The seminar is scheduled for Aug. 19-20 at The Commons in downtown Columbus, Indiana.

ACT Research has become one of the more recognized forecasting and analytics firms tied to the North American trucking industry since launching in 1986. The company is widely followed by fleets, truck manufacturers, suppliers, and businesses connected to commercial transportation markets.

Freight, Truck Orders, And Market Forecasts Expected to Lead Discussions

According to ACT Research, analysts during the seminar will present outlooks covering multiple areas of the trucking industry between 2026 and 2029.

Topics expected to be discussed include:

freight market conditions
Class 8 truck demand
trailer markets
medium-duty vehicle trends
used truck pricing
emerging transportation technology

With fleets continuing to watch operating costs, freight demand, and equipment pricing closely, long-term forecasting events remain a major focus across several areas of the trucking industry heading into 2026.

Industry Executives Scheduled to Speak During Event

The seminar will also feature several high-profile transportation industry executives.

Scheduled keynote speakers include:

Rusty Rush, CEO of Rush Enterprises
Alison Trueblood, vice president and general manager at Cummins
Derek Leathers, CEO of Werner Enterprises

ACT said the event regularly attracts transportation decision makers from across the commercial vehicle sector, including fleet operations, manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, and financial organizations connected to trucking.

Seminar Marks Major Milestone for ACT Research

Along with serving as the company’s 75th Market Vitals Seminar, the event also marks ACT Research’s 40th anniversary.

The company said networking opportunities throughout the seminar are designed to encourage discussion between transportation leaders and businesses navigating changes in freight markets, commercial vehicle demand, and broader economic conditions affecting trucking.

As fleets continue evaluating freight activity and equipment planning for the years ahead, events focused on forecasting and market analysis continue drawing significant attention throughout the transportation industry.

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 29, 2026

Source: The Trucker

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According to Werner, gatherings will be hosted at key terminals in Georgia, California, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, along with activities at select Dedicated sites. Drivers, maintenance technicians, office staff, and even customers are invited to take part in the events designed to spotlight the essential work of professional drivers.

“National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the incredible men and women who keep our country moving,” said Werner’s Chairman and CEO, Derek Leathers. “Professional drivers take on one of the most critical and demanding jobs in our economy. Their dedication to safety, service, and reliability inspires us every day, and we are proud to honor their contributions.”

Werner leaders emphasized that showing gratitude during this week is just one part of their broader commitment to drivers.

“Our professional drivers are the backbone of Werner, and we are committed to providing them the support, tools, and programs they need to succeed,” said Werner’s President and Chief Legal Officer, Nathan Meisgeier. “From industry-leading safety initiatives to innovative technology and a comprehensive driver experience, we strive to empower them on and off the road every day. Driver Appreciation Week is our opportunity to celebrate their impact and thank them for everything they do to keep America moving.”

By hosting Driver Appreciation Week at multiple locations, Werner aims to not only celebrate the people behind the wheel but also reinforce the vital role they play in keeping freight and supply chains moving across the country.

Source: Truckers News
Image Source: Werner Enterprises

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The milestone transmission didn’t just head out the door quietly. It was delivered straight to Werner Enterprises, one of the earliest adopters of the Endurant and a longtime partner of Eaton Cummins. Werner has relied on the Endurant for years as part of its ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and reliability for its drivers.

The celebration took place at the Kenworth Truck Plant in Chillicothe, Ohio. At the event, a Kenworth T680 fitted with the 500,000th transmission came off the production line, where Eaton Cummins presented Werner with a commemorative plaque.

“We are proud to celebrate this milestone with Werner, a partner since the beginning of the Endurant journey,” said Josh Mejeur, regional director at Eaton Cummins. “This reflects both the strength of our partnerships and the value customers find in the Endurant platform.”

Scott Reed, senior vice president of maintenance at Werner, emphasized the company’s long relationship with Eaton: “Werner has worked with Eaton for more than 40 years, and we were proud to receive the first Endurant transmission. This milestone reflects our shared commitment to innovation and reliability for our drivers and customers.”

The Endurant family has grown significantly since its launch, now including models like the Endurant HD, Endurant HD V, Endurant HD N, Endurant XD, Endurant XD Pro, and Endurant XD N. These variants are designed to serve both highway applications and demanding vocational work.

Key features of the Endurant transmissions include a lightweight build, advanced software that improves shifting performance, and driver-friendly operation aimed at reducing fatigue and maximizing uptime.

For fleets, hitting the half-million production mark is a sign of both the product’s staying power and the industry’s ongoing shift toward technology that balances durability with driver comfort.

This report is based on information released by Eaton Cummins and Werner Enterprises.

Source: Trucking Info

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The award was presented during the 2025 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention, held recently in Las Vegas.

For more than 20 years, Werner has developed programs and partnerships that have connected over 25,000 veterans and transitioning service members to career opportunities within the company, DAV noted in its announcement.

Werner’s veteran hiring strategy focuses on creating a smooth path for former service members to enter the trucking industry. The company provides multiple ways to start a career, including U.S. Department of Labor–registered apprenticeships, military skills test waivers, and a variety of support services.

A key part of this effort is WEVets, Werner’s veteran resource group, which helps former military personnel build connections, grow professionally, and engage in community service.

“Werner Enterprises is raising the bar in veteran recruitment,” said DAV National Commander Daniel Contreras. “Whether it’s the apprenticeships for veterans entering the industry or the opportunities available to veteran employees, Werner Enterprises is a strong partner to the military community. We thank them for their efforts and for furthering DAV’s mission to support veterans and their families.”

Image Source: DAV
Source: Truckers News

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“At Werner, we honor the dedication and leadership of those who have served by creating meaningful opportunities allowing veterans and their families to thrive,” said Derek Leathers, Werner’s chairman and CEO. “Being named a 5 Star Employer for a second year in a row reinforces our mission to empower these individuals as they transition to civilian careers.”

This remarkable honor reflects Werner’s unwavering dedication to welcoming veterans and members of the military-connected community into their workforce. By prioritizing innovative programs and career pathways, Werner continues solidifying its role as a leader in creating opportunities within the transportation and logistics industry.

Setting the Standard in Veteran Support

For the second year running, Werner remains the only transportation and logistics company to receive the coveted 5 Star designation from the VETS Indexes Employer Awards. This achievement highlights the company’s commitment to fostering veteran-friendly workplaces and enhancing career opportunities for those who have served.

“Werner employs a workforce made up of approximately 20% veterans and offers a robust suite of programs tailored to the military community,” the company shared. These initiatives include:

• Military Skills Test Waiver Program
• SkillBridge/Career Skills Program
• VA Educational Benefits
• Operation Freedom Fleet
• ‘WEVets’ Veteran Resource Group
• Deployment Support Initiatives

A Rigorous Selection Process

The 2025 VETS Indexes Employer Awards competition was fierce, with a record-breaking 349 organizations submitting entries. Of these, only 294 were recognized across various levels, including 5 Star Employer, 4 Star Employer, 3 Star Employer, and Recognized Employer categories.

Each organization underwent a rigorous evaluation based on five key factors:

1. Recruitment and hiring of veteran job candidates.
2. Retention and development of veteran employees.
3. A culture and policies inclusive of veterans.
4. Support for National Guard and Reserve members.
5. Advocacy for military spouses and family members.

A Benchmark for Excellence

President of VETS Indexes, George Altman, praised Werner for setting a high standard in veteran support. “Werner has demonstrated exceptional support for veterans and the military-connected community, earning one of the most prestigious awards possible in the VETS Indexes Employer Awards program,” Altman said. “Even as more organizations recognize the unique value veterans bring, Werner’s efforts continue to set the bar.”

The VETS Indexes Employer Awards program is regarded as one of the most comprehensive evaluations of veteran-focused employer practices. Its rankings are widely acknowledged by major media outlets such as CNBC, Fox Business, Military Times, and Stars & Stripes.

Interested in the complete list of 2025 awardees? Visit VETS Indexes Awards. To explore Werner’s extensive military support programs and initiatives, click here.

Source: The Trucker

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