Economic Outlook
As the refrigerated trucking sector emerges from one of the most prolonged freight recessions in recent history, 2026 presents a complex landscape of tightening capacity and shifting demand. Join Avery Vise, Vice President of Trucking at FTR, for a high-level briefing on the current economic indicators shaping the cold chain.
Following the briefing, we are bringing back our "Year-in-Review" Panel featuring the same industry leaders from last year’s session. They will provide an unfiltered update on how their 2025 predictions held up against reality and discuss the massive shifts of the past 12 months. This is a must-attend session for leaders looking to anchor their 2026-2027 fleet strategies in data rather than guesswork.
Avery Vise
Vice President Trucking
FTR Transportation
Wendell Erb
President & CEO
Erb Transport Limited
Randy Marten
CEO & Chairman of the Board
Marten Transport, Ltd.
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.
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​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.
Key takeaways:
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Use "Interest-Based" negotiation techniques to align carrier operational needs with shipper service requirements.
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Systematically identify and negotiate high-risk clauses
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Evaluate IT contracts for "Data Ownership" rights and uptime guarantees to ensure your tech stack doesn't become a liability.
Perry Olson
CEO
Fortune Transportation
Chris Vogel
Senior Vice President
Cottingham & Butler
Doug Grawe
Attorney
The Grawe Group LLC
Regulations Update and Panel Discussion
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.
Key takeaways:
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Gain direct insight into the FMCSA’s latest safety priorities
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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.
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Compare real-world OEM solutions for meeting zero-emission requirements
Dave Heller
Sr. Vice President, Safety & Government Affairs
TCA
Kevin Williams
TRU & Telematics Product Specialist
Utility Trailer Manufacturing
Bill Maddox
Global Trailer Product Manager
Carrier Transicold
Nick Nobbe
Trailer PGT Product Manager
Thermo King Americas
Refrigerated Cargo Claims - Part Deux
You asked for more, and we’re delivering. This follow-up to our 2025 cargo claims session transitions from broad insurance overviews to the tangible, take-home solutions needed for daily operations. Join industry experts Chris Montez and Joe DiPaola as they break down the granular details of form completion and the "must-have" SOPs that separate successful disputes from costly rejections. This is a hands-on look at the practical side of the refrigerated supply chain that goes beyond the basics.
Key takeaways:
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Implement driver-level SOPs to mitigate risk in real-time.
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Create a step-by-step guide on who to contact and how to initiate a formal dispute.
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Practical application of last year’s lessons to current, complex claim scenarios.
Chris Montez
Underwriting Director
U.S. Marine Insurance Group & Founder, Tribal Drivers
Joe DiPaola
President
U.S. Marine Insurance Group
Fireside Chat
As we draw the TCA Refrigerated Meeting to a close, join us for an informal and insightful fireside chat. Whether you’re looking to validate your notes from previous sessions or engage in a candid dialogue about the road ahead, this wrap-up offers a relaxed environment to reflect on the meeting’s highlights and prepare your fleet for what's next. Bring your final questions and join the conversation as we sum up the state of the refrigerated sector.
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Jim Mullen
President
TCA
Ken Johnson
CEO
Leonard's Express &
In-coming Chair, TCA Refrigerated Division
Luke Subler
President
Classic Carriers, Inc. & Chair, TCA Refrigerated Division
TBD