SC & RA Transportation Safety, Education, and Training Committee discusses latest in federal safety regulations and industry issues. Chair David Merrill, Pahoa Express.
Lindsey Trent, co-founder and president of Next Generation in Trucking
Association, talked about getting young people excited about the industry as a career path. the people that do the work every day,” he said.
Unique to the event this year was an opportunity for attendees to meet individually with any of the 27 state department of transportation permitting officials that were onsite.
In addition, members networked with top operations managers, safety directors, pilot car professionals, permitting officials, law enforcement and state and federal officials, as well as browsed the 49 vendor booths that had the best and the brightest of their products on display.
“ The Exhibit Hall always provides the best opportunity to share with attendees what is new and ask how we can help provide solutions customers are asking for. The voice of our industry speaks here. Everyone is welcoming and ready to share their knowledge. If you are not a member I recommend you join. If you are a member and haven’ t attended a meeting: You are missing out!” enthused Rothwell.
“ And that’ s a wrap on the 2025 Transportation Symposium in chilly, but beautiful Charlotte NC!” touted a social media post on its timeline by WCS Permits.“ What an amazing show connecting with industry leaders and sharing innovative ideas. A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth. Until next time!”
Next-Gen Workforce: Attracting Young Talent
From an educational perspective, Smith said one of the hottest topics of the event was the seminar on how to attract and retain next gen workers, drawing in 120 members that wanted to hear what speaker Lindsey Trent, co-founder and president of Next Generation in Trucking Association, had to say. For those that were
Specialized Transportation Symposium
able to get a seat, they got an earful on best practices for recruitment, retention and managing a diverse workforce.
“ For trucking to thrive in the years ahead, attracting young people will be critical,” Trent said.“ Young people need to see a career path and where it can lead in trucking.”
Market Forecast Highlights 2025 Trends
Another session of interest was the“ 2025 Specialized Transportation Market Forecast,” with panelists providing in-depth analysis and opinion on the state of the economy as well as 2025 trends for the OS / OW industry, customer markets and equipment.
“ As soon as you start worrying about tariffs, for example, policy changes. As soon as you worry about the economy, a shift happens,” said Smith.“ So, it’ s not that there’ s one thing good, bad or otherwise, it’ s just that the Washington aspect is unpredictable enough that it’ s keeping everyone on their toes.”
At the heart of it, Smith said any industry thrives on predictability and“ unpredictability is the environment we’ re in right now.”
Looking Ahead to Next Year and Beyond
According to Smith, one dynamic that SC & RA will continue to advocate for is dialog between its members and law enforcement.
“ Throughout the rest of this year, moving forward is really [ about ] ramping up our advocacy and communications with the law enforcement of the industry,” said Smith.
While trucking and law enforcement share a( begrudging) understanding – if not mutual respect – for each other’ s roles, Smith believes there is room to strengthen these essential relationships.
“ It’ s not always about fighting a ticket. It’ s not always complaining about law enforcement,” he said.
“ There’ s some genuine opportunities for dialogue and mutual learning. So thematically speaking, enforcement and enforcement education is going to remain a big thing, and I would say next year in Birmingham is going to be a good time to benchmark that.”
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