National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) members will hear key discussions for operating in the current economic environment at the association's 61st Annual Conference and Tank Truck Equipment Show May 10-12 in San Diego, California.
“There is no doubt that we will be meeting in San Diego at a most challenging time for our carriers, the shippers who generate our freight, and the suppliers who provide us with the equipment and services we require to conduct safe and efficient tank truck transportation,” says John Conley, NTTC president. “However, this industry has seen tough times before and has survived. One key to survival is information — and information is what attendees will find at our meeting.
“Whether received from the podium, on the exhibit floor, or during social events, our attendees will go back home armed with a better understanding of what we face and how we will succeed. The tank truck carrier and exhibitor names you see in San Diego will be around for a long time to come — and all of us will be talking about one of the most beautiful venues we have ever visited for an NTTC event.”
Seminar topics will include politics, economics, safety, and technology. Two featured speakers also will be on the program for additional substance. An encore appearance from Victor Davis Hanson as keynote speaker will provide insight with a political/historical perspective. Hanson has been a popular speaker at previous NTTC meetings and frequently is seen on national television. He is a college professor, nationally syndicated columnist, and author of book reviews and scholarly papers. His field of knowledge ranges from ancient Greek, agrarian and military history to foreign affairs, domestic politics, and contemporary culture.
Hanson is a graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz and holds a doctorate in classics from Stanford University.
Also taking the guest speaker's podium will be Norm Ellis, vice-president, transportation and logistics, Qualcomm Enterprise Services (QES), San Diego. He will present a global outlook from the company's perspective.
The QES division delivers strategic wireless solutions for the trucking industry. Prior to joining Qualcomm, Ellis held leadership positions with Service Transport Inc, Mason Dixon Lines, and Overnite Transportation Co. He is co-chair of the membership committee for the Truckload Carriers Association, Qualcomm representative for the Allied Committee for the Trucking Industry, and serves on the Institute Board of Governors for the National Private Truck Council. He is a long-time member of the Council of Logistics Management.
Ellis is a graduate of Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia.
In addition to the headliners during the NTTC meeting, a wide range of seminar topics and presenters are scheduled and will include:
- Trucking's Challenge from the Class I Perspective, James Hebe, vice-president, Navistar Inc.
- State of the Trucking Industry, Charles “Shorty” Whittington, Grammer Industries president and American Trucking Associations (ATA) chairman.
- How Schneider National Inc is Addressing Sleep Apnea in the Driver Force, Don Osterberg, vice-president, Schneider National.
- Economic Update on the Trucking Industry, Bob Costello, ATA chief economist and vice-president.
- Cargo Tank Rollovers: Another Look, John Conley.
The convention begins Sunday with registration and the equipment show opening at 3 pm through 6 pm. Monday's events include the opening breakfast at 8 am with the keynote speaker followed by exhibits at 9:30 am and general session at 11 am. Following lunch at 12:30 pm, exhibits close at 1:30 pm. The Chairman's Reception gets underway at 5 pm.
Tuesday activities are highlighted by the Safety Awards Breakfast that begins at 8 am. Exhibits are available from 9:30 am until 12:30 am. The general session begins at 11 am. In the afternoon, the membership and board of directors' meeting is set for 1:30 pm. At 6 pm, the conference concludes with the Allied Committee for the Trucking Industry Reception.