industrial Control Systems Conference offers a host of educational content related to operations, control systems, and cybersecurity in the trucking industry. Specialized trainings and workshops are offered throughout the event. This conference is the longest-running event focused on industrial cybersecurity.
ATA Management Conference & Exhibition | October 25-28 | San Diego, CA
Pack your bags to go to the San Diego Convention Center, if you want to attend the ATA Management Conference & Exhibition from October 25-28. It’s steps away from the Gaslamp District, along the waterfront, a must-visit while you’re in the area.
Freightwaves F3 | November 4-6 | Chattanooga, TN
The Freightwaves F3: Future of Freight Festival is a fall event you don’t want to miss. It takes place in Chattanooga, TN, from November 4-6. There are many local restaurants and activities nearby to enjoy when you’re not building connections with peers and partaking in the event.
Women in Trucking | November 9-12 | Dallas, TX
The Women in Trucking Association Accelerate! Conference & Expo occurs in Dallas, TX, from November 9-12. The four-star Hilton Anatole is the site of the event, which is near numerous restaurants and activities and approximately 15 minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
