The Best Three Days in Trucking: Highlights from the 2024 NASTC Conference

We are just off the heels of the 2024 NASTC Conference, and if you didn’t make it, you truly missed “The Best Three Days in Trucking”. This year’s event brought together the industry’s brightest minds to address challenges, share innovative solutions, and celebrate trucking excellence. 

The conference opened with an impressive lineup of workshops, offering deep dives into critical industry topics. From Nicole Gifford’s training on on-site drug and alcohol testing to Homer Hogg’s expert guidance on SCR maintenance and repair, attendees walked away with actionable strategies to improve their operations. James Caperton showcased MYSTC Software, while Jeff Davis and Mike Jordan explored strategies to lower insurance costs by analyzing risk profiles and implementing proactive safety measures. Thursday’s sessions also included valuable discussions on fraud protection strategies, led by Kathy Dasal and Chuck Naab, and insights into trucking policy in an election year, presented by Jim Edwards. 

Thursday: Celebrating Excellence 

Winding down from a full day’s agenda, attendees networked with vendors, speakers and industry colleagues at the Meet Our Partners Cocktail Party hosted by Castrol. The Transportation Trust Forum was a cornerstone of the evening, filled with awards, recognitions, and industry insights. Lisa Smartt delivered an engaging keynote that set the tone for an evening of celebration. Roar Logistics took home the coveted Broker of the Year award, while the Overdrive Small Fleet Champions were recognized for their outstanding contributions, with honorees including Paul Rissler Transportation and C.W. Express. 

Friday: Education and Networking 

The second day offered a mix of training sessions and engaging discussions. Rick Gobbell’s class on DataQs updates and Kevin Rutherford’s ROTC session for remarkable one-truck companies provided targeted strategies for small fleets. Industry leaders, including Steve Keppler, Thomas Liberatore and Katie Morton, dissected the state of federal safety rulemaking, while Jeff Davis presented the “20 Must-Do’s” for compliance to safeguard operations. Tom Robertson and Carlos Austin unveiled new PrePass solutions, including a mobile app for bypassing tolls and managing costs and Trent Daum and Travis Rhodes showcased SambaSafety’s tool for assessing driver risk, helping companies reduce potential safety hazards.

Throughout the day, attendees explored the NASTC Vendor & Best Broker Showcase, an expo highlighting cutting-edge solutions for trucking professionals. 

The night came alive with the Grand O Trucking Cocktail Party and Driver of the Year Showcase at the Country Music Hall of Fame sponsored by our partner, TravelCenters of America. Hosted by Kelly Lang & T.G. Sheppard and with performances by John Schneider, Kitty Steadman and Dave Karl this event celebrated the heart of the industry: its drivers, with the spotlight on remarkable individuals who embody safety and excellence. 

Saturday: A Vision for the Future 

Saturday’s general sessions featured a panel discussion with industry experts Rick Gobbell, Kevin Rutherford, Jim Edwards, Joe Rajkovacz, Jeff Davis, and Steve Keppler, focusing on the current state and future of over-the-road trucking. Broughton’s economic outlook gave attendees an in-depth analysis of freight flow trends and their implications for the industry. 

The conference wrapped up with a luncheon and the Driver of the Year Award Ceremony honoring our 2024 Driver of the Year Team. Former Governor Mike Huckabee delivered an inspiring keynote, honoring the achievements of outstanding drivers who have collectively logged over 54 million accident-free miles. 

A poignant moment during the ceremony was the posthumous recognition of Buster Anderson as the 2024 Transportation Professional of the Year. Anderson’s contributions to the trucking industry were celebrated with heartfelt tributes, highlighting his unwavering dedication and lasting impact. This award served as a powerful reminder of his legacy, which continues to inspire the trucking community.

Takeaways from the 2024 Conference 

This year’s NASTC Conference offered more than just education—it delivered inspiration, practical solutions, and a renewed sense of community for trucking professionals. From addressing safety and compliance challenges to exploring emerging technologies, attendees left with the tools and confidence to drive their businesses forward. 

As we look to the future, the dedication, professionalism, and innovation showcased during these three days remind us why this event is the cornerstone of the trucking industry. Here’s to the next year of excellence on the road!  Mark your calendars for October 23-25, 2025!