Our 52nd Annual Conference Program
March 15-18, 2026
Nashville, TN
Franklin Marriott Cool Springs
Sunday March 15th
9:00am – 5:00pm Optional Pre-Conference Seminars
Click above for seminar descriptions. Separate fee. Not included with conference registration
Monday March 16th
1:00pm – 2:00pm – Session 1
The Next Horizon: Shaping Logistics in 2026 & Beyond
A forward-looking overview of the economic trends, market dynamics, and supply chain shifts that will define the logistics industry in 2026. This session highlights the key indicators to watch and the opportunities emerging as the market evolves.
2:05pm – 3:05pm – Session 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.
Moderator:
Carla Bay Rumford, CCP, Senior Operations Support Manager, BM2 Logistics
Panelists:
Christine Gramse, CCP ,Transportation Claims & Audit Specialist, Land O’Lakes, Inc.
Jessica Renner, CCP Cargo Claims & Risk Manager, Jarrett Logistics
Deena Walechka, CCP, Claims Specialist II, FedEx Custom Critical
3:30pm – 5:00pm – Session 3
Law of the Land, Law of the Jungle
Back by popular demand! In this dynamic session, legal experts explain the rules while seasoned business leaders reveal what actually happens in the real world. It’s where theory meets reality — and sparks fly!
Moderator:
Gerard F. Smith, Esq., Pezold Smith, Hirschmann & Selvaggio
Panelists:
James Attridge, Esq., Business Trial Lawyer
Ed A. Caruso, President, Lakeshore Logistics, Inc.
Rich Rathbun, Corporate Cargo Claim Administrator, Allen Lund Company
Jessica Renner, CCP, Cargo Claims and Risk Manager, Jarrett Logistics
Colton Sadler, Chief Legal Officer, Steam Logistics
Deena Walechka, CCP, Claims Specialist II, FedEx Custom Critical
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.
Tuesday March 17th
8:30am – 9:25am – Session 4
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 – Session 5
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.
Moderator:
Jerrod Slaughter, Sr. Director, Global Logistics, KEEN Inc.
Panelists:
Darryl Gash, Corporate Logistics Manager, Dillard’s
Greg Williams, US Xpress
10:45am – 11:40am – Session 6
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 – Chris Matthew, Founder & CEO, OpSec Intel
1:30pm – 3:00pm – Session 7
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.
Presiding Judge
• The Honorable Gerald Smith, Esq..Pezold, Smith, Hirschmann & Selvaggio
Attorneys
• Plaintiff Attorney: Madeline Fuller – Jarrett Logistics
• Defense Attorney: Jayne Bart-Plange – Burke Warren MacKay & Serritella
Plaintiff Side:
Dr. Emily Harper (Danielle Spinelli – Account Executive, Descartes MyCarrierPortal)– QA Director, VitalPharma
Mr. Paul Sanchez (Tim Tasch – Final Mile & Cargo Claims, HUB Group)– Shipping Coordinator, VitalPharma
Defendant Side:
- Mrs. Jane Cole – (Gayle Murray-Kirby – Corporate Credit & Claims Manager, Perimeter Global Logistics) Operations Manager, RapidTrans Logistics
- Ms. Laura Bennett (Robyn Frank – Claims Manager, Syfan Logistics) – Lead Driver on Shipment, RapidTrans Logistics
Other Witnesses
- Ms. Lori Canada (Cynthia Ceccolini – Director, Carrier Development & Relationships, C.A.T. Global, Inc.) – Warehouse Manager, HealthPlus Distribution
3:20pm – 4:15pm – Session 8
Exhibitor Presentations
4:15pm – 5:00pm – Session 9
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
Wednesday March 18th
8:30am – 9:25am – Session 10
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.
Moderator:
Benjamin Crawford, Director of Materials, Essex Solutions
Panelists:
9:30am – 10:25am – Session 11
Food Transportation
This session will explain “best practices” for shippers, brokers and carriers
- Processing and storage facilities procedures
- Temperature records
- Temperature requirements for perishables and frozen products
- BOL’s – description, temperature requirements, seal numbers
- Transportation – Carrier selection, proper equipment, loading procedures –
- Federal & state regulations
Panelists:
Christine Gramse, CCP ,Transportation Claims & Audit Specialist, Land O’Lakes, Inc.
Tracy Olson, CCP, Director of Cargo Claims and Asset Intelligence, Marten Transport, LTD.
10:45am – 11:45am – Session 12
What’s up in Washington – Laws, Regulations, SCOTUS
Moderator:
Brandon Arnold, Director Business Development, LOGISTIQ Insurance Solutions
Panelist:
Henry Hanscom, Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer, ATA
Daniel Hoff, VP Government Affairs, TIA
Justin Olsen, VP Legal, Compliance & Stakeholder Relations
12:00pm – 1:30pm – Lunch
Mock Trial Results & Discussion
1:30pm – 3:00pm – Session 13
Transportation Attorney Panel
Leading transportation attorneys will discuss “vicarious liability” of shippers and intermediaries, the status of independent contractors, court decisions, legislation, regulations and other topics impacting shippers, carriers and intermediaries
3:20pm – 4:15pm – Session 14
From ChatGPT to Automation: AI’s Role, Risks, and Reality in Transportation
Artificial Intelligence is changing how logistics professionals plan, move, and manage freight. In this panel discussion, industry experts will explore real-world uses of AI tools such as ChatGPT, machine learning, and automation across transportation and logistics in different aspects. Panelists will discuss practical applications from rate analysis and RFP responses to shipment visibility and customer communications, while also addressing ethical considerations, such as transparency, data integrity, and responsible adoption.
Moderator:
Deena Walechka, CCP, Claims Specialist II, FedEx Custom Critical
Panelists:
Gustav Khambatta, SVP Freight Payment Sales, US Bank
Jerrod Slaughter, Sr. Director, Global Logistics, KEEN Inc.
Matt Wagner, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Jarrett Logistics
4:15pm – 5:00pm – Session 15
Freight Claims Unpacked: Shipper, Carrier, & Attorney Perspectives
Join our expert panel as they address real-world freight claim questions submitted by attendees and the Council’s Q&A forum. This interactive session features industry experts from both the shipper and carrier sides of the table tackling freight claim challenges from real-world examples. Drawing from audience questions and forum submissions, panelists will explore best practices, common pitfalls, and effective resolution techniques. Audience participation encouraged!
Moderator:
Christine Gramse, CCP ,Transportation Claims & Audit Specialist, Land O’Lakes, Inc.
Panelists:
Ben Crawford, CSCP, Director of Materials, Essex Solutions
Sheila Hill, CCP, Sr. Manager Freight Claim and Loss Prevention, Smithfield Foods
Jayne Bart-Plange, Transportation Attorney, Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella
Carla Bay Rumford, CCP, Senior Operations Support Manager, BM2 Logistics
Raymond Selvaggio, Esq., Pezold, Smith, Hirschmann & Selvaggio
Deena Walechka, CCP, Claims Specialist II, FedEx Custom Critical
Check Back for Updates on the Program
