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.

Visit TDUSA at Booth #22 Truck Drivers USA will be at Booth #22, right outside the main doors, ready to connect with fleets looking to maximize their recruiting efforts. Whether you’re struggling to attract new drivers or looking for better ways to retain your current team, we’ve got solutions designed to help. Stop by to meet our team and learn how TDUSA and Driver.jobs can give your hiring strategy the competitive edge it needs.

Win Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Who doesn’t love a great giveaway? When you book a meeting with us at the conference—or use this link – you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a pair of Ray-Ban Smart Glasses. These high-tech glasses, powered by Meta AI, feature a 12 MP camera, immersive audio, and hands-free voice commands, making them the perfect blend of style and innovation.

Don’t Miss Our Workshop: Content that Clicks Looking for a game-changing way to reach drivers? Be sure to attend our workshop, Content that Clicks – The Social Media Blueprint for Driver Recruiting. Hosted by Lori Furnell, President of Truck Drivers USA, and Melanie Moore, Marketing Director at Ozark Motor Lines, this session will cover:

• The power of social media in recruitment
• Why driver-generated content outperforms traditional ads
• Actionable strategies to enhance engagement and retention

Mark Your Calendar! The countdown is on! Make sure to visit Booth #22 at the Recruitment & Retention Conference, February 19-21, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Nashville. Don’t miss your chance to network, learn, and win big. We can’t wait to see you there!

The post Join TDUSA at the Recruitment & Retention Conference – Network, Learn, and Win! appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m., as attendees gather in South Wing Lobby A and South Wing Room B101 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Sponsored by Triumph and WEX, this event promises a fantastic evening to kick off the three-day trucking extravaganza.

What to Expect at the Opening Reception

The reception, free for all badged attendees, offers a prime mix of entertainment, networking, and celebration. Highlights include:

• Silent Auction: Support the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund through a silent auction featuring unique items. All proceeds go to charity.

• Bourbon Tasting: Savor Kentucky’s finest bourbons in an immersive tasting experience. To participate, grab free activity tickets from Triumph (Booth #37301) or WEX (Booth #18068) during Thursday show hours.

• Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Celebrate those who’ve significantly contributed to the trucking industry as new members are inducted into the MATS Wall of Fame. Nominations for the Class of 2025 are open at www.truckingshow.com/mats-wall-of-fame.

• Complimentary Food and Beer: Enjoy free drinks courtesy of Triumph and WEX. Pick up drink tickets at their booths during Thursday’s show hours. Free food will also be available in South Wing Room B101 during the reception.

• Craft Beer Tasting: Discover local brews with the Louisville Ale Trail, featuring tastings from breweries like Monnik, Hometown, Against the Grain, and Hi-Wire. Free activity tickets can be collected from sponsors Triumph and WEX on Thursday.

• Live Music: Kick off MATS with energy and charm as Bourbon Revival takes the stage, welcoming attendees with a lively performance.

Get Ready to Experience MATS

For more details about the event and to register for MATS 2025, visit www.truckingshow.com.

MATS 2025 runs from March 27 to March 29 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY.

Source: Truckers News

Image: MATS

The post MATS Opening Reception Brings Networking, Entertainment & More for 2025 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.