Trucking Leaders, Administration Chiefs to Address Key Industry Issues at MCE

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta Among Speakers
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao
Chao by The Aspen Institute via YouTube

Trucking executives will hear from prominent industry leaders and government officials, including two members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, at American Trucking Associations’ annual Management Conference & Exhibition.

The event will run Oct. 21-25 in Orlando, Fla.

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Acosta



Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta will speak to MCE attendees Oct. 23, when they will address industry topics including the driver shortage and infrastructure funding.

“This year’s lineup makes MCE a truly ‘can’t-miss’ event, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of individuals — CEOs, company executives and industry partners who drive our industry forward — to Orlando,” ATA President Chris Spear said.

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Also Oct. 23, Spear will deliver his state of the industry speech, in which he plans to discuss tax reform, automated driving technology and strategies to alleviate trucking’s labor shortage.

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Manning

MCE will culminate with David Manning, president of Nashville, Tenn.-based TCW Inc., becoming ATA’s chairman.

He will succeed Kevin Burch, president of Jet Express Inc. in Dayton, Ohio.

Other MCE speakers will include Lawrence Burns, a consultant at autonomous vehicle developer Waymo, formerly the Google self-driving car project, and pollster Neil Newhouse of Public Opinion Strategies.

During a general session Oct. 22, Werner Enterprises CEO Derek Leathers, ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello and American Transportation Research Institute President Rebecca Brewster will dive into the key numbers associated with top industry issues.

The MCE schedule also will include a panel discussion with prominent executives Oct. 24, featuring trucking icons Dan England of C.R. England; John Smith of CRST International and Charles “Shorty” Whittington of Grammer Industries.

Grammy Award-winning country music star Brad Paisley will perform at MCE’s annual banquet that evening.

“These speakers, along with a full roster of educational sessions, an extensive exhibit floor and our world-class featured entertainment, are going to make this year’s MCE an unforgettable and invaluable experience,” said Burch, ATA’s outgoing chairman