As executives look ahead for opportunities in the freight cycle, industry conferences will help keep stakeholders on the pulse of the market, trends and the future.
From networking to panels and music, these events give attendees ranging from newcomers to freight veterans the chance to connect with peers and viewpoints to help them elevate their game. Keynote speakers, breakout sessions and more provide value to industry stakeholders, including executives, analysts and investors.
Whether speaking on panels, or at luncheons and bars, connections at conferences can also help pave the way for businesses to thrive in good times and survive in bad times. Is there an event worth adding? Let me know here.
Top trucking conferences in 2025
SMC³ Jump Start 2025
Jan. 27-29
Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center, Georgia
Find out more about insights from LTL leaders, the National Motor Freight Classification update, M&A strategies and artificial intelligence impacts, just to name some highlights.
Manifest Vegas
Feb. 10-12
The Venetian, Las Vegas
Encounter logistics and supply chain executives and top industry leaders in an event featuring over 300 speakers to find out more about leading innovation and technology.
Work Truck Week
March 4-7
Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis
Experience educational sessions, exhibits and the chance to drive the latest equipment. The longtime event helps kick off the year with an event that organizers call “more than a trade show.”
Truckload 2025
March 15-18
Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona
Hear from industry leaders and interact with an extensive variety of vendor booths at a key industry event that’s ripe for networking. Fueled by the powerhouse organizer, the Truckload Carriers Association, the event regularly features some of the biggest names inside and outside of the transportation industry.
Mid-America Trucking Show
March 27-29
Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville
Check out hundreds of exhibitors as tens of thousands of attendees flock to the multiday event to see the newest equipment and hear from speakers ranging from business leaders and regulators to owner-operator advocates.
BulkLoads 2025 Bulk Freight Conference
April 16-18
Branson Convention Center in Missouri
This conference, in its third year, is aimed specifically at the bulk freight industry that brings together industry players ranging from owner-operators to carriers, brokers and shippers.
Advanced Clean Transportation Expo
April 28-May 1
Anaheim Convention Center, California
Glean insights about alternative fuels powering fleets in an event that draws a global audience. Attendees can observe cutting-edge technology on display, hear topics ranging from energy policy to trends, and wander through an expo hall of hundreds of exhibitors.
National Truck Driving Championships
Aug. 20-23
Minneapolis Convention Center in Minnesota
Witness the heralded competition that brings together the best of the best accident-free drivers to demonstrate their knowledge and skills of the profession.
NPTC National Safety Conference
Sept. 3-5
Omni Orlando Resort, ChampionsGate, Florida
Educational and networking opportunities abound in the National Private Truck Council’s multiday event featuring problem-solving workshops, presentations and panels.
Intermodal Expo
Sept. 15-17
Long Beach Convention Center, California
The Intermodal Association of North America features one of the biggest events of the year with this multiday event ripe for connecting with peers and learning about the industry.
CSCMP’s EDGE 2025
Oct. 5-8
National Harbor, Maryland
The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals’ annual conference features innovations, strategies and more to better equip industry stakeholders.
ATA Management Conference & Exhibition
Oct. 25-28
San Diego Convention Center, California
The American Trucking Associations’ premiere event for industry executives brings leaders together to learn, network and advance priorities. If there’s one conference to go to all year, this is it.
NMFTA Cybersecurity Conference
October 26-28, 2025
The Westin Austin Downtown in Texas
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association's annual event features speakers, strategies and more to help enhance trucking security. Discover insights from researchers to industry leaders and network with IT and cybersecurity professionals serving the trucking industry.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Nov. 4-6
Chattanooga, Tennessee
This key conference from FreightWaves connects industry leaders, entertainment and cutting-edge technology while also featuring networking, VIP experiences and more.
Inland Distribution 25
TBD
TBD
Join key leaders for informational sessions in a key conference hosted by the Journal of Commerce. The event spans across transportation modes, providing insights on the industry.
Editor's note: This story updated details for the 2025 Bulk Freight Conference.
