March 16-19, 2025
Hilton Houston – Post Oak by the Galleria – Houston, Texas
Sunday March 16th
Click above for seminar descriptions. Seperate fee. Not included with conference registration
Monday March 17th
8:30am – 10:00am – General Session I
Kickoff – Challenges for 2025
As we enter 2025, domestic and international politics, administration policies, changes to laws and regulations will have a major impact on both our domestic and international supply chains. And extraordinary events such as the wars in the Ukraine and the Middle East, and environmental threats due to global warming are destined to continue. Leading experts will peer into the crystal ball and give their views on what to expect and what we should be doing for the future.
10:30am – 12:00pm – General Session II
Tariffs and Trade Wars
Even before the elections last November the threatened tariffs on imports had already started to result in significant re-alignment of our sourcing of goods, domestic logistics and distribution facilities as well as relationships with China and other international trading partners. This panel will cover: What countries and types of goods and services are affected; The economic impacts on consumer goods, services such as entertainment and technology; Retaliation against U.S. Exports; Effect on American investments in foreign countries – and foreign investments in U.S.; Re-shoring – effect on logistics and distribution facilities; Impact of changes to “de minimis” rules.
12:00pm – 1:30pm – Luncheon Speaker – To Be Announced
1:30pm – 3:00pm – General Session III
Freight Claims Back to the Basics
This team of Certified Claims Professionals will provide an overview of the claims process and basic practical advice for anyone who deals with claims for loss and damage. Topics will include: What is a freight claim; How to investigate a claim; Preparing a freight claim; Who to file a claim against; Carrier liability – Carmack & beyond; Types of claims and actions to take; Time lines through the life cycle of a claim; Carrier reasons for claim denials and an opportunity for questions from the attendees.
3:30pm – 5:00pm – General Session IV
Law of the Land, Law of the Jungle
A continuation of the ever-popular annual session where “Lawyers Explain the Law, and Businessmen Tell It Like It Is”.
5:30pm – 7:300pm – Hospitality/Welcome Reception
Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails with old friends and have the opportunity to meet new friends, and to network with other transportation professionals.
Tuesday March 18th
8:30am – 10:00am – General Session V
Fighting Cargo Theft and Fraud
Transportation theft, pilferage and other events that disrupt the supply chain have been with us for years. Unfortunately, criminals have become more sophisticated, and technology has helped to spawn a new wave of crime – fraud. This panel will discuss: Identification of risks and vulnerability; Strategic thefts – fictitious pick-ups, identify theft and theft by deception; “Cyber Crime” – hacking, data theft and ransomware; Best practices for prevention; Law enforcement resources and What federal agencies are doing.
10:30am – 12:00pm – Workshop 1
Risk Analysis and Insurance
Do your insurance policies actually cover the foreseeable risks and events that “could happen” and interrupt your supply chain and your business? This workshop will cover the basic differences, what risks can be insured and scope of coverage for: Cargo legal liability insurance; Broker surety bonds and “contingent” liability insurance; Shipper interest cargo insurance; Fraud, deceit and Cyber-attack insurance; Protection against vicarious liability; Coverage for economic damages for delay, strikes, etc.
10:30am – 12:00pm – Workshop 2
Packing for Transportation
Packaging is a muti-billion-dollar industry worldwide and includes everything from consumer goods to industrial products and materials. It is a major element in the prevention of loss or damage, and the cost of transporting goods. This workshop will cover: Basics of loss prevention, Protection against theft or pilferage; Impact of the new NMFC density-based classifications on packaging design and palletization; Best practices including LTL packaging specifications in the NMFC and for TL, rail and intermodal shipments; Alternative packaging and new methods; Environmental concerns and recyclable materials.
12:00pm – 1:30pm – Luncheon Speaker – To Be Announced
1:30pm – 3:00pm – General Session VI
Transportation Attorneys Panel
Leading transportation attorneys will discuss court decisions, legislation, regulations, “vicarious liability” of shippers and intermediaries; the status of independent contractors and other topics impacting shippers, carriers and intermediaries.
3:30pm – 5:00pm – Workshop 3
Technology and AI
We continue to move toward with electric and hybrid trucks, new fuels, charging stations and infrastructure changes, but there are questions about hazards of lithium batteries, fuel tax revenues, fuel surcharges, and regulatory requirements. New technologies for tracking and identifying vehicles, reporting shipment locations and conditions, and ID verification have an Impact on cargo security. “AI” is transforming TMS and WMS systems, automating workplace operations for brokers and carriers. This workshop will bring you up to date on these developments.
3:30pm – 5:00pm – Workshop 4
Meet the Experts
Would you like help with a problem or have questions that need answers? Then this session is perfect. A pre-scheduled one-on-one meeting with top transportation professionals will give you an opportunity to ask specific questions or get guidance with a problem. Each meeting will be 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted time with a presenter or panelist of your choice. Sign up at the registration table for your own personal consultation.
Coordinator:
Nadia Martin, CCP, Claims & Compliance Manager, Blakeman Transportation
6:30pm – 9:30pm – President’s Reception Dinner
Wednesday March 19th
8:30am – 10:00am – General Session VII
Update – The New NMFC and LTL Pricing
The NMFC is reclassifying hundreds of articles with new density-based classifications that will “go live” on July 19th and will have widespread impact on LTL pricing and shipping practices. Panelists from the NMFTA, a major LTL carrier and LTL shipper will explain these and how shippers, carriers and brokers will need to adapt to the changes. Topics will include: Criteria for re-classification of articles; Impacts on TMS & WMS, software, bills of lading and shipping procedures; Packaging optimization for savings; Equipment requirements; Potential disputes over freight charges and liability limitations based on density; Shipper-carrier contract considerations.
10:30am – 12:00pm – General Session VIII
Freight Claims – Questions & Answers
Panelists will tackle questions submitted by the audience and to the Council’s “Q&A” forum, tell how they would answer them from both a shipper and carrier viewpoint, and give suggestions on how to resolve difficult situations. Be sure to bring your questions to this session!
