Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., is the site of TMC 2025, which runs March 10-13. (Judd Hanson/Transport Topics)
With American Trucking Associations’ Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition underway, attendees are gearing up for the showcase that runs today through Thursday in Nashville, Tenn.
Technical sessions and study groups will amplify the theme of the conference, “Advancing Technology Through Industry Engagement.”
“[The theme] promises a deep dive into the evolving world of trucking with a focus on industry standards, innovation and educational benefits,” TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell said.
The official meetings will consist of various task force sessions as well as the first-time attendee and new member orientation meetings. At 4:15 p.m. today, TMC will hold its Town Meeting/Fleet Operators’ Forum, with the exhibit hall grand opening at Music City Center to follow at 5:45.
Braswell
One of TMC’s major initiatives is the introduction of the “Back to Basics” and “Advanced Technology” learning tracks Tuesday and Wednesday. Organizers noted that this two-pronged approach will address the need to focus on the latest advancements of auto technology while providing the foundational learning for new leaders and managers in the trucking industry.
“Attendees can freely switch between sessions, ensuring a tailored learning experience that meets individual needs, whether delving into automation or mastering the complexities of current fleets,” Braswell said.
Signs for TMC 2025 line the corridor at Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn. The transportation technology exhibition runs March 10-13. (Judd Hanson/Transport Topics)
The Back to Basics track leads with “Effective Strategies for Presenting Maintenance Perspectives to the C-Suite.” The technical session will cover how to improve the lines of communication between fleet managers and executives. Throughout TMC 2025, the track also will include study group sessions that address refresher issues such as basic diagnostics, tires and wheels, NOx sensors, air systems, refrigerated trailer maintenance and roadside repair.
The Advanced Technology track will begin with a session that serves as a regulatory compliance review of California Air Resources Board’s Advanced Clean Truck regulation.
Mack Trucks’ exhibit is in the setup phase at Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., site of TMC 2025. (Judd Hanson/Transport Topics)
“The forum also discusses regulatory changes, such as California’s withdrawal of the Advanced Clean Fleet initiative while maintaining the Advanced Clean Truck Regulation,” Braswell said. “Industry experts will explore these developments, ensuring fleets remain informed and compliant with the clean-truck check program, which combines roadside monitoring and emissions data analytics.”
Another technical session will explore how data science is shaping software-defined vehicles.
“As trucks evolve, the concept of software-defined vehicles is gaining traction. This transition allows for dynamic updates and over-the-air programming, optimizing vehicle specifications without the need for shop visits,” Braswell said. “This technology promises improved operational stability and security while enhancing fleet management efficiency.”
Aperia Technologies’ display is under construction March 8 ahead of TMC 2025. The transportation technology exhibition runs March 10-13 at Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn. (Judd Hanson/Transport Topics)
Study groups in the Advanced Technology track will cover ADAS recalibration and repair, carbon emissions and automated driving systems.
Tuesday’s Kickoff Breakfast will feature Jack Kennedy, CEO and co-founder of transportation technology provider Platform Science. Kennedy will share his vision for how change will impact trucks and drivers in the next decade, and how the broader ecosystem of distribution networks will be impacted.
Mihai
Other features include ride along sessions showcasing live demonstrations of offerings from exhibitors, the industry awards luncheon and Women in Motion reception.
On Wednesday, the evening reception and social will feature the installation of Radu Mihai as general chairman and treasurer. Mihai, of Burnco Rock Products in Calgary, Alberta, currently serves as chairman of meetings for the board of directors. Amanda Schuier of Jetco Delivery in Houston served in the chairman’s role the past year.
Schuier
Schuier said that at this year’s meeting, attendees will have a chance to discuss the realities of the trucking industry and use that time to craft a better path forward.
“This year has not been without its challenges. The trucking industry, like many others, faced significant hurdles. Maintenance managers being laid off and people transitioning between jobs highlighted the importance of TMC’s role in connecting industry professionals,” she said. “Networking and building resilient support systems are crucial to thriving, even in hard times, and our organization plays a crucial part in this effort.”
