Below is a list of Sessions at the 2014 NASSTRAC Shippers Conference & Transportation Expo. Click here to download select presentations.

Kick-off Keynote

Perspectives from J. Harwood Cochrane: A Centenarian Who Was Present at the Birth of Trucking

J. Harwood Cochrane, founder of Overnite Transportation, turned 101 last November. Mr. Cochrane began his career in transportation utilizing two-horse wagons, and over the length of his career has witnessed the birth and evolution of the trucking industry. His unique perspective gives insight into the history of the trucking industry from the Great Depression through the Great Recession. He grew a successful trucking company under government regulation of the trucking industry, through the transition to deregulation, and against the constant competition from the railroads. The ability to embrace change and to adapt to rapid and dramatic transformation is as critical to success today as it was when Mr. Cochrane made the decision to switch from gasoline to diesel engines.

Transportation Provider CEO Panel Discussion

Significant challenges, including an uncertain economy, rising operational costs, regulatory changes, and labor issues continue pressure our nation’s service providers. Yet other factors such as emerging technologies and shifting markets present new opportunities for the industry. This panel discussion will feature high-ranking executives with leading transportation companies who will provide:

• Insights on the current condition of the transportation industry and the impact of a sluggish and uncertain economy.

• Provocative discussion on the biggest challenges facing all modes as well as potential solutions.

• Specific examples of how their firms are responding to the most significant transportation and supply chain challenges facing manufacturers, retailers and distributors.

Panelists include Jack Holmes, President, UPS Ground Freight, Inc., Bill Logue, President and CEO, FedEx Freight Corporation, Louis Schneeberger, President and CEO, Panther Expedited Services, Inc., and Richard O’Dell, President and CEO, SAIA, Inc.

NASSTRAC Collaborative Learning Labs

NASSTRAC’s unique Collaborative Learning Labs allow you to learn best practices from other shippers, and share common challenges and practical solutions with your peers. These 50-minute discussions enable transportation and supply chain executives to collaborate with each other in a facilitated, small-group format on:

• The growing role of technology in the Supply Chain

• CSA Scorecard Utilization in Carrier Management

• What Shippers Need to Know about Insurance and Liability

The Mexican Connection: Moving Freight Across the Border

As labor costs in many traditionally low-cost countries rise, the benefits of sourcing or manufacturing in Mexico have become more attractive to many companies. From the benefits of NAFTA, to shorter supply chains, more shippers are investigating "nearshoring.” Our panel of industry experts will discuss what every shipper needs to know when moving goods into, out of or within Mexico. From best practices to valuable tips and lessons learned, the panel will discuss the current state of transportation in Mexico, as well as what the future holds. Bring your questions!

Panelists include Mike Gamel, President, Mexpress Transportation, Inc. and Carlos Fallas, Vice President, FedEx Freight Corporation, Mexico.

Latest Trends in Supply Chain and Transportation Technology
Possibly the most rapidly changing area within supply chain and transportation is information technology.  The software solutions available to shippers and carriers to improve their operations continually become more robust and affordable over time.  This panel discussion which includes leaders in technologies that enable transportation solutions will give attendees an update on how shippers and carriers can increase efficiency and lower cost with technology.

“10 Things I Hate About You": An In-Depth Look at the Shipper / Broker / Carrier Relationship
I hate you, I love you, I need you, get out of my office!  That sort of summarizes the Shipper / Broker / Carrier relationship through the years.  The reality, however, is much more collaborative than many of us like to admit and successfully navigating these relationships can provide shippers with a best in class transportation strategy.  In this lively and informative session, executive representatives from each of these groups will share with you what drives them crazy about the other and how we can come together and collaborate across organizations, modes, and services.

Wall Street Perspectives: "What’s in Store for the Current Economy?”

With a slowly recovering economy, Wall Street now has a new freight forecast for the transportation marketplace in 2014. This session will provide current perspectives and valuable insights as a sluggish economy continues to challenge the entire supply chain community. During this discussion, leading analysts in the transportation industry will provide commentary on the following:

• The economic prognosis for the transportation sector in 2014 and beyond.

• Factors having an impact on transportation and the economy, including government regulation, investor behaviors and consumer confidence.

• What both shippers and carriers need to know to navigate through the current industry segment headwinds.

Washington Update: "Is There Any Good News?”

Political dysfunction on Capitol Hill and mid-term elections in 2014 make consensus on a new Highway Bill unlikely, even though MAP-21 expires September 30. The Report of the House Special Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation may signal modest progress. Meanwhile, FMCSA needs to improve its Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program, reduced productivity due to Hours of Service rules leads to new challenges by (and for) the trucking industry and shippers, and truck size and weight issues heat up.

These and other legislative, legal and regulatory issues are discussed by TranzAct’s Mike Regan, who chairs NASSTRAC’s Advocacy Committee, and John Cutler, NASSTRAC Legal Counsel.

Millennial Supply Chainers: Finding Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

Alternately panned as trophy kids and praised as pragmatic multi-taskers, Millennials are the future leaders of our supply chains. Companies are challenged to understand what makes this generation tick and how to leverage their capabilities. This year’s session provides insights into the most effective methods for finding, developing, and retaining individuals from the supply chain Class of 2014.

*All session topics and speakers are subject to change.