Jan 29, 2010 9:47 AM

NATSO, the trade association representing the truckstop and travel plaza industry, and the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) announced they will team up to offer a special, joint panel discussion on “The Future of Trucking” during their annual conferences in Las Vegas NV.

On Feb 27, 2010, NATSO and TCA will host a panel of experts who will discuss critical issues facing trucking and their impact on the truckstop and travel plaza industry in 2010 and beyond. The roster includes Pat Quinn, US Xpress Enterprises co-chairman and president; Jim O’Neal, O&S Trucking Inc president; ACT Research partner and senior analyst Kenny Vieth; and Ernie Betancourt, former president and chief executive officer of Innovative Computing Corporation and president of QuikQ LLC.

“The transportation industry must continually transform itself to remain competitive,” said TCA President Chris Burruss. “This session allows opportunities for industry partners to exchange ideas and promote innovations that will chart a roadmap back to profit for everyone’s benefit.”

NATSO’s meeting will proceed concurrently with the TCA annual meeting, enabling attendees to network with customers, suppliers, and thought-leaders. NATSO will host its annual show February 27–March 3 in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. TCA plans to host its 2010 annual convention February 28–March 3 at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort.

Sponsored by Shell Lubricants, “The Future of Trucking” session is scheduled for February 27 at Caesars Palace, and is open to all attendees who are registered for either the NATSO show or TCA annual convention.

The NATSO show marks the launch of a year-long celebration of the group’s 50th anniversary. A list of speakers and exhibitors and a schedule appears at www.natso.com.

The 72nd annual TCA convention is a forum for truckload executives and industry suppliers to gather to share ideas, network, and solve common management issues affecting the truckload industry. Visit www.truckload.org for more details.