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When we gathered in Phoenix last year, I said I was hopeful that, like the mythical bird the city was named for, our industry was preparing to rise from the ashes of the deep recession we’d just fought through and that, when we came together in Grapevine, as with many things in Texas, things would be “bigger and better” for our industry.

It has been almost a year since we gathered in Phoenix, and while it seems that the time has just flown by, as we prepare to come together in Grapevine, Texas, the issues we face now are identical to the issues we faced then.

Trucking today faces one of the worst driver shortages ever, a situation experts say will only get worse, while at the same time, national unemployment recently topped 15%.

Cargo thefts are at an all-time high, but so are innovative new surveillance, tracking and security products their makers claim can prevent or reduce thefts or hijacking and help locate stolen freight — for a price.

In the United States, we have a tendency to take quite a bit for granted. We often gripe about mundane things like our kids’ sports schedules or running through the “Honey-do” list at home.

America’s trucking industry is facing a daunting array of challenges. Near the top of the list for every CEO and CFO is: “How can I increase my cash flow?”

Think your trucking company has an effective driver retention program in place? Let’s find out. This “interactive” driver retention program rating exercise will define just how effective your program is.

A GPS tracking system that allows for fuel-card integration will present information in an easy-to-read format and give you more control over your fuel usage and costs.

Vernaculars can expedite commerce, provided all parties understand the lingo, but using it outside an industry may frustrate communications when being clearly understood is vitally important — particularly if money is involved.