The Must-Attend Trucking Industry Events of 2017

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The first quarter of 2017 has already come and gone—and amidst all of the stresses of running a small trucking company or working as an owner-operator, you have had no time to make it to any of the trucking industry’s meetings, conferences and events.

Not to fear, though—while there have already been some great conferences, there are many more for which you still have time to register. Take a look at some of the upcoming trucking industry events and learn how they can help you improve your small trucking company.

Why are trucking conferences important?

Truckers and small trucking company owners can learn a great deal from attending industry-wide conferences and conventions. At these conferences, trucking company owners will be able to network with hundreds of other industry members, promote causes that they care about, learn new business techniques and financial strategies, check out new equipment and technology and receive feedback on their current business strategy. That said, these events can prove crucial.

Trucking Events in 2017

Noting that there are a lot of benefits to be had from attending these conventions, we have thrown together a schedule of the best upcoming trucking events in 2017:

April

• Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association Annual Conference— April 25-29, Washington DC
  • For owners of trucking companies that work in specialized carrying/rigging, this conference at the end of the month in Scottsdale might be a valuable asset.
• Alabama Trucking Association Convention/Meeting— April 13-16, Destin, Florida
  • All Alabama truckers should leap at the opportunity to meet with their peers (and do some tanning) in Destin, Florida in three weeks.
• 2017 NPTC Conference— May 7- May 9, Orlando, Florida
  • The National Private Truck Council’s Annual Conference and Exhibition is fast approaching—reserve yourself a spot, head to Cincinnati and check out the workshops on management and networking.
• 2017 NTTC Conference—April 30- May 2, Chicago, Illinois
  • This is a great conference to attend if you move tanks and bulk cargo loads and want to connect with others in your industry.

May

• 2017 ATA Leadership Meeting—May 7-10, San Antonio, Texas
  • Open to all ATA members, this is your chance to come and partake in discussions about the ATA’s policy goals and the state of American trucking industry, in general.
• Alternative Clean Technology Expo— May 2-4, San Diego, California
  • If green energy is your thing, come and see what environmentally-conscious trucking companies are doing to transition to a sustainable future.
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June

• Share the Road Events—June 3-22, various cities
  • Big on the Share the Road Campaign? If so, there are events that you may want to check out in Springfield, Missouri, Sioux City, Iowa, Cleveland, Ohio, and Billings, Montana.

July

• 2017 ATA Forum for Motor Carrier General Counsel—July 16-19, Beaver Creek, Colorado
  • This convention is held annually for those that handle the legal proceedings for a trucking company.
• 38^th Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree—July 13-15, Walcott, Iowa
  • Mark this one on your calendar for sure. It is nothing but one big truckers’ party.
• Expedite Expo 2017—July 14-15, Lexington, Kentucky
  • Connect with other expedite trucking companies, buy equipment and grow by attending the Expedite Expo in Lexington this July.

August

• 2017 National Truck and Step Van Driving Championships—August 9-12, Orlando, Florida
  • Hundreds of the nation’s best professional truck drivers will gather in Orlando in August to square off and determine once and for all who is best in the United States.
• CVSA Data Management, Quality and FMCSA Systems Workshop—August 8-10, Orlando, Florida
  • If you need help navigating the new technological mandates of the FMCSA, head to this conference—in three days, they will teach you everything that you need to know.
• 18^th Annual National Brockway Truck Show—August 10-13, Cortland, New York
  • Fans of Brockway—come see the best of what they’ve got in August!
• 28^th Annual Great Salt Lake Truck Show—August 8-13, Lehi, Utah
  • If you will be passing through Utah this summer, see if you can stay for the Great Salt Lake Show.
• The Great American Trucking Show—August 24-26, Dallas, Texas
  • Swing by the Lone Star State and take a look at what equipment will be featured at this year’s Great American Trucking Show.

September

• The Big Iron Classic— September 8-9, Kasson, Minnesota
  • Check out new equipment, collect toys for charity, show the country your sweet rig and enjoy the tons of trucking-themed events.
• National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW)—Everywhere, USA, September 10-16
  • Although this isn’t a conference, we wanted to throw it in here just because we appreciate truck drivers 52 weeks per year!
• Lobbying Events in Washington, D.C.—September 8-October 8, Washington, D.C.
  • Throughout September and the first week of October, the trucking associations from Maryland, New Mexico, Utah, Kentucky, Louisiana, Connecticut, North Dakota and Oregon will send representatives to D.C. to push for trucking-friendly legislation. If you are from these states and want to see some changes, go!
• North American Commercial Vehicle Show—September 25-28, Atlanta, Georgia
  • One of the nation’s biggest trucking equipment shows, this is essential if you are looking to upgrade your fleet or invest in new rigs.

October & November

• ITS World Congress 2017— September 18- September 22, Los Angeles, California
  • Interested in transportation technology? Head up to LA to check out the latest innovations.
• Global Tire Expo (by TIA)— November 1- November 4, Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Head to Vegas in October/November to get caught up on all things tires.

The convention season for the trucking industry ends in November, with the start of the holiday season. So—between now and then, there are plenty of trucking events that you can add to your calendar. Whether you are looking to network, buy new equipment, learn better management strategies or simply have some fun, there is a conference for you! It is important to show up and introduce your small trucking company to your industrial colleagues. Attending these events should be an important linchpin in your business strategy. Are financial troubles preventing you from taking a day or two off to attend one of these conferences? If so, get in touch with Factor Finders ASAP and ask us about freight factoring—we will work with you to increase your cash flow, save some dough and ensure that you can make the conference of your choice in 2017.