Program

The program below reflects a holistic approach to the Summit's theme of "Driving the Future: Advancing Safety, Economic Prosperity, and Efficiency in the CMV Industry." Additional details regarding speakers will be provided soon. Please check back often for updates.

Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Registration, Exhibits, Continental Breakfast
7:15 - 8:15
Welcome Remarks

Opening the Summit with formal welcome, insights into regional transportation overview and setting the stage for collaborative discussions on enhancing CMV safety.

8:15 - 8:45
Opening Session - FMCSA's Strategic Vision for CMV Safety

A look at FMCSA's current initiatives, priorities and plans aimed at reducing CMV-related crashes, and integrating advanced technologies into the transportation sector to improve safety.

8:45 - 9:15
The Coalition Effect: Driving Safety, Trust, and Efficiency Through Local Partnerships

As congestion, crash hotspots, and hazmat risks continue to challenge the nation’s freight corridors, a local, collaborative approach is delivering big results. This session highlights the innovative work of the Georgia Community Coalition, a multi-agency initiative that has become a national model for improving commercial motor vehicle safety and supply chain performance through proactive, community-centered action.

9:15 - 9:45
Break and Exhibits
9:45 - 10:00
Breaking the Bottlenecks: Innovations and Partnerships Fueling Supply Chain Resilience

Freight congestion isn't just a transportation problem—it's a national economic issue with implications for safety, emissions, fuel costs, and the stability of critical supply chains. This insightful plenary session moves beyond merely identifying bottlenecks to spotlight the innovations, partnerships, and data-driven strategies that drive solutions.

  • Jeff Short, Vice President, American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI)
  • Representative Mercedes-Benz Logistics
  • Representative Georgia Ports Authority
10:00 - 11:00
Voices from the Road: Trucking Associations on the Frontlines of Safety, Innovation, and Industry Impact

This dynamic fireside-style panel brings together regional trucking association leaders to unpack the top challenges and innovations shaping the future of freight. From workforce development to evolving safety technology, panelists will explore how public-private collaboration is driving progress. Alabama Trucking Association will also introduce a past recipient of their “Driver of the Year,” reminding us that at the center of every supply chain conversation is the professional behind the wheel.

  • Moderator: TBD
  • Mark Colson, President/CEO, Alabama Trucking Association
  • Alix Miller, President/CEO, Florida Trucking Association
  • Seth Millican, President/CEO, Georgia Motor Trucking Association
  • With special guest Lloyd Howell, Alabama Road Team Captain, America's Road Team Captain, Alabama's "Driver of the Year" Award past recipient to give driver's perspective.
11:00 - 12:15
Lunch - networking and exhibit time
12:15 - 1:30
Concurrent Sessions
1:30 - 2:45

  • Session 1

    Built for Safety: How Infrastructure and Investment Drive CMV Efficiency

    From repealing truck taxes to modernizing infrastructure funding, this session explores how smarter policies, and sustainable investments can create safer roadways — and safer trucks.

    • Jeff Short, Vice President, American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI)
    • Representative, American Highway Users Alliance representative
    • Jay Starling, Programs Director, International Registration Plan (IRP)

  • Session 2

    Behind the Wheel, Beyond the Limits: Tackling Impairment in Commercial Driving

    This session addresses impaired driving in the commercial motor vehicle industry through federal tools, research, and online training—ensuring operators stay alert, aware, and accountable.

    • Representative, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA); Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
    • Representative, Transportation Research and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS); Impaired Driving and Distracted Driving Online Training Courses
Refreshment Break and Exhibits
2:45 - 3:00
Concurrent Sessions
3:00 - 4:15

  • Session 1

    Smart Zones, Safe Roads: Advancing Work Zone Safety for CMVs

    Explore how real-time technology, law enforcement strategies, and academic research are converging to make work zones safer for commercial motor vehicles—and everyone on the road.

    • Ken Colvert, Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) & Transportation Management Center
    • Sgt. Jamie Glanton, Arkansas State Police
    • Dr. Eric Fitzsimmons, Associate Professor, Kansas State University

  • Session 2

    Money in Motion: Unlocking Federal Funding for CMV Innovation and Safety

    Federal funding opportunities are available — but knowing where to look and how to put a grant application together is key. Learn how to tap into grant programs that drive safety, infrastructure, and innovation for CMVs.

    • John Lohmeyer, Chief, State Programs Division, FMCSA
    • Representative, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
    • Representative, Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

  • Session 3

    Behind the Wheel: Hands-On Experience with the CMV Driving Simulator

    Get in the driver's seat — literally. This immersive experience allows attendees to engage with a full-sized commercial motor vehicle simulator provided by the Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD), offering a firsthand look at what it takes to operate a CMV safely and effectively.

    • Provided and hosted by the Georgia Department of Public Safety, MCCD
Evening Networking Reception at The University of Alabama Randall Welcome Center

Join us at the close of day one for connection, conversation, and collaboration at The University of Alabama's Randall Welcome Center — a beacon of hospitality that celebrates the University's legacy, leadership, and the many visitors who pass through its doors. The Welcome Center symbolizes both progress and partnership, making it a fitting venue for this special gathering. Transportation from Hotel Capstone will be provided.

Heavy hors d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages catered by Sweet Olive Eats.

5:00 - 6:30
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Sponsored Breakfast and Exhibits

Explore exhibits and enjoy breakfast while networking with peers and industry leaders.

7:30 - 8:30
Concurrent Sessions
8:30 - 9:45

  • Session 1

    Innovation in Motion: How University Partnerships Are Shaping the Future of CMV Safety

    Explore how universities are fueling breakthroughs in CMV safety through strategic research collaborations with public agencies, cutting-edge data analysis, and innovative problem-solving.

    • Dr. Jeremy Pate, Director, Center for Advanced Public Safety (CAPS); Leveraging AI and machine learning to improve crash prediction models and enforcement targeting
    • Brian Beaven, Project Manager, Kentucky Transportation Center; Park Sign Compliance Project: Tackling Illegal Weigh Station Bypassing

  • Session 2

    Eyes on the Road, Eyes on the Issue: Combatting Human Trafficking in the CMV Industry

    Learn how transportation stakeholders are working together to disrupt human trafficking networks through targeted training, reporting protocols, focused legislation and frontline empowerment.

    • Trayce Hockstad, Law and Policy Analyst, Transportation Policy Research Center, Alabama Transportation Institute, The University of Alabama; Human Trafficking and the Law: What Counts, What's Criminal, and Why It Matters
    • Kylla Lanier, Deputy Director/Senior Director of External Affairs, TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking); The Critical Importance of Industry Specific Training
    • Jodi Godfrey, Senior Research Associate, Center for Urban Transportation Research, University of South Florida; The Importance of Stakeholder Training and Internal Reporting Protocols
Break and Exhibits
9:45 - 10:15
Concurrent Sessions
10:15 - 11:45

  • Session 1

    From Data to Information: CMV Crash Study

    Crash data must be analyzed in order to gain valuable information to improve safety. FMCSA is preparing to do a major Heavy-Duty Truck Study of fatal crashes involving Class 7 & 8 CMVs. Learn about the breadth of this study and how you can help.

    • Dan Meyer, Senior Transportation Specialist, Office of Research, Crash Data Analytics Division, FMCSA

  • Session 2

    From Data to Action: CMV Analytics and Safety Collaboration

    Join in on an interactive dashboard discussion exploring how data analytics, cross-agency collaboration, and shared platforms are transforming CMV safety operations and strategic planning across the Southeast and beyond.

    • Dr. Jeremy Pate, Director, Center for Advanced Public Safety (CAPS)
    • Philip Taylor, FMCSA, State Program Specialist, Alabama Division

  • Session 3

    Behind the Wheel: Hands-On Experience with the CMV Driving Simulator

    Get in the driver's seat—literally. This immersive experience allows attendees to engage with a full-sized commercial motor vehicle simulator provided by the Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD), offering a firsthand look at what it takes to operate a CMV safely and effectively.

    • Provided and hosted by the Georgia Department of Public Safety, MCCD
Lunch - Networking and Exhibits
11:45 - 1:00
The Road Ahead: Accelerating Automated CMV Innovation

Explore the evolving landscape of automated commercial motor vehicles through federal evaluation efforts and real-world deployment partnerships. This session highlights the critical role of technology in shaping the future of freight movement and roadway safety.

  • Mike Lukuc, Automated CMV Evaluation (ACE) Program Manager, FMCSA Advanced Technology Division
  • Gary L. McCarthy, Head of First Responder Policy, Aurora; Update on Aurora's Driverless Truck Deployment
1:00 - 1:45
Break and Exhibits
1:45 - 2:00
Crashing the Stats: Tech That Prevents the Worst

From crash-avoidance tech to fleet integration, this session spotlights how data-driven innovations are actively reducing collisions and saving lives on the road.

  • David Kidd, Senior Research Scientist, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
  • Tracy Stephens, Director of Safety, M&M Cartage Company, Kentucky-based Carrier
2:00 - 3:00
Refreshment Break and Exhibits
3:00 - 3:15
Stronger Together: The Power of Partnership in CMV Safety

This session brings together key voices from enforcement, research, and regional coalitions to explore how partnership fuels innovation, implementation, and impact on CMV safety.

  • Representative, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)
  • Marygrace Parker, Freight Director, The Eastern Transportation Coalition
  • Robin Riessman, Director, UMassSafe, University of Massachusetts
  • Major Andrew Montgomery, Georgia Department of Public Safety, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
3:15 - 4:30
Final Reflections: Closing Remarks & Open Q&A

A closing session to reflect on key takeaways, answer audience questions, and discuss next steps in driving the future of CMV safety.

  • FMCSA Representative
4:30 - 5:00