9:00am – 5:00pm Optional Pre-Conference Seminars

Click above for seminar descriptions. Separate fee. Not included with conference registration

1:00pm – 2:00pm – Workshop 1

Kickoff 2026 – A Bumpy Road Ahead

As we enter 2026, domestic and international politics, administration policies, changes to laws and regulations are impacting both our domestic and international supply chains.  And events such as the war in the Ukraine 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.

2:05pm – 3:05pm – Workshop 2

Freight Claims – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

A Team of Cargo Claims Professionals will provide a brief overview of claims basics, “The Good”. They will also delve into how to handle and process claims when there is fraud involved, “The Bad”. The team will also address how to deny a claim and how to handle a claim if a carrier denies, “The Ugly”. This is a session you will not want to miss.

3:30pm – 5:00pm – General Session I

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 – 7:30pm – 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.

8:30am – 9:25am – Workshop 3

The Tariff Tango: Staying in Step with Compliance and Costs

Tariffs continue to shape the global supply chain dance – and one misstep can be costly. This session provides expertise to help you stay agile amid shifting tariff regulations, evolving trade policies, and unpredictable costs. Learn how to balance compliance obligations with operational efficiency, mitigate financial risk, and keep your supply chain moving in rhythm. Whether you’re managing imports, exports, or third-party logistics, you’ll walk away with practical insights to ensure your organization doesn’t miss a beat in today’s fast-changing tariff environment.

9:30am – 10:25am – Workshop 4

Carrier Metrics & the Connection to Carriers, Brokers, Finance & Leadership

The Carrier Metrics Presentation for shippers, carriers, and brokers will focus on fostering transparency and collaboration across our transportation networks both international and domestic. The presentation will highlight key performance indicators and demonstrate how these metrics drive overall supply chain efficiency and cost control. Attendees will gain insight into how data is collected, analyzed, and used to benchmark performance and identify areas of improvement. Discussions will include how key performance metrics will impact freight costs and transportation budgets. The session will encourage open discussion on best practices, technology integration, and communication between all parties. The presentation’s goal is to align shippers, carriers, and brokers around shared goals of reliability, cost control, and continuous improvement in transportation performance.

10:45am – 11:40am – Workshop 5

Supply Chains on the Green Track: Integrating Environmental Responsibility into Logistics

This session shows how transportation leaders can embed sustainability into logistics without sacrificing efficiency or profitability. Learn practical strategies to cut carbon emissions, optimize routes, and adopt green technologies, while fostering supplier collaboration. Walk away with actionable steps to align operational excellence with environmental stewardship and position your organization as a leader in sustainable logistics.

12:00pm – 1:30pm – Luncheon Speaker  – To be announced

1:30pm – 3:00pm – General Session II

Pharma on the Line: Liability in a Temperature Excursion a Mock Trial

This mock trial features a live courtroom simulation centered on a disputed pharmaceutical cargo claim caused by a temperature excursion. Attendees will act as the jury, observing attorneys present evidence, examining witnesses, and debating liability, contract obligations, and risk management. The session provides a real-world scenario demonstrating how claims are investigated, managed, and resolved in the complex world of pharmaceutical logistics, while giving the audience a hands-on experience in evaluating the case and reaching a verdict.

3:20pm – 4:15pm – Workshop 6

Exhibitor Presentations

4:15pm – 5:00pm – Workshop 7

Meet the Experts

Do you have a challenge that’s been stumping you or a question you’ve been dying to ask? This is your chance!
Join our Meet the Experts session for a personal one-on-one consultation with some of the brightest minds in the transportation industry. Get tailored advice, practical solutions, and insider insights — all in a focused 10–15 minute session with the presenter or panelist of your choice.
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to connect, learn, and level up your knowledge. Sign up at the registration table to reserve your spot!

Coordinator:

Nadia Martin, CCP, Claims & Compliance Manager, Blakeman Transportation


6:30pm – 9:30pm – President’s Reception Dinner

8:30am – 9:25am – Workshop 8

Strategic Cargo Theft & Fraud 2.0: Adapting to the Next Generation of Supply Chain Threats

In 2026, cargo theft is no longer just about doors being kicked in. Sophisticated criminal operations now use data, deception, and digital manipulation to loot the supply chain. From fictitious pick-ups and carrier impersonation to AI-assisted fraud and cyber-enabled heists, this panel brings together industry, technology, and law enforcement voices to:

Dissect the evolving playbook of cargo criminals
Reveal how identity, system, and data vulnerabilities are weaponized
Showcase methods to detect, disrupt, and respond to theft and fraud events in real time
Explore public/private levers to improve prosecution and deterrence
Anticipate what’s next—and how the industry can stay ahead of domestic and international theft rings

9:30am – 10:25am – Workshop 9

Food Transportation

10:25am – 11:45am – Workshop 10

What’s up in Washington – Laws, Regulations, SCOTUS

12:00pm – 1:30pm  – Lunch

Mock Trial Results & Discussion