For fleet managers in heavy-duty trucking, finding opportunities for meaningful industry conversations can be rare. Traditional trade shows often feel like a whirlwind of handshakes and brochures. The Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange (HDTX) offers a different approach. This small, focused event brings together fleet decision-makers and industry suppliers for in-depth discussions, educational sessions, and structured one-on-one meetings.
The 2026 HDTX will take place September 23–25 in Scottsdale, Arizona, and fewer than 50 fleets have been selected to participate. Those chosen attend as guests of Heavy Duty Trucking, with airfare, hotel, meals, and programming included.
Who Attends HDTX?
HDTX has grown since its launch in 2017 into a gathering of diverse heavy-duty trucking professionals. Attendees typically include fleet owners and executives of Class 7-8 fleets, as well as managers overseeing maintenance, equipment specification, safety, compliance, and technology initiatives. The event is designed for those responsible for operational decisions and seeking solutions to day-to-day challenges in the trucking industry.
Structured Supplier Meetings
A standout feature of HDTX is its “speed dating” style one-on-one meetings with suppliers. Fleet managers get 10 minutes per session to present operational challenges and explore how suppliers’ solutions might fit. If a conversation isn’t a match, participants move on to the next meeting, keeping discussions productive and focused.
Education and Industry Insights
HDTX also offers educational sessions led by Heavy Duty Trucking editors and industry experts. Topics at previous events have included:
- Maintenance and equipment specification
- Safety and compliance
- Driver recruiting and retention
- Sustainability
- Autonomous trucks
- Leveraging fleet data and artificial intelligence
One of the event highlights is the HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Awards, which recognize fleets driving innovation in trucking. The awards ceremony is followed by a panel discussion moderated by HDT editors, offering attendees insight into the strategies and successes of top-performing fleets.
Networking Beyond the Conference Room
Beyond structured meetings and sessions, HDTX encourages networking through meals, receptions, and social activities. The small, intimate format allows fleet managers to build genuine connections with peers and suppliers, something often missing at larger conventions.
All-Expenses-Paid Participation
Fleet managers selected for HDTX attend on an all-expenses-paid basis. This includes:
- Round-trip economy airfare to Phoenix
- Two-night hotel stay at the Scottsdale Resort
- Ground transportation between the airport and the resort
- Scheduled meals and receptions
Note that incidentals, parking, and transportation to and from the attendee’s home airport are not included.
Why HDTX Matters for Fleet Managers
For fleet managers looking to stay ahead in the industry, HDTX provides several advantages:
- Educational sessions with industry experts – curated by HDT editors specifically for fleet management challenges.
- Peer-to-peer networking – build relationships and exchange ideas in a setting designed for meaningful conversation.
- Insight from leading suppliers – learn about technologies and solutions shaping the future of heavy-duty trucking.
- One-on-one meetings with suppliers – focused discussions to address operational challenges.
- Truck Fleet Innovator Awards – recognize industry-leading fleets and gain perspective from award-winning executives during a panel discussion.
For fleet managers and industry stakeholders, HDTX represents a concentrated opportunity to connect, learn, and explore innovations that can impact fleet operations.
Learn more and submit an application at: heavydutytruckingexchange.com/attend
