CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Industry and trucking company executives came together in Charlotte, N.C. for the American Trucking Associations’ 2026 Management Conference and Exhibition Oct. 17-20. 

There was no shortage of networking opportunities, plenty of new technology and of course shiny new trucks from the major OEMs including International, Mack, Peterbilt and Volvo to check out.

Attendees heard insights from ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello about the state of the economy and its near-term outlook. 

ATA leaders, including Groendyke Transport CEO Greg Hodgen, who served as board chairman the past year, and Werner Enterprises Chairman and CEO Derek Leathers, who was elected as new chairman, called on members to be active with the organization to help shape policies to benefit the industry as a whole. 

This year’s conference also provided a chance for newly appointed ATA President and CEO Mark Colson to introduce himself and relay a message of strengthening trust within the federation.

A highlight for certain was the Daimler Truck North America annual customer appreciation event, which took over Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights baseball team, AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Besides the seemingly endless variety of food, the evening featured performances from North Carolina-raised talent, including American folk rock band The Avett Brothers and award-winning country star Eric Church.

See below for a roundup of our conference coverage.

Thanks, as always, for reading Trucking Dive.