The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), wrapped up its 2023 Capital Ideas Conference, April 19-22, in Orlando, FL, bringing together nearly 2,000 attendees from across the nation for four days of networking, education, and receptions.

“It was an incredible honor to be in the same space as some of the brightest minds in the third-party logistics industry,” said Anne Reinke, TIA President & CEO. “We look forward to continuing the conversations started here and working together to drive our industry to new heights.”

Moderated by Adam Angle, TIA’s first-ever Ports panel featured three East Coast Ports officials: Byron Miller of the South Carolina Ports Authority, John Petrino of the Georgia Ports Authority and Robert Peek from the Jacksonville (FL) Port Authority (JAXPORT). The West Coast ports were under intense pressure and scrutiny during the height of the pandemic, affecting many TIA members, and shifting many traffic flows to these East Coast ports. TIA trucking and intermodal members heard about the future growth ambitions of the Ports as well as ways to leverage their business through a relationship with the Ports.

On Friday, Congresswoman Kat Cammack took the stage with Vice President of Government Affairs Chris Burroughs to chat about the supply chain and infrastructure projects in the United States. She addressed her outlook for the 118th Congress, touched on several key legislative initiatives within the House of Representatives. TIA extends its appreciation to Congresswoman Cammack for attending the conference.

TIA approved four new at-large Board Members on Friday: Daniel Ilg, CTB of ILG Logistics; Mark Fiorini, CTB of Westgate Logistics; Alicia Bly of Johanson Transportation Service; and Justin Olsen of England Logistics. Additionally, Cori Eckley, CTB of NATCO Transport will serve as the new Foundation Board Chair. TIA identified Josh Perkes of Loup Logistics as its Intermodal Logistics Conference Chair; Ken Lund of Allen Lund Company as its Highway Logistics Conference Chair; and Jason Craig of C.H. Robinson as its Air Freight & International Logistics Conference Chair.

The conference also touched on a timely issue—the rise of fraud in the supply chain. Due to the FMCSA’s lack of enforcement, unlawful entities continue to commit fraud in the supply chain with limited to no repercussions. On Saturday morning, TIA held an educational session focused on this issue. Several TIA members outlined what tools they implement in their carrier selection process. They also discussed the lack of enforcement by the FMCSA, which has led to roughly $700 million in fraudulent activity throughout the industry.

The bustling Exhibit Hall showcased products and services from 90 of the leading organizations in the supply chain industry, giving attendees the opportunity to explore the latest TMS products, load boards, business operations systems, insurance offerings, and more. Education sessions touched on topics such as litigation in the freight brokerage industry, fighting cyberthreats, dynamic pricing, and consolidation in the logistics space.

TIA partnered with Truckers Against Trafficking to bring the Freedom Drivers Project to the conference, a first-of-its-kind mobile exhibit that raises awareness about domestic sex trafficking and provides action steps that anyone can take to combat human trafficking. The exhibit showcased real artifacts from trafficking cases and portraits of truckers who have rescued trafficking victims. In order to educate members of the hospitality industry, the Freedom Drivers Project also opened its doors to local hotel staff, managers, and housekeepers during the conference.