The Best Trucking Conferences and Transportation Industry Trade Show to Attend in 2026

The trucking and logistics industry runs on relationships. Who you know—and the reputation you build—often plays a role in winning new lanes or shipper business. One of the best ways to strengthen those connections is by showing up at industry conferences and events.

Whether you’re mapping out your year or deciding which opportunities are worth the time, these events remain one of the most reliable ways to stay connected to what’s happening across the industry. Below, we’ve rounded up the best trucking events to attend in 2026 to help you plan your conference calendar with confidence.

Why attend trucking conferences and events in 2026?

Industry events offer invaluable opportunities that go far beyond what you do remotely. Here’s why they should be on your radar:

Networking opportunities. Events bring together thousands of industry professionals, creating face-to-face connections that can lead to new partnerships, customers, and career opportunities. The relationships you build at trucking industry conferences often become some of your most valuable business assets.

Stay ahead of industry trends. Logistics events and supply chain trade shows give you early visibility into the technologies, tools, and regulatory shifts shaping how freight moves—from identity verification and AI to changing compliance requirements. Hearing directly from operators, innovators, and industry leaders helps you understand what’s gaining traction and what to prepare for next.

Education and professional development. Most Transportation industry trade shows feature educational sessions, workshops, and keynote speakers who share practical strategies you can implement immediately. Whether you’re looking to improve operations, adopt new technology, or understand market dynamics, there’s always something new to learn.

Discover new solutions. Trade shows and expo halls allow you to see the latest equipment, software, and services in person. You can compare solutions, ask questions, and often negotiate special show pricing that isn’t available elsewhere.

Top trucking conferences to attend in 2026

1. Manifest Conference

Dates: February 9 – 11

Location: Las Vegas

Manifest is a supply chain trade show technology conference that brings together innovators, investors, and industry leaders to discuss the latest developments in logistics technology. This event is particularly valuable for brokerages and large fleets looking to learn about cutting-edge technology solutions that can transform their operations. The event features startup pitches, technology demonstrations, and in-depth discussions on how digital innovation is reshaping the transportation industry.

Truckstop.com will be there! Stop by our booth #949 to meet the team and see our latest innovations in action. Our team will be on hand to answer questions and discuss how Truckstop can help your business grow.

2. SC&RA Specialized Transportation Symposium

Dates: February 24-26

Location: Birmingham, AL

The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association’s Symposium focuses on the unique needs of companies transporting oversized and overweight loads. This event covers specialized equipment, routing challenges, permitting, safety, and regulations specific to heavy haul and specialized transportation.

Our team will be there walking the show and talking to folks. If you see us, stop and say hi—we’d love to discuss how Truckstop.com can support your specialized transportation needs.

3. Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Annual Convention

Dates: February 28 – March 3

Location: Orlando, FL

The TCA Annual Convention brings together truckload carrier executives, suppliers, and industry stakeholders for networking, education, and recognition. The event features the prestigious Truckload Carrier of the Year awards and provides a platform for discussing the most pressing issues facing truckload carriers today.

Our team is attending the show and looking forward to talking trucking and business solutions. Look for the Truckstop.com red and black polos and say hello!

4. Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)

Dates: March 26-28, 2026

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

The Mid-America Trucking Show is one of the largest heavy-duty trucking industry events in the country. With over 1,000 exhibitors and attendance exceeding 70,000 people, MATS showcases the latest trucks, trailers, parts, accessories, and services. This three-day event is a must-attend for anyone involved in trucking operations, maintenance, or equipment purchasing.

Truckstop.com will be there! Stop by our booth #16160 to connect with our team, see live demos of our load boards and business solutions. Don’t forget our exclusive t-shirts.

5. Broker-Carrier Summit

Dates: April 28 – 29

Location: Kansas City, MO

The Broker Carrier Summit facilitates meaningful connections between freight brokers and carriers in a structured networking environment. The event is designed to help build partnerships through one-on-one meetings, educational sessions, and networking activities.

Truckstop.com will be attending this event. We’re looking forward to connecting with brokers and carriers to discuss how our platform can strengthen your partnerships and grow your business.

6. Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) Capital Ideas Conference & Exhibition

Dates: April 15-18

Location: Phoenix, AZ

TIA’s flagship event is designed specifically for third-party logistics providers, freight brokers, and transportation intermediaries. The conference offers educational sessions on industry trends, regulatory updates, and business growth strategies, along with extensive networking opportunities within the broker and 3PL community.

7. TAPA Cargo Theft Summit

Dates: May 5-8

Location: Atlanta, GA

As cargo theft and fraud continue to be a major concern in the supply chain, the TAPA Cargo Theft Summit brings together security professionals, law enforcement, carriers, and shippers to discuss the latest threats, prevention strategies, and security technologies to protect valuable cargo.

8. Freightwaves Freight Fraud Symposium

Dates: May 14

Location: Dallas, TX

This symposium addresses one of the industry’s fastest-growing problems: freight fraud. Attendees learn about fraud prevention, detection techniques, legal remedies, and best practices to protect their businesses from fraudulent activity.

9. Texas Trucking Show

Dates: July 25-26

Location: Houston, Texas

The Texas Trucking Show is one of the largest regional trucking events in the United States. It features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing trucks, trailers, parts, and services, along with educational seminars focused on issues relevant to carriers operating in Texas and the surrounding region.

10. Bitfreighter Golf Tournament

Dates: August 23-34

Location: Nashville, TX

The Bitfreighter User Tournament is more than just a golf event—it’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and give back. This two-day event brings together over 150 executives from freight and logistics companies for networking, an Integrated Technology Summit featuring industry speakers and panel discussions, and the Karen Cameron User Golf Tournament at Old Hickory Country Club. The event is dedicated to raising funds for the ALS Association in memory of Karen Cameron, the late mother-in-law of Bitfreighter CEO Brad Perling.

11. North American Supply Chain Executive Summit (NASCES)

Dates: September 21-23

Location: Las Vegas, NV

NASCES brings together C-level supply chain executives from major shippers and retailers to discuss strategic challenges and opportunities. The invitation-only event features high-level discussions on supply chain innovation, risk management, and operational excellence.

12. JOC Inland Distribution Conference

Dates: September 28-30

Location: Chicago, IL

Hosted by the Journal of Commerce, this conference focuses on inland transportation and distribution challenges. The event covers topics such as intermodal transportation, warehouse and distribution center operations, and last-mile delivery strategies.

13. Women in Trucking Accelerate! Conference & Expo

Dates: October 25-28

Location: Dallas, TX

The Accelerate! Conference is dedicated to addressing the gender diversity challenges in the trucking and logistics industry. The event provides education, networking, and inspiration for women working in transportation, while also helping companies develop strategies to attract and retain female talent.

14. FreightWaves F3: Future of Freight Festival

Dates: October 27-28

Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee

F3 is Freightwaves’ signature conference that brings together thousands of freight industry professionals for three days of networking, education, and innovation. The event features discussions on technology, market conditions, and the future of supply chain, along with live entertainment and unique networking experiences.

Plan your 2026 trucking conferences and logistics events calendar

With so many valuable events to choose from, it’s worth being intentional about where you spend your time. Think about your business priorities, budget, and what you want to get out of each event—whether that’s stronger relationships, a better pulse on industry trends, or exposure to new technology. There’s something on this list for every goal.

If you’re not able to catch us at one of these conferences, you can still get a closer look at how Truckstop.com supports your business every day. Our team can share personalized recommendations based on how you operate today—from freight matching and market insights to payments and factoring.

Schedule a demo with our sales team to see how our full suite of tools fits your operation and helps you save time, reduce risk, and work more efficiently.

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