Meeting Agenda

Wednesday, July 22

11:00am - 1:00pm

Registration and Welcome Social

Attendee registration is the time to pick-up your meeting badge and catch-up with fellow colleagues before the opening general session.

1:00pm - 2:30pm

Opening Remarks by Lucas Subler, Chairman, TCA Refrigerated Division

President, Classic Carriers

Economic Outlook

Gain critical insights into the economic landscape and its impact on your trucking business. Listen to a strategic discussion on the economic future, the impact of the current administration, and how to protect your bottom line.

2:45pm - 3:45pm

Concurrent Sessions

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.

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.

Roundtable Discussion: 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.

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.

Facilitator:

Neil Roberts, Director of Maintenance, Raider Express, Inc.

4:00pm - 5:15pm

Masterclass in Contract Collaboration and Risk Mitigation

In today's volatile freight market, a contract is more than a price agreement—it is a blueprint for operational survival. This session explores the art of collaborative negotiation, moving beyond adversarial "redlining" to build partnerships that protect both parties.

We will pull back the curtain on the four critical pitfalls that cost refrigerated carriers. Furthermore, we go "beyond the load" to analyze the invisible contracts that run your business: IT service level agreements, 3rd-party vendor contracts, and the nuances of Non-Compete (NCC) and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) in an era of high talent mobility.

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Reception and Dinner Hosted by Thermo King

Details to come!

3:45pm - 4:00pm: Refreshment break

Thursday, July 23

7:00am - 8:00am

Networking Breakfast

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

8:00am - 9:15am

Regulations Update

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.

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.

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

9:30am - 10:30am

Concurrent Sessions

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

Discover actionable best practices for developing, implementing, or updating a driver training program that addresses today's complex challenges and equips drivers with the skills and knowledge for long-term success.

Moderator: Don Durm, PLM Fleet

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.

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.

10:45am - 11:45am

Concurrent Sessions

Panel Discussion: Managing Software, Vendor, and the Data Handshake

Selecting software for a refrigerated carrier is a balancing act between the speed of "Out-of-the-Box" solutions and the competitive edge of Customizable platforms. This panel will deconstruct the vendor management lifecycle—from the "First Five" questions you must ask in a demo to the high-stakes world of contract negotiation and data ownership.

We will tackle the critical internal question: Who actually owns the integration? Whether you rely on a 3rd-party vendor or an internal "Integration Manager," this session provides the blueprint for ensuring your TMS, ELD, and accounting software function as a single, unified brain. Participants will also learn best practices for "Data Migration" to ensure that when you switch vendors, your history, temperature logs, and customer records don't stay behind.

Roundtable Discussion: TCA Refrigerated Division Roadmap

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.

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 listening to where TCA Refrigerated Division should focus to help the industry.

Facilitators:

Lucas Subler, President, Classic Carriers and Chair, TCA Refrigerated Division
Ken Johnson, CEO, Leonard's Express and In-coming Chair, TCA Refrigerated Division

11:45am - 1:30pm

Luncheon and Keynote Address

Keynote Speaker sponsored by ACT1

Details to come!

1:45pm - 6:00pm

Networking events

Details to come but plan on having some fun!

6:45pm - 9:45pm

Reception and Dinner hosted by Carrier Transicold

Details to come!

9:15am - 9:30am: Refreshment break

Friday, July 24

7:00am - 8:00am

Networking Breakfast

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

8:00am - 9:30am

Refrigerated Cargo Claim - Part Deux

Description and speakers are being confirmed as we speak!

9:45am - 10:00am

Refrigerated Division Business Meeting

Open to all attendees

Click here to review minutes from 2025

Speakers:

Luke Subler, TCA Refrigerated Division Chair, President, Classic Carriers, Inc.
Ken Johnson, TCA Refrigerated Division Incoming Chair and CEO, Leonard's Express

10:00am - 11:00am

Closing General Session

TIt's not a surprise, but we just haven't finalized it yet. Stay tuned and check back often for update!

9:30am - 9:45am: Refreshment break