Three-day event is dedicated to best practices for temperature-controlled freight
Temperatures are expected to be scorching this July, but carriers that handle refrigerated freight are invited to beat the heat during TCA’s 2026 Refrigerated Meeting, set for July 22-24 in Nashville.
Attendees will hear from industry experts about “hot topics” for refrigerated carriers, network and learn from their peers and industry vendors, and have some fun along the way.
“What makes the TCA Refrigerated Meeting so vital is the balance of high-level education and grassroots peer-to-peer learning,” said Luke Subler, chairman of TCA’s Refrigerated Division and president of Classic Carriers.
Refrigerated carriers are balancing tighter margins, rising equipment costs, evolving regulations and increasing cargo risks — all while being expected to deliver temperature-controlled cargo with more precision than ever.
“There is immense value in sitting down at a roundtable with someone who faces the same detention issues or technology hurdles as you do,” Subler said. “By combining that shared experience with top-tier industry programming, we’re able to drive performance and innovation across the entire division.”
TCA’s annual Refrigerated Meeting is an opportunity to join a community of carriers and suppliers focused on one thing: Helping each other operate smarter in a demanding segment of the market.
“It’s about learning from the best so we can all be better champions for our teams and our customers,” Subler said.
Informative sessions
Along with an in-depth update on FMCSA regulations, this year’s meeting offers a variety of discussions and educational sessions, including:
- Panel Discussion: Safeguarding Your Refrigerated Operations from Cyber-Enabled Freight Fraud;
- Roundtable Discussion: The AI Rules of Engagement: Scaling Refrigerated Operations without Scaling Headcount;
- Masterclass: Contract Collaboration and Risk Mitigation;
- Panel Discussion: Balancing Trade Cycles, Data and the Future of Refrigerated Assets;
- Roundtable Discussion: Insights on Maximizing Currently Owned Tech and What’s Next;
- Managing Software, Vendor, and the Data Handshake; and
- Roundtable Discussion: Detention Times and Lumper Fees.
Engaging speakers
This year’s keynote speaker is Captain Christopher J. Cassidy, USN (Retired), a combat-proven leader whose career spans from elite SEAL Team operations to the frontiers of space. As NASA’s 15th Chief Astronaut and a veteran of three spaceflights, Captain Cassidy has spent 377 days in orbit and led teams through some of the most high-stakes environments imaginable. Beyond his military and space achievements, he is a dedicated civic leader currently spearheading the National Medal of Honor Museum. With his signature wit and masterful storytelling, Cassidy will share actionable insights on building a culture of trust, thriving in “clutch” moments, and cultivating the never-quit mindset necessary to achieve monumental goals while lifting others up along the way.
In addition, Avery Vise, vice president of trucking at FTR, will provide an economic update, and Tennessee State Sen. Paul Bailey, owner of Charles Bailey Trucking, will provide industry insights.
Networking opportunities
From meals and receptions to a TopGolf outing and an exclusive tour of the Grand Ole Opry (tour is limited to 70 people on a first-come, first-served basis), this year’s Refrigerated Meeting offers a unique opportunity for trucking professionals specializing in refrigerated cargo to make valuable connections, share ideas and solutions, and have a little bit of fun along the way.
For more information or to register for this year’s event, visit tcarefrigerated.com.
Linda Garner-Bunch has been with The Trucker since 2020, picking up the reins as managing editor in 2022. Linda has nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, covering topics from the trucking and automotive industry to employment, real estate, home decor, crafts, cooking, weddings, high school sports — you name it, she’s written about it. She is also an experienced photographer, designer and copy editor who has a heartfelt love for the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite.
