March 16-19, 2025
Hilton Houston – Post Oak by the Galleria – Houston, Texas
Sunday March 16th
Click above for seminar descriptions. Separate fee. Not included with conference registration
Monday March 17th
8:30am – 10:00am – General Session I
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.
Moderator:
Jeffrey L. Meyer, Senior Manager Transportation, Nestle Purina PetCare, Co.
Panelists:
Chris Burroughs, President & CEO, Transportation Intermediaries Association
William B. Cassidy, Senior Editor, The Journal of Commerce
Shareen Larmond, President, West Gulf Maritime Association
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.
Moderator:
Rennie Alston, CEO, American River Group of Companies
Panelists:
Andrew M. Danas, Partner, Grove, Jaskiewicz and Cobert, LLP
Marianne Rowden, CEO, E-Merchants Trade Council, Inc.
12:00pm – 1:30pm – Luncheon Speaker – Gary Thomas, Crime Analyst, CargoNet
1:30pm – 3:00pm – General Session III
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”.
Moderator:
Gerard F. Smith, Esq., Pezold, Smith, Hirschmann & Selvaggio, LLC
Panelists:
James Attridge, Esq., Business Trial Lawyer
Ed A. Caruso, President, Lakeshore Logistics, Inc.
Ronald Leibman, Partner, McCarter & English, LLP
Carla Bay Rumford, CCP, Sr. Operations Support Manager, BM2 Freight Service, Inc.
Raymond A. Selvaggio, Esq., Pezold, Smith, Hirschmann & Selvaggio, LLC
Deena Walechka, CCP, Claims Specialist II, Risk Mgmt., FedEx Custom Critical
3:30pm – 5:00pm – General Session IV
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.
Moderator:
Deena Walechka, CCP, Claims Specialist II, Risk Mgmt., FedEx Custom Critical
Panelists:
Scott A Cornell, National Practice Leader, Transportation
Travelers Inland Marine
Rich Halverson, Dyson, Profit Protection Business Partner-Americas
Danny Ramon, Director of Intelligence and Response, Overhaul
5:30pm – 7:30pm – 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
Freight Claims – Back to 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.
Moderator:
Carrie Frisbie, CCP, Director, Cargo Claims, SEKO Logistics Corporate
Panelists:
Tony Bennett, CCP, Manager, Transportation Compliance and Claims, Kenco Management Services, LLC
Robyn Connelly, CCP, Claims Manager, Syfan Logistics
Christine L. Gramse, CCP, Transportation Claims & Audit Specialist, Land O’Lakes, Inc.
Tessy Merrick, CCP, Legal Operations Specialist, Consultant
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.
Moderator:
Jeffrey L. Meyer, Senior Manager Transportation, Nestle Purina PetCare, Co.
Panelists:
Drew Singleton Wilder, CEO, Vicarious Liability Risk Management LLC
Adam Green, Managing Principal, Transportation & Logistics Practice
Matthew C. Koch, Esq., Marwedel, Minichello & Reeb, PC
10:30am – 12:00pm – Workshop 2
Packaging 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.
Moderator:
Chris Kitchen, Sr. Manager, LCC, Claims, Rates & Compliance, Molson Coors Beverage Company
Panelists:
Jessica Renner, CCP, Cargo Claims and Risk Manager, Jarrett Logistics
Erin Topper, Manager, Pricing Services, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
12:00pm – 1:30pm – Luncheon Speaker – Charlie Jenkins, CEO, Port Houston
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.
Moderator:
George Carl Pezold, Esq., Pezold, Smith, Hirschmann & Selvaggio, LLC
Panelists:
Steven W. Block, Esq., Ballard Spahr
Mark Blubaugh, Esq., Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Christina Nugent, Counsel, Hanson Bridgett LLP
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.
Moderator:
Jerry Jacobs, Director of Risk Management, Prosponsive Logistics
Panelists:
Tyler Coventry, Executive VP Food, Kenan Advantage Group
Brittany Grant, COO, Highway
Lizz Harrell, Founder and CEO, Sell Success
Paul Singer, Co-Founder & CEO, Fleetworks
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 will focus on the practical considerations – what shippers, carriers and brokers need to know and to adapt to the changes. Topics will include: Which articles and kind of shipments will be reclassified and which will not; Impacts on TMS & WMS, software, bills of lading and shipping procedures; optimizing packaging for savings; Potential disputes over freight charges and liability limitations based on density; Shipper-carrier contract considerations.
Moderator:
Jessica Renner, CCP, Cargo Claims and Risk Manager, Jarrett Logistics
Panelists:
Ed A. Caruso, President, Lakeshore Logistics, Inc.
Darryl Gash, Corporate Logistics Manager, Dillard’s Logistics
Keith Peterson, Director of Operations, NMFTA
David Schwartz, Senior Manager of Pricing & Supply Chain Analytics, ArcBest
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!
Moderator:
Brandon Arnold, CTB, VP, Business Development, Tucker Company Worldwide
Panelists:
David Nordt, CCP, Executive Director of CCPAC & National Director of Claims, GEODIS
Richard Rathbun, CCP, Corporate Cargo Claims, Allen Lund Company
Carla Bay Rumford, CCP, Sr. Operations Support Manager, BM2 Freight Services, Inc.
Raymond A. Selvaggio, Esq., Pezold, Smith, Hirschmann & Selvaggio, LLC
Deena Walechka, CCP, Claims Specialist II, Risk Mgmt., FedEx Custom Critical
