Meeting Agenda

Get ready for the day by fueling your mind and body with breakfast and coffee.​

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This session features a high-level briefing from TCA’s head of safety and government affairs, Dave Heller, on the latest safety and government affairs updates, followed by an unfiltered panel discussion with the industry’s leading OEMs.

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The panel will discuss how vendors are redesigning reefer units to handle freon alternatives and zero-emission power requirements. Whether you are worried about regulations deadlines or the long-term viability of your diesel assets, this session provides the technical and regulatory roadmap needed for fleet planning.

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Key Takeaways:

• Gain direct insight into the FMCSA’s latest safety priorities

• Understand how the AIM Act’s 2026 deadlines are forcing a shift from high-GWP HFCs (like R-404A) to next-generation alternatives, and what this means for your maintenance and parts availability.

• Compare real-world OEM solutions for meeting zero-emission requirements

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Moderator: David Heller, Sr. Vice President, Safety & Government Affairs, TCA

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Panelists:

Bill Maddox, Global Trailer Product Manager, Carrier Tranicold

Gareth Macklam, Director Sales Operations, Utility Trailer Manufacturing 

Nick Nobbe, Trailer PGT Product Manager, Thermo King Americas

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. 

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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.

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Moderator: Don Durm, PLM Fleet​

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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.​

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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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Facilitators:

James Brand, Product Manager for Digital, Carrier Transicold

Simon Mols, Manager Telematics and Controls, Utility

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.

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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.

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Speaker: Nate Johnson, CEO, Global Logistics Consulting Service (GLCS)

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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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Facilitators:

Lucas Subler, President, Classic Carriers and Chair, TCA Refrigerated Division

Ken Johnson, CEO, Leonard's Express and In-coming Chair, TCA Refrigerated Division

Details to come!

TopGolf

We’ve reserved 14 climate-controlled hitting bays for an afternoon of high-energy networking, friendly competition, and incredible skyline views. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or have never swung a club in your life, you’ll have a blast aiming for giant outfield targets using microchipped balls that score themselves in a variety of signature games. No golf shoes or fancy equipment are required—just bring your competitive spirit and get ready to connect with your peers in a relaxed, high-tech atmosphere.

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Grand Ole Opry Tour

• Limited to 70 attendees, first-come

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The Grand Ole Opry has been a cornerstone of Nashville’s music scene for generations. Artists from across the world dream of performing on this stage, and the venue has helped launch the careers of countless country music stars. During the tour, you'll learn about the history of the Opry, how the show operates today, and what makes performing here such an honor for musicians.

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Your guide will take you through the same backstage paths walked by performers on show nights, offering a perspective that most visitors never get to experience. It’s an exciting way to see the venue from the artist’s point of view and understand the traditions that keep the Opry going week after week.

Details to come!