The conference is scheduled for Sept. 9-11 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in ChampionsGate, Florida.

According to NPTC, the three-day program will feature educational sessions, interactive workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to help fleet managers address today’s most pressing safety and regulatory challenges.

Conference Will Focus on Fleet Safety Strategies

NPTC said this year’s agenda has been developed around current issues affecting private fleet operations, with presentations aimed at providing practical solutions that attendees can implement within their own organizations.

The conference will include expert-led discussions covering safety management, fleet security and operational best practices, along with opportunities for attendees to exchange ideas with industry peers and subject matter experts.

National Driver All-Star Awards to Highlight the Event

One of the conference’s featured events will be the presentation of the National Driver All-Star Awards, NPTC’s annual recognition program honoring outstanding private fleet drivers from across the United States.

Co-sponsored by International Motors and Centerline Drivers, the awards recognize drivers who demonstrate excellence in safety, customer service, regulatory compliance, company standards and community involvement.

The awards will be presented during a special luncheon held as part of the conference.

Regulatory and Industry Updates Planned

Attendees will also receive an update on federal transportation policy from NPTC General Counsel Rick Schweitzer, who is scheduled to present the association’s annual Washington Report covering recent legislative and regulatory developments affecting private fleets.

In addition, NPTC Executive Vice President Tom Moore, CTP, will review findings from the organization’s newly released Annual Benchmarking Survey Report, which examines trends and performance metrics across the private fleet industry.

Registration Open Ahead of September Event

All conference activities will take place at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. Additional information about registration, conference programming, and hotel accommodations is available through the National Private Truck Council.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: August 26, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: NPTC

The post NPTC to Host 2026 National Safety Conference in Florida appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Samsara Driver Cup begins May 18 and will run in three scoring periods through mid-August. The competition is open to eligible U.S.-based Samsara customers, and drivers do not need to complete a separate signup if their organization qualifies.

Samsara said hundreds of thousands of drivers are expected to compete, with top performers eligible for prizes worth up to $1,000 during each stage of the competition.

The scoring periods are:

• May 18 through June 16
• June 17 through July 16
• July 17 through August 15

How Samsara Will Score Drivers

The competition will rank drivers across three categories.

Safety Consistency Champion focuses on long-term safe driving habits using metrics such as event-free miles, speeding behavior, mobile phone usage, and coaching completion.

HOS Compliance Champion measures hours of service performance by comparing violation time against total driving time.

Efficiency Champion evaluates fuel savings against similar vehicle configurations across Samsara’s network, including vehicle make, model, year, and engine type.

The company said route type, shift length, and vehicle type will also be considered, so drivers are compared more fairly across different operations.

Eligible Fleets Are Automatically Included

Samsara said drivers working for qualifying organizations are automatically entered into the competition.

To qualify, fleets must:

• Be a U.S.-based Samsara customer
• Have at least six months on the platform
• Maintain at least three enabled safety events
• Reach a trip assignment rate of 80% or higher

Driver scoring, selection, and prize distribution will be handled directly through Samsara’s platform.

Recognition Programs Continue Expanding Across Trucking

Driver recognition programs tied to measurable performance metrics have become more common throughout trucking as fleets continue focusing on retention, safety improvement, compliance tracking, and fuel management.

Samsara said the Driver Cup is intended to create a structured way for fleets to recognize strong driver performance without adding significant administrative work across large operations managing different routes, schedules, and equipment types.

The company also said recognition programs can help reinforce safer driving habits, cleaner HOS records, and stronger fuel efficiency performance over time.

As more fleets rely on telematics and operational data platforms, performance-based driver recognition programs may continue expanding across the industry.

Fleets interested in participating can review contest details, prize information, eligibility requirements, and additional Driver Cup information directly through Samsara’s Driver Cup page. The company also encouraged fleets to distribute Driver Cup flyers to participating drivers before the competition began.

Samsara additionally hosted a live Office Hours session tied to the competition rollout to answer questions from participating fleets and drivers. Questions regarding the Driver Cup can also be submitted directly to drivercup@samsara.com.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: May 19, 2026

Source: Truckers News

The post Samsara Launches Driver Cup to Reward Safe, Compliant, And Fuel-Efficient Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The American Transportation Research Institute is collecting input from motor carriers to better understand how telematics data is shaping performance tracking, safety decisions, and maintenance planning.

This effort is part of a larger research initiative titled Capitalizing on Telematics, which was selected by ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee in 2025 as a top priority. The goal is to capture what is actually working in the field and where technology is headed next.

What the Survey Is Looking At

The survey focuses on how fleets are currently using telematics systems and what kind of value they are getting from that data.

That includes:

• How performance metrics are tracked across drivers and equipment
• Ways telematics is being used to improve safety outcomes
• The role of data in maintenance planning and reducing downtime
• Emerging tools and capabilities that fleets are starting to adopt

The research is aimed at building a clearer picture of how data is being turned into real operational improvements.

“The result of this research will be a best practices guide for leveraging telematics data to improve overall performance, with a focus on safety, operations, and maintenance metrics,” ATRI said.

How to Participate

Motor carriers can take part in the survey through ATRI’s online survey here. Responses are confidential and will be used strictly for research purposes.

The survey is open for a limited time, with a deadline set for April 17.

The post ATRI Launches Telematics Survey Focused on Real-World Fleet Performance appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a total of 462 trucks from Orange EV are impacted.

What Units Are Affected

The recall covers several models commonly used in yard operations:

• 2022 to 2023 T Series Pure Electric Terminal Trucks
• 2023 to 2025 e TRIEVER models
• 2023 to 2026 HUSK e terminal trucks

These trucks are widely used for moving trailers in tight yard environments, where reliability and safety are critical for both drivers and ground personnel.

What the Issue Is

The concern centers around the optional foldaway training seat. In certain conditions, the seat may fail.

Because of that, the affected trucks do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requirements for seating systems and seat belt anchorages. That creates a potential safety risk anytime the training seat is in use.

What Drivers and Fleets Should Do Now

Until a fix is available, owners are being told to limit use of the training seat.

For drivers and yard operators, this is a reminder to double-check equipment before use, especially when training or running with a second person in the cab. Fleets may also want to review internal safety procedures to make sure teams are aware of the issue.

What Happens Next

A repair solution is still being developed. In the meantime:

• Interim notification letters are expected to be mailed by April 24
• A second notice will go out once the fix is ready

Owners can contact Orange EV customer service at 1 866 688 5223 and reference recall number 2026 SRC 02 for more information.

Why This Matters

For fleets running electric yard trucks, even a small component issue can impact safety and workflow. Staying on top of recalls like this helps prevent downtime and keeps both drivers and equipment protected on the job.

The post Over 400 Orange EV Trucks Recalled for Safety Issues appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Based in Arlington, the organization continues to recognize individuals who advance the industry through leadership, performance, and day-to-day contributions that keep freight moving.

“Part of WIT’s mission is to recognize women for their career accomplishments, their meaningful impact on the success of their companies, and their contributions to the industry at large,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, WIT president and CEO. “These 75 professionals exemplify the mission, vision, and values of the Women In Trucking Association and truly are impressive women to watch in our industry.”

How the List Is Selected

The recognition comes from the editorial team at Redefining the Road, the official magazine of WIT. Honorees are chosen based on their character and what they have accomplished over the past 12 to 18 months.

According to Brian Everett, group publisher and editorial director, the program has recognized standout professionals in trucking for nine years. Over that time, it has grown into a benchmark for identifying leaders across all corners of the business.

A Look at Where These Leaders Work

This year’s group reflects just how broad the trucking industry really is. The women recognized represent motor carriers, third-party logistics providers, equipment manufacturers, private fleets, technology companies, and professional service firms.

Their roles cover a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Corporate management
• Operations and fleet oversight
• Sales and marketing
• Human resources and driver support
• Safety and compliance
• Technology and engineering
• Professional driving and maintenance

For drivers and industry stakeholders, that range matters. It shows how many different roles come together to keep trucks moving safely and efficiently every day.

2026 Top Women to Watch in Trucking

The full list of honorees for 2026 includes:

• Ana Maria Arce, senior manager corporate sustainability & governance, Bridgestone.
• Allison Athey, vice president, vocational sales, Daimler Truck North America.
• Jessica Bareford, director, sales training & enablement, Estes Express Lines.
• Sophia Bernard, member partner, Taylor Nelson Slattery Bernard PL.
• Molly Borkgren, enterprise account executive, 3PL, XPO Inc.
• Gina Bowker, PDC manager – Renton, PACCAR Parts.
• Lesley Boyd, vice president, operations & dedicated implementation, Lew Thompson and Son Trucking.
• Shahera Brailey, engineering manager, senior, International.
• Lori Brooks, vice president, marketing & customer experience, ArcBest.
• Wanda Brooks, compliance manager, R.E. Garrison Trucking Inc.
• Maggie Burns, director – national accounts west, Old Dominion Freight Line.
• Stacia Capponi, vice president of client services, Conversion Interactive Agency.
• Kate Chauvin, senior director of client operations, Ancora Training.
• Alison Cochran, assistant chief engineer, Peterbilt Motors Company.
• Lisa Cook, district sales manager, ThermoKing.
• Eileen Dabrowski, founder & CEO, Apex Tide Consulting.
• Heike Dasilva, group director of national sales, Ryder System Inc.
• Tammy Deschler, field operations & safety specialist, YMX Logistics.
• Rachael Doyle, executive vice president, client services, Fleetworthy.
• Tamara Draeger, CEO, Cannonball Express Transportation.
• Alicia Echols, director, safety & compliance, Bennett Heavy & Specialized LLC.
• Lisa Fingard, vice president – HR, TransX Ltd.
• Shaneka Fredrick, director II, operations, J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.
• Michelle Gentile, vice president – vehicle supply, Penske Truck Leasing.
• Amber Harbold, regional terminal manager, Quality Carriers Inc.
• Melinda Herrera, district health & safety manager SOCAL, UPS.
• Allison Hughes, contractor relations manager, Bennett Motor Express LLC.
• Natalie Jackson, senior tractor technician, J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.
• Chelsey Johnston, director, HR, XPO Inc.
• Shanna Kearns, vice president of corporate accounting, Peach State Truck Centers.
• Tysha Kendall, driver, tractor-trailer, WM.
• Jessie Kilgore, customized solutions manager, FedEx Freight.
• Lori Kincannon, CRO, McKinney Trailers.
• Kimberly Knight, president & CEO, Kim’s Trucker Services LLC.
• Maribeth Knueve, senior vice president of sales & marketing, Marten Transport Ltd.
• Renee Krug, CEO, Transflo.
• Julie Lawson, credit & risk manager, Direct Traffic Solutions.
• Michelle LeBlanc, CEO & founder, Drop & Hook.
• Andrea Lewis Browne, supply chain manager & quality manager, Great Dane.
• Shantel Lockett, vice president, controller, Trimac Transportation.
• Keinna McKnight, senior vice president of HR, Clean Harbors.
• Rhonda McKown, group technical safety engineer, Ryder System Inc.
• Gerri McLamb, director of transportation, Performance Foodservice – Virginia.
• Donna Miller, senior vice president, Liberty Career Finance.
• Tracey Miller, director of recruiting, Tri-National Inc.
• Amy Molski, national sales manager, Echo Global Logistics.
• Maeve Mueller, IT security & governance, Bridgestone.
• Jaime Oglesby, on-site trainer (lead driver), TA Dedicated.
• Liz Ormond, senior director, parcel transportation, Walmart.
• Maegan Ortega, HR director, Kenworth Truck Company.
• Lisa Paul, executive vice president, transportation practice leader, Alliant Insurance Services Inc.
• Katy Payne, operations manager, Truck Drivers USA.
• Brigid Plamondon, key account manager, C.H. Robinson.
• Kristyn Popejoy, director of NA materials, Peterbilt Motors Company.
• Angela Prill, vice president – intermodal network management, Schneider.
• Michelle Randazzo, CFO, Daimler Truck North America.
• Becky Reynolds, transportation manager, Dot Transportation.
• Christa Rugova, senior director, business support services, PLM Fleet.
• Nicole Sapienza, managing member, Coastwide Marine Services LLC, Evans Network.
• Susan Scott, senior key account manager, Circle K Pro.
• Shelley Sheagley, senior vice president, products, Aurora Parts.
• Shayna Sweet, manager of dealer services & operations administration, Fleet Advantage.
• Samantha Thompson, vice president, customer success & fleet telematics, Penske.
• Lesley Veldstra Killingsworth, vice president of pricing & market strategy, Polaris Transportation Group.
• Rachel Wagner, senior project engineer – vehicle programs, Kodiak AI.
• Becki Wagoner, vice president of strategic innovation & technology, May Trucking Company.
• Mandy Wells, vice president, finance, Great Dane.
• Katie White, vice president, labor, employment, ethics & compliance counsel, RXO.
• Melissa Wiesheier, district manager, WM.
• Amanda Worthen, director of driver employment, Roehl Transport.
• Cassie X. Lee, director of national accounts – Kenworth, PACCAR Financial Corp.
• Tiffini Young, VP of customer service & planning, Bay & Bay Transportation.
• Jessica Yurko, director of marketing, The Evans Network of Companies.
• Holly Zandstra, CFO, Weller Truck Parts.
• Rebecca Zeman, functional lead, enterprise transformation, International.

Why This Matters for the Industry

For drivers, fleet managers, and decision makers, recognition like this highlights the people shaping how the industry operates today. From safety programs to fleet efficiency, from driver training to technology, these roles influence what happens both on the road and behind the scenes.

This year’s program is sponsored by XPO Inc., and those recognized will be featured in an upcoming edition of Redefining the Road magazine as well as online here.

The post WIT Names 2026 Top Women to Watch in Trucking appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

We asked the Truck Drivers USA community to share their “I should’ve known better” rookie moments. The responses were honest, practical, and in many cases, the kind of lessons that stick for a full career.

Here is what drivers had to say, in their own words, along with the takeaways that still matter today.

The Lesson Everyone Learns: Get Out and Look

If there is one habit that came up again and again, it is this one.

Gerren Davis shared:
“Get out and look”. Just because the grass looks even….dosen’t mean it is. One month in to my OTR journey. I dropped the front end of my tractor into a rain runoff ditch in North Carolina. I didn’t want to lose my job…so I dug it out. It took 3 hours and 5 wooden planks, but I reversed it out, made my delivery, fixed the bumper, and got back on the road.

K Otto Phillips added:
About three months ago, backing into a dock where there was really a narrow space between the trucks, I should have gotten out and looked. Didn’t damage the other guy’s truck too much, but that was my first backing incident in thirty years.

Derek Dean kept it simple:
Get out and look

The takeaway is straightforward. When something feels tight or uncertain, taking a minute to check can save hours of problems.

Hookups, Equipment, and Small Steps That Matter

Some of the most memorable mistakes happen before the truck even moves.

David F Gochee shared:
Tried to back under an old trailer before I hooked up the air, and watched it go rolling across the lot about 100 ft till it hit a curb. The trailer wasn’t that old at the time.

Gunther Eric said:
Dropping a 40k load of beer at the warehouse, and forgot to drop the landing gear. Thank God for the trainer who taught us to pull slowly out to make sure the landing gear supported the weight. The trailer rested on the back frame. Never did that ever again!

Famous Wesley added:
Missed the kingpin. Got into a rush, and I didn’t set up correctly. I didn’t do it but once. But after having to crank on that landing gear to reset that trailer. I never did it again.

Sergio Diez shared:
Forget to check you’re taking the right trailer/s (I do LTL, so 2 or 3 trailers at a time).

These are the kinds of steps that become routine over time, but early on, they are easy to rush. The drivers who shared these stories all point to the same thing. Slow down and follow your process every time.

Conditions Change Fast on the Road

Weather, terrain, and load weight can turn a routine run into a learning moment.

Kristin Elizabeth shared:
Had one today, actually. I should have known better than to hook up to a trailer that was parked on a sheet of ice. The yard driver had to pull me out, then pull the trailer out.

Sam Dubberly said:
First time I NY. I pushed the snow over to hit the dock. I was unaware it was ice. You guessed it. Bent the bumper under

Diane Virgin shared:
Accidentally panicked when a guy slid out of control, on ice in front of me, and threw on the brakes; only going about 35, but it was enough of an erratic move, the trailer started sliding to my left towards the ditch. It was a “Jesus, take the wheel” moment, for sure. Got out of it unscathed, but it scared me silly, after the fact.

Chuck Brightly Jr. added:
Driving the Million Dollar Highway in the winter. I read the signs but didn’t care. Beautiful drive, even in the winter.

Roger Morgan said:
Hauling 100,000 LBS of Pumpkins. Cresting Santa Suzanna, pass it, almost didn’t make it. 4 MPH Tach 9!! If I had stopped the clutch, it would never have engaged without a stall. Learn!!

These moments highlight something every driver understands over time. Conditions always deserve respect, no matter how many miles you have behind you.

Tight Spaces and Job Site Surprises

Backing, delivery locations, and customer yards can present challenges you do not always see coming.

Joseph Perlman shared:
I was trying to back a 53′ where I knew it wouldn’t fit. I almost had it in, but needed to swing the tractor an extra couple of feet. Next to where I was parking was a field. I asked my customer if there were any sprinklers there which he replied that there shouldn’t be. There was, and because of my persistence to get the job done i needed to be winched out by a wrecker.

Zach Miller added:
Accidentally pulled into the heavy machine driveway for a job site instead of the truck entrance, and got stuck in some sand and had to get pulled out by a bulldozer.

Mel Luke shared:
Making a delivery in AZ, and I was told to go around and stay in the center of the drive area. When I got to my door, just a few feet away, I swerved to the left, and then I heard the metal crunching. They had an awning that was 12 feet high. My employer was not happy.

James Ducat said:
That a 53ft spread axle flatbed turns well enough to get into the Underwood, Indiana, rest area parking spot at night before the remodel.

These are the situations where patience and planning make all the difference. Even experienced drivers still run into tight spots.

Planning Makes the Difference

A few drivers shared lessons that come down to preparation and decision-making before the wheels even start turning.

Jason Peacher said:
Going into a weigh station before scaling the load out at a CAT scale that was 30 miles in the opposite direction, then going back to the shipper to have them rework the load.

John Robbins shared:
When I first started using a GPS, oh, it was king! No way would it ever steer me wrong! Come on, it’s a freakin satellite out in space, of course it knows the best way! I have straight backed for 3 miles. I have crossed rickety bridges, praying to God my truck didn’t end up in the river! Oh, and when you are in Oregon, be careful of” scenic routes.” They are not always shortcuts. Yes, I learned my lesson the hard way.

These are the kinds of lessons that shape how drivers plan routes, check weights, and double-check directions moving forward.

Learning Through Experience

Some lessons come from stepping into the job itself and figuring it out as you go.

Roger Woodmansee shared:
Saying I could drive a big rig and never have been in one, but I soon learned, all the way to California and back. By the time I got back, I was doing pretty well.

David Blair added:
In training, I got a perfect backup into the dock. But I stayed on the gas and clutch and snapped the drive shaft,  ooopposss.

Helen Klingensmith shared:
Got my foot in the way of a thrown pallet, not paying attention!

Hayden Cran said:
Hauling rolling racks of Nursery stock plants…. Failed to put the cart stop up on the lift gate and sent a 700lb rack of plants straight into the parking lot

Willie Cork added:
Don’t ride with your foot on the clutch…

Each of these moments reflects how quickly the job teaches awareness and discipline.

The Long Lesson That Sticks with You

Some stories stay with drivers for years because of how much they teach in one moment.

Rob Skipper shared a detailed experience from early in his tanker career involving a load of chocolate that was not properly secured before leaving the shipper. After realizing the issue on the road, he returned to have the trailer cleaned and took full responsibility when speaking with the company.

He explained that being honest about the mistake ultimately mattered most and said the experience stayed with him throughout his career.

What These Stories Really Show

Across all these responses, a few patterns stand out.

It’s moments like these that stay with you, and after that, most drivers find themselves slowing down where it matters, staying more aware of what’s around them, and taking that extra second to make sure everything is right before they move.

Most of all, these stories show how drivers look out for each other by sharing what they have learned. Every lesson passed along helps someone else avoid the same situation down the road.

That is how the industry keeps moving forward, one mile and one lesson at a time.

The post “I Should’ve Known Better” Rookie Mistakes Truck Drivers Never Forget appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The announcement came during the annual Best Fleets to Drive For conference held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina, where fleets across North America were recognized for how they treat and support their drivers.

Small Carrier Spotlight: Crawford Trucking

Crawford Trucking, based in Des Moines, Iowa, took home the Best Overall Fleet award in the small carrier category. While the company has appeared on the Top 20 list before, this marks its first time earning the top overall honor.

For drivers, the standout is the company culture. Feedback collected through the program highlights a workplace where communication is open and leadership is accessible.

One driver shared, “No door is locked at our company, except the restroom. Everyone is always available for the drivers, and that’s from the maintenance crew all the way to, and including, the owner of the company.”

That kind of environment doesn’t happen by accident. According to program organizers, Crawford Trucking leveraged driver feedback to improve day-to-day operations, policies, and overall support.

“This year’s winning fleet really utilized the Best Fleets program, using the reports and driver feedback to strengthen their programs,” said Jane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge.

Large Carrier Recognition: Fortigo Freight Services

In the large carrier category, Fortigo Freight Services Inc., headquartered in Etobicoke, Ontario, earned its first Best Overall Fleet award after seven years in the Top 20.

Drivers pointed to professionalism and consistency as key reasons the company stands out. One anonymous survey response captured that sentiment clearly:

“I enjoy working with this company because of its commitment to excellence and the opportunities it provides to grow professionally, and its honesty, fairness, quality, and respect.”

For fleets operating at scale, maintaining that level of consistency across drivers, dispatch, and operations is no small task. Fortigo’s recognition shows what’s possible when those pieces come together.

Standing Out in a Tough Market

Across the board, this year’s winners were recognized for finding ways to support drivers despite ongoing industry challenges.

“Winning fleets found a way to ‘make a difference for drivers in a continuing difficult market,’” Jazrawy said. “While all of our Top 20 winners are leaders in the industry, these two fleets stand out with great programs and exceptional safety and retention scores.”

For both drivers and fleet managers, that message hits home. Retention, safety, and driver satisfaction are not separate goals. They are tied directly to how a company operates every day.

Hall of Fame Honors: FTC Transportation

Oklahoma-based FTC Transportation Inc. received the Stratosphere Award, recognizing the top-performing fleet within the Best Fleets Hall of Fame.

The company has been part of the Hall of Fame for five years and has earned Best Fleets recognition for 14 consecutive years. That level of consistency puts it in rare company.

The Hall of Fame category highlights fleets that sustain high standards over time. To qualify, companies must be named a Best Fleet for at least 10 straight years, or seven years with at least one overall win.

“Over the years, we’ve watched them continue to grow and innovate, and they are deserving winners of our third annual Stratosphere Award. As a fleet with 23 drivers, they are also proof that you don’t need to be big to offer great programs,” she said.

What This Means for Drivers and Fleets

The Best Fleets to Drive For program, now in its 18th year and run by CarriersEdge, evaluates companies based on real driver input and operational practices. Areas like pay, benefits, training, work-life balance, and communication all factor into the final rankings.

For drivers, these awards offer a snapshot of which companies are doing things right. For fleet leaders, they provide a benchmark for what it takes to build a workplace that keeps drivers on board.

At the end of the day, the fleets that rise to the top are the ones that listen, adapt, and follow through.

The post Crawford Trucking and Fortigo Freight Services Named 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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:

1. Educational sessions with industry experts – curated by HDT editors specifically for fleet management challenges.
2. Peer-to-peer networking – build relationships and exchange ideas in a setting designed for meaningful conversation.
3. Insight from leading suppliers – learn about technologies and solutions shaping the future of heavy-duty trucking.
4. One-on-one meetings with suppliers – focused discussions to address operational challenges.
5. 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

The post HDTX 2026: What Truck Fleet Managers Should Know About This Exclusive Industry Event appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Quincy, Illinois-based company positioned the campaign as both a brand effort and a way to highlight the role vocational trucks play in industries such as skilled trades, utilities, infrastructure, maintenance, and other essential services.

“This is a meaningful moment for our industry and for the people who rely on work trucks every day,” said Bo Knapheide, president and CEO of Knapheide. “For 178 years, our mission has stayed the same: build tools that help America work. America’s Work Truck honors that legacy while clarifying what the modern work truck can and should be for today’s workforce.”

Defining the Modern Work Truck

Knapheide explained that the campaign is designed to do more than promote the company brand. It aims to help drivers, fleet managers, and contractors understand how truck bodies and equipment can be configured to make crews more effective and efficient.

“Workers know trucks but not always how a truck can be built to work the way they do,” said Mandar Dighe, vice president of sales and marketing at Knapheide. “No one has told that story at national scale before. America’s Work Truck is a clear signal for the category and a promise of clarity for customers. It defines who we are, who we’ve always been, and how we support the people behind the work.”

By connecting its history and national reach with the story of skilled trades, Knapheide wants to show how modern work trucks support safe and productive fleet operations.

Growth, Capacity, and Supporting Skilled Trades

The campaign comes as demand for vocational trucks rises and awareness of modern truck capabilities remains uneven. Knapheide continues to scale production, technology, and distribution, working with more than 250 distributor partners nationwide.

The company also notes that more work trucks on U.S. roads carry its name than any other brand, and it links this to nearly two centuries of family ownership.

“Our story is deeply tied to America’s story,” Bo Knapheide said. “We’ve built alongside generations of workers through economic cycles and industry change. America’s Work Truck is our way of honoring the past while preparing for the next era of American work.”

Campaign Rollout and Industry Reach

The Work Truck Week introduction is the first step in a larger, year-long campaign. Knapheide plans to expand the message across industry events, business networks, and cultural platforms starting April 1, with broader awareness efforts continuing throughout 2026.

The campaign reinforces Knapheide’s core values of craftsmanship, reliability, and customer service, showing the company’s commitment to supporting independent contractors and national fleets alike.

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The induction begins at 6 p.m., where attendees can join in recognizing the careers and accomplishments of these Wall of Fame honorees. As part of the evening, musician Tony Justice will pay tribute to Bill Weaver, highlighting his contributions to the trucking community.

Alongside the ceremony, guests can enjoy craft beer and bourbon tastings, and a selection of complimentary drinks. A silent auction will also take place, benefiting the St. Christopher Trucker Relief Fund, which supports truckers and their families in need.

MATS 2026 runs from March 26 through 28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. The show features product displays, fleet technology exhibits, educational sessions, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow drivers, fleet managers, and industry professionals.

The Wall of Fame induction celebrates individuals whose dedication, expertise, and leadership have made lasting impacts on trucking. Attendees are invited to honor these leaders and reflect on the achievements that continue to shape the industry today.

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