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Panel Discussion: Safeguarding your Refrigerated Operations from Cyber-Enabled Freight Fraud

In the high-stakes world of refrigerated transport, the "perimeter" of your business is no longer just the yard fence; it is every smartphone, ELD, and dispatch terminal in your network. This session dives into the evolving landscape of cyber-threats where ransomware and phishing are no longer just digital nuisances, but the primary tools for modern freight hijacking.

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We will explore how bad actors use social engineering to compromise carrier identities, the specific vulnerabilities of temperature-controlled logistics, and the "ripple effect" of a breach—from operational paralysis to the loss of high-value perishable cargo. Attendees will walk away with a blueprint for employee "muscle memory" training and a guide to modern insurance policies that bridge the gap between cyber-liability and physical cargo loss.

Key takeaways:

  • Identify the "Freight-Cyber" Connection: Understand how phishing and account takeovers are directly fueling the 400% rise in double-brokering and carrier identity theft.

  • Move beyond generic IT videos to train dispatchers and drivers on industry-specific "red flags," such as urgent out-of-band requests for rerouting or updated payment instructions.

  • Evaluate current policies to ensure they include "Cyber-Enabled Cargo Loss" and "Social Engineering Fraud" endorsements, rather than just standard data breach coverage.

Surreal Cosmic Design

Joe Ohr

COO

National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA)

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Deen Albert

Director of Operations

Grand Island Express

Watercolor Musical Notes

TBD

Watercolor Musical Notes

TBD

The AI Rules of Engagement: Scaling Refrigerated Operations without Scaling Headcount

This roundtable discussion brings together leaders to discuss the most polarizing shift in trucking: Generative AI. While many fear displacement, the true opportunity lies in workforce amplification. This facilitated discussion will challenge participants to define their company’s "Rules of Engagement" for AI—ensuring technology serves as a co-pilot rather than a replacement.

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We will focus on drafting AI ethics policies to identify the "day-to-day wins". From communications to route optimization to temperature monitoring, this session provides a collaborative space to build a roadmap for growth that doesn't require a hiring spree.

Key takeaways:

  • Create a "v1" set of guidelines for internal AI use (e.g., data privacy, client communication disclosures).

  • Pinpoint repetitive tasks that can be offloaded to AI immediately.

  • Calculate the "Personnel-to-Load" ratio and set a target for increasing volume through automation before hiring the next employee.

Surreal Cosmic Design

Facilitator:

Neil Roberts

Director of Maintenance

Raider Express, Inc.

Panel Discussion: Balancing Trade Cycles, Data, and the Future of Refrigerated Assets

This panel of industry experts and fleet owners will dissect the modern trade cycle, moving beyond traditional "mileage-based" retirement to a strategy rooted in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) data.

 

We will explore the current equipment market outlook for 2026, comparing the risks of keeping "parked capacity" versus the capital expense of new orders. Participants will learn how to use telematics and AI-driven predictive maintenance to identify the exact "pivot point" where an aging asset becomes a liability. 

Key takeaways:

  • Use telematics-driven "Repair vs. Replace" dashboards to prioritize which units to retire based on real-world fault code frequency and fuel burn data.

  • Understand the 2026 used-truck market to maximize resale value during a period of stabilizing—but cautious—demand.

Surreal Cosmic Design

Don Durm

Vice President of Supply Chain Solutions

PLM Fleet

Watercolor Musical Notes

TBD

Watercolor Musical Notes

TBD

Roundtable Discussion: Insights on Maximizing Currently Owned Tech and What's Next

Most refrigerated carriers only use 30% of their tech capabilities. Facilitated by leading equipment manufacturers, participants will have the ability to straight-talk with the OEMs and their peers to dive into underutilized features like remote two-way reefer control and predictive component health alerts.

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We will bridge the gap between sessions by pulling in critical themes: Cyber-Enabled Fraud Prevention (using ELD/GPS verification), Data-Driven Trade Cycles (using real-time engine/unit data), and Cargo Claims. This is a practical, "how-to" session focused on the immediate applications of current tech and the upcoming transition to smart systems.

Key takeaways:

  • Identify and activate underutilized software and hardware features in current reefer assets to improve immediate operational efficiency without new capital expenditure.

  • Establish a framework for using real-time equipment "Health Scores" to prioritize maintenance and optimize fleet trade cycles.

  • Integrate telematics data with security protocols and maintenance schedules to create a unified defense against fraud and unscheduled downtime.

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Ashley Kordish

CEO

Ralph Moyle, Inc.

Watercolor Musical Notes

James Brand

Product Manager for Digital

Carrier Transicold

Watercolor Musical Notes

Simon Mols

Manager, Telematics and Controls

Utility Trailer Manufacturing

Watercolor Musical Notes

Graham Jackson

Digital Sales Manager

Thermo King Americas

Managing Software, Vendor, and the
Data Handshake

This session will give attendees a practical look at where the technology stands in the transportation industry and what it really takes to prepare for AI, automation, and smarter technology decisions. Rather than focusing on buzzwords or shiny tools, the conversation will center on the reality’s reefer carriers, brokers, and logistics teams are facing every day: margin pressure, service expectations, operational complexity, data challenges, and the growing need to do more with less. From there, the session will help define what “AI and automation readiness” means inside a transportation business and why success starts with process discipline, clean data, clear ownership, and a strong understanding of current workflows.

Key takeaways:

  • Assess the viability of new investments by weighing business processes, current technology stacks, and implementation difficulty against expected operational impact.

  • Distinguish between processes that require standardization, automation, or foundational improvement to define a high-value "end state" for their organization.

  • Develop the criteria necessary to select technology that delivers measurable ROI and reduces operational complexity rather than adding technical noise.

Surreal Cosmic Design

Nate Johnson

CEO

Global Logistics Consulting Service (GLCS)

Roundtable Discussion: Detention Times and Lumper Fees

The TCA Refrigerated Division has been representing and recognizing Motor Carriers and Suppliers who transport and warehouse temperature-controlled commodities since it was established in 1962. The goal is to provide a forum or clearing house for operational, managerial, technological, and workforce development techniques relevant to refrigerated motor carriers.

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During this roundtable discussion, Luke Subler, Refrigerated Division Chair, and Ken Johnson, incoming Refrigerated Division Chair will encourage discussion around the specific topics of detention and lumper fees plus listen to attendee suggestions on where the TCA Refrigerated Division should focus efforts to help the industry.​

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Luke Subler

President

Classic Carriers & Chair, TCA Refrigerated Division

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Ken Johnson

CEO

Leonard's Express &
In-coming Chair, TCA Refrigerated Division

About Truckload Carriers Association

Located in Alexandria, Virginia, TCA is the only trade association whose sole focus is the truckload segment of the motor carrier industry. The association represents dry van, refrigerated, flatbed, tanker, and intermodal container carriers operating throughout North America. Founded in 1938, the TCA represents operators of over 220,000 trucks, which collectively produce revenue of more than $40 billion in annual truckload revenue.

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www.truckload.org 

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© 2026 Truckload Carriers Association

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