A new year on the horizon means an opportunity to start planning which 2026 trucking conferences to attend!
Participating in conferences is a strategic way to expand your professional skills, deepen your awareness of current trends and regulations, and connect with innovative colleagues nationwide. They spotlight crucial issues, offering attendees an eclectic mix of interactive events, workshops, and presentations to choose from. Plus, the fact that they’re often held in new and exciting locations doesn’t hurt either.
Each year, we publish a list of the top trucking conferences to save you time and energy deciding what events to attend. Visit this blog throughout the year for the latest updates to ensure you don’t miss out on any vital information.
Here are the top trucking conferences of 2026, listed in chronological order.
The details below are taken directly from the event and corporate webpages. Click on the event name to go to the event information and/or registration page.
1. Bulk Freight Conference 
- Bulk Loads
- January 7-9, 2026
- Branson, MO
Bulk Loads presents this conference for bulk freight carriers, shippers, and brokers who want to win more business, sharpen operations, cut costs, and prepare for the rebound in freight. But this isn’t your typical conference. It’s where real relationships are formed, deals are made, and the future of bulk freight trucking takes shape.
2. SMC³ Jump Start 2026 
- Southern Motor Carriers Association
- January 26-28, 2026
- Atlanta, GA
This three-day supply chain event hosted by the Southern Motor Carriers Association provides the ideal environment for qualitative, valuable networking and industry education. Carriers, shippers, logistics service providers, and technology providers consistently attend the winter’s definitive supply chain intelligence gathering for its unrivaled networking opportunities, top-tier presenters, and timely content to kick off the new year.
3. Manifest Vegas 
- DHL
- February 9-11, 2026
- Las Vegas, NV
Join the premiere gathering that unites the entire ecosystem of Fortune 500 global supply chain executives, logistics service providers, innovators, and investors at the forefront of logistics tech and end-to-end supply chain. Experience unprecedented access to the people and technologies changing the way the world moves.
4. The 23rd Annual Recruitment and Retention Conference
- American Trucking Associations, Conversion, Transport Tropics
- February 25-27, 2026
- Nashville, TN
The 23rd Annual Recruitment & Retention Conference is the premier event for transportation leaders. Over three days, you’ll explore how data, strategy, and AI are reshaping recruiting and retention.
This year’s theme, Arise, challenges you to rise above today’s obstacles with smarter processes, innovative strategies, and cutting-edge technology designed to strengthen your recruiting and retention advantage.
5. Truckload 2026
- Truckload Carriers Association
- February 28-March 3, 2026
- Orlando, FL
Truckload Carriers Association invites you to join trucking’s leaders as we tackle challenges head-on, share solutions, and shape the future of the industry. This year’s theme is Powering Through Disruption.
6. Work Truck Week 
- NTEA: The Work Truck Association
- March 10-13, 2026
- Indianapolis, IN
For more than 25 years, the people who design, build, use, and maintain the commercial vehicles and equipment the world relies on have gathered to see the industry’s latest products and technology, learn from one another, and discuss how to improve the future.
7. TMC’s Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Expo
- American Trucking Associations’ Technology and Maintenance Council
- March 16-19, 2026
- Nashville, TN
This March, the American Trucking Association’s Technology and Maintenance Council will bring the industry’s top technical minds together once again to solve real-world challenges, shape new standards, and drive practical innovation in fleet operations.
#TMC26 builds on the momentum of 5,300+ innovators who advanced critical conversations last year and contributed to 40+ new and revised Recommended Practices (RPs) through TMC’s Study Groups and Task Forces. No other event matches TMC’s Annual Meeting when it comes to a comprehensive, user-driven focus on fleet technology and maintenance management.
8. Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)
- March 26-28, 2026
- Louisville, KY
For more than 50 years, the Mid-America Trucking Show has set the standard for events in the trucking industry. MATS’ long-running record as the industry’s largest and most well-attended annual event is rooted in a tradition of connecting industry stakeholders in meaningful ways that facilitate collaboration and the advancement of the transportation industry.
MATS is host to the entire trucking industry for three days of exhibits, education, and entertainment. The face-to-face environment enables attendees to find and demo new products, stay up-to-date with industry changes, meet new suppliers, and network with industry leaders and peers.
9. Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition
- American Trucking Associations
- April 1-3, 2026
- Oklahoma City, OK
The American Trucking Associations’ 2026 Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference & Exhibition (SSHR) is the only event in the country that features three main educational tracks focused on the latest in trucking safety, security, and human resources.
In addition to a strong lineup of educational programs, #SSHR26 provides opportunities to connect with colleagues and an exhibit hall featuring the industry’s top manufacturers and suppliers showcasing their latest solutions. Join us in Oklahoma City, OK to evaluate existing industry policies and procedures to bring home insights on how to improve your company.
10. NTTC Annual Conference & Exhibits 
- National Tank Truck Carriers
- April 20-22, 2026
- Baltimore, MD
The National Tank Truck Carriers Annual Conference is the premier event for the tank truck industry, bringing together fleet leaders, suppliers, shippers, and key stakeholders for a high-level exchange of insights, strategy, and innovation. With a robust agenda centered around safety, policy, workforce development, and operational excellence, the Annual Conference is where the industry charts its future.
11. Advanced Clean Transportation Conference 
- TRC
- May 4-7, 2026
- Las Vegas, NV
Host TRC invites you to participate in four days of education spotlighting the latest trends, policies, solutions, and technologies transforming advanced clean transportation.
ACT Expo brings together fleet operators, OEMs, and technology providers to spotlight solutions that can help fleets improve efficiency, reduce costs, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing market. With numerous product launches, strategic announcements, and valuable networking opportunities, ACT Expo provides the ideal platform for fleet operators to connect with industry leaders and drive success in a competitive landscape.
12. UConnect26
- Tenstreet
- May 4-6, 2026
- Las Vegas, NV
Join Tenstreet in Las Vegas from Monday, May 4th to Wednesday, May 6th for our 8th Annual User Conference! This special gathering is a chance for busy carriers to get a crash course on the state of the industry, discover new solutions to their business problems, network with peers in the industry, and more – all in just a few value-packed days.
This year’s event coincides with Tenstreet’s 20th anniversary of making life easier for drivers and carriers. Attendees can expect special surprises and a dedicated focus on how much has changed over the past two decades, as well as where trucking—and Tenstreet—are headed in the future.
13. The Education Management Conference and Exhibition
- The National Private Truck Council
- May 9-11, 2026
- Orlando, FL
The National Private Truck Council’s Annual Conference and Exhibition is the marquee national private truck fleet event of the year! The 2026 event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Hotel and the Orange County Convention Center. With 1,200+ attendees and over 170 exhibitors expected, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
14. Mid-Year Management Session
- American Trucking Association
- May 17-20, 2026
- Hollywood, FL
The industry’s top leaders and decision-makers gather to tackle the biggest challenges and opportunities facing trucking. This exclusive, members-only event places your voice at the center of discussions that will define trucking’s future. With a new administration in Washington and a changing political landscape, your active engagement at MYMS ensures our priorities are championed.
15. Safety & Security Meeting
- Truckload Carriers Association
- June 7-9, 2026
- Oklahoma City, OK
The Truckload Carriers Association’s annual Safety & Security Meeting brings truckload carrier safety professionals together to discuss problems, share ideas, and seek solutions to make their businesses and our roads safer.
The event offers our highly popular “Safety in the Round” sessions, where attendees can draw from the knowledge of the group to solve common safety management and human resource problems. Topics typically include adoption of safety technologies, improving driver training procedures, insurance and litigation best practices, and more.
16. Walcott Truckers Jamboree
- July 9-11, 2026
- Walcott, IA
The Truckers Jamboree is hosted every year at the Iowa 80 Truckstop, the largest truck stop in the United States. Since its inception in 1979, the Truckers Jamboree has been celebrating America’s truckers and is a great place to learn about trucking.
Primarily an event for truckers, this event is also open to exhibitors and can be a great investment of resources for carriers looking to expand their recruiting efforts. The Truckers Jamboree will host over 175 Exhibitors in a 34,000 square foot exhibition hall. Total grounds? A whopping 474,000 square feet.
17. Texas Trucking Show 
- July 25-26, 2026
- Houston, TX
The Texas Trucking Show is a regional trade show focused on connecting suppliers and trucking companies. You’ll find 300+ companies offering all kinds of products and services for the Heavy Duty industry in a single venue.
18. FTR Transportation Conference 2026
- Freight. Transportation. Research
- August 31- Sep 3, 2026
- Location TBD
The Annual FTR Transportation Conference is the only commercial freight transportation gathering rooted in a fundamental understanding of how the economy impacts the demand for freight and equipment. This premier forecasting event features data-driven and unbiased forecasts for every segment of the surface modes of transportation.
19. McLeod Software User Conference
- McLeod Software
- September 13-15, 2026
- Nashville, TN
Network with peers, discover best practices, and gain valuable insights that improve your operations. Be inspired by leading innovators in the transportation sector, and explore new products and advanced features to maximize the potential of your McLeod Software system.
The conference offers a wide range of educational sessions to help you discover new capabilities and broaden your expertise. Plus, our Exhibit Hall will feature over 75 McLeod-Certified Integration Partners and other top industry vendors, giving you access to the latest tools and solutions.
20. IFDA 2026 Solutions Conference
- International Foodservice Distributors Association
- September 13-15, 2026
- San Antonio, TX
The IFDA Solutions Conference is where the next big breakthroughs in food distribution begin. Designed by and for operations professionals, this is where challenges meet solutions, connections spark innovation, and the future takes shape.
Join us next year as we cut through the noise to gain the clarity you need to move Forward In Focus. We’re bringing together industry leaders, bold thinkers, and game-changers who are pushing food distribution forward. This is where clarity meets momentum, where powerhouse speakers deliver actionable insights, and where cutting-edge solutions help you zero in on what truly matters. This unique experience empowers organizations of all sizes to sharpen their focus, move forward with confidence, and achieve their goals.
21. IANA Intermodal Expo
- Intermodal Association of North America
- September 14-16, 2026
- Long Beach, CA
The Intermodal Association of North America invites you to Intermodal EXPO 2026, which brings the industry together around the dialogue, education, and connections that move intermodal forward. It is a platform for products, services, and solutions; a classroom for new skills and know-how; and an exchange for ideas and business.
Join stakeholders from railroads, motor carriers, ocean carriers, ports, tech, equipment providers, logistics firms, and shippers to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges—from cargo theft and tariffs to the latest in AI tech and rail mergers.
22. Tank Truck Week
- National Tank Truck Carriers
- September 27-30, 2026
- Oklahoma City, OK
National Tank Truck Carriers’ Tank Truck Week has become North America’s largest tank truck event for owners, executives, operations, safety, and maintenance professionals. This premiere event delivers seminars focused on tank truck safety, maintenance, tank wash, technology, educational sessions by Tank Truck University, and a high-capacity Cargo Tank Test & Inspection workshop hosted by educators from the Department of Transportation.
TTW also hosts the latest tank truck equipment, trailers, components, safety products, and relevant solutions to provide your operation the competitive advantage. Social events and activities hosted by NTTC and numerous tank truck industry suppliers make TTW a must-attend event. If you’re looking for the products, services, information, education, and connections to improve your company’s operations, Tank Truck Week is the event for you.
23. Edge 2026 
- The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
- October 4-7, 2026
- Nashville, TN
The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals presents Edge 2026, the must-attend event of the year. Connect and reunite with your global supply chain community to discover the latest innovations, new strategies, and best practices shaping the industry.
24. ATA Management Conference & Exhibition
- The American Trucking Association
- October 17-20, 2026
- Charlotte, NC
The American Trucking Association’s 2026 Management Conference & Exhibit (MCE26) brings together the collective power of trucking’s decision-makers to shape strategy, set policy priorities, and chart the course ahead. No other event delivers this level of strategic influence and attracts as many owners, presidents, CEOs, and senior executives in one place.
25. Accelerate! Conference and Expo
- Women In Trucking
- October 25-28, 2026
- Dallas, TX
Join us to gain actionable insights, forge meaningful connections, and be part of a dynamic community dedicated to advancing opportunities for women in the trucking industry.
A Note From Tenstreet
Far from exhaustive, this list of popular conferences that exclusively serves the trucking industry’s 8.9 million people will no doubt provide some guidance when planning your conference attendance.
No matter what conference(s) you decide to attend, be sure to schedule some time with our Industry Relations team. We love every chance we can get to catch up with our clients and industry friends and will be present at every conference on this list plus so many more throughout the year. We look forward to seeing you at these events and many more throughout 2026!
Learn more about Tenstreet and schedule time with industry relations
