It is our privilege to invite you to attend and participate in the upcoming 2026 Annual Convention of the Alabama Trucking Association. Convention speakers and entertainment are being scheduled to make this can’t miss event both educational and entertaining. We hope you will join with us in making ATA’s 87th Annual Convention one of the most successful in our history. We look forward to seeing you there!
Special Activities
and Networking
Take the opportunity to step into the basement level of the Perdido Beach Resort, where time seems to stand still and the winnings and losings rack up. Casino night goes from 9:00 – 11:00 pm on Friday, April 17, so don’t go all in too fast!
The M80s
Step into a world where neon lights, big hair, and legendary anthems rule the night. The M-80s deliver a one-of-a-kind live show packed with unstoppable energy and the iconic sound of your favorite decade.
with waterslide
Make waves at the Alabama Trucking Convention this year. Our Beach Day activities will feature fun games, a thrilling waterslide, and plenty of gulf coast sunshine-filled opportunities to relax, play, and connect. Fun for the whole family!
on the beach
Get your throwing arms warmed up for a not-so-serious competition of strength and technique at our first ever Mullet Bustin’ competion. The laughs, drinks, and bragging rights are sure to make this event an unforgettable crowd favorite!
tournament
The serious competitor’s chance to shine comes when we run out of mullets. Now’s the chance to show off all those tailgating skills and compete for a chance to be named Alabama Trucking’s “King or Queen of the Corn Hole!”
mahjong
Join us for our first ever “Mimosas and Mahjong” ladies event, where great company, friendly competition, and refreshing cocktails create the perfect atmosphere for networking and fun at this year’s convention.
Conference agenda
Wednesday, April 15
11:30am -5:00pm
Comp Fund Board Meeting
(Trustees & Fund Advisors only)
Friday, April 17
8:00am - 11:30am
Keynotes & Education Session #1
Featuring Brenda Neville of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, Doug Marcello from Saxton & Stump, Todd Stacy with the Alabama Daily News, Grayson Everett with Yellowhammer News, Daniel Wright of Wright Transportation, John Ethridge with Buddy Moore Trucking, Stuart Fischer, Kurt Glass, and Duncan Tapscott from Auburn University, and Mark Colson and Joshua Vaughn with the Alabama Trucking Association.
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Pool and Beach Hospitality*
*wristband required
- Beach Day Activities with Waterslide
- Mullet Bustin' on the Beach
Saturday, April 18
8:00am - 11:00am
Keynotes & Education Session #2
Featuring Derek Barrs of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Elizabeth Sweetman with TAT formerly Truckers Against Trafficking, former Alabama truck driver of the year Lloyd Howell from TCW, Inc., Lt. Jason Harris with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Motor Carrier Unit, and Clinton Seymour with the Alabama Trucking Association.
To wrap up the session, attendees will hear updates from Kimble Coaker and his team from the ATA Comp Fund.
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Poolside Hospitality*
*wristband required
7:00pm - 8:45pm
Chairman’s Dinner
Join us for a special evening honoring the legacy of Chairman Daniel Wright, and celebrate the finest of Alabama Trucking. We will recognize Alabama Driver of the Year, Charlie Salter of LB3, alongside other distinguished winners from the recent SMMC Fleet Safety Awards. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the prestigious H. Chester Webb Award for Distinguished Service. This honor celebrates an individual’s exceptional leadership and dedication to the trucking industry, the Alabama Trucking Association, and their local community. Announcing this year’s recipient will be Susan Kirkpatrick, the 2025 honoree.
Sponsors
Presidential sponsor
Elite Sponsors
Birmingham Freightliner & Western Star
Love’s Travel Stops, Inc.
McGriff Tire Co.
Truckworx
Wilks Tire & Battery Service
Platinum Sponsors
AAA Cooper Transportation
Buddy Moore Trucking, Inc.
Cummins, Inc.
Davison Fuels & Oil Co., LLC
Fleet Trailer & Equipment, LLC
Four Star Freightliner
Greenbush Logistics, Inc.
International Motors, LLC
J & M Tank Lines, Inc.
McLeod Software
Nextran Truck Centers
Palomar Insurance Corporation
R.E. Garrison Trucking
Southern Tire Mart
Southland Transportation Group
Watkins Trucking Co.
White Oak Transportation, Inc.
Wiley Sanders Truck Lines
Wright Transportation, Inc.
Gold Sponsors
Action Resources, Inc.
AMG Driver Recruitment
Aurora
Baldwin Transfer Company, Inc.
BEK Network
Billy Barnes Enterprises
Church Transportation & Logistics
DMT Trucking
Empire Truck Sales
Fleetio
Fontaine Trailer
Great West Casualty Company
Gulf City Body & Trailer Works
Johnston Trucking, LLC
Logan Corporation
M&T Equipment Finance
Mack Trucks
McGriff, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company
Metro Trailer Leasing
Michelin North America
MidState Thermo King
Ox Bodies
P & S Transportation
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Priority Transportation
RaceTrac
River Bank & Trust
S and M Transportation, Inc.
Samsara
Sentry Insurance
ServisFirst Bank
Shell Lubricants
SmartBank
SouthState Bank
TrueNorth Companies
Toyo Tires USA
Valvoline Global
White Oak Solutions
Williams Legacy Holdings
Silver Sponsors
Action Truck Center, Inc.
Alabama Power
Alabama Towing & Recovery Association
Alvys
Assured Partners
Atomic Transport
Balch & Bingham LLP
Bridgestone Commercial Solutions
Carr Allison
Carr Riggs & Ingram
CCMSI
Complete Tire & Service
Continental Tire North America
Daimler Truck Financial Services
Daimler Trucks NA
Deep South Freight
Dorsey Trailer
Equipment Solutions
Evergreen Transport
Fleet Pride
Fundamental Underwriters-A div. of AF Group
Grant Thornton Advisors LLC
Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment
HDVI
Heritage Freight Warehousing & Logistics
Integrated Communications
Isaac Instruments
J & K Materials & Trucking
LRT Group
Lyncoach
MAC Trailer
Move & Store
Netradyne
New Latitude
Oakworth Capital Bank
PGT Trucking
Pilot Flying J
PNC Bank
ProBilling & Funding Service
Randall Reilly
Retif Oil & Fuel
Robbie D. Wood, Inc.
Ross Neely Systems
Storey Trucking
T-Mobile
Thompson Carriers
Transport Trailer Center
Transportation Tax Consulting
TravelCenters of America
Utility Trailer Sales of Alabama
Vulcan Materials Company
Ward International Trucks
Warren Averett
Wells Fargo Bank
WEX
Yokohama Tire
Contributing Sponsors
Baggett Transportation Company
Bay Lines, Inc.
Benny Whitehead, Inc.
BMO Transportation
C & W Global
Carlisle Medical
Coffman International Trucks
Conecuh Sausage Company
Couch Aggregates
Dunn Construction
Ed’s Refurbishing
Empire Pipe and Supply
Ergoscience
First Horizon Bank
Fleetguard
Gulf Distributing Company
Hand Arendall Harrison Sale
Hendrickson
HPH Mechanical
Hutchens Industries
Hyperscale
Jackson Packaging
NLI Sales, Inc.
Nutanix
Omaha Trucking
Perdido Trucking Services
Quality Carriers
Quantum Logistics
QuikQ
Rushing Enterprises
Service One Transport
SUIT
Tire Tech
Tractor & Equipment Company
Transportation & Logistical Services
Travis Body & Trailer
Truckworx Body Shop
Truckworx Paclease
Valley Bank
Vertical Alliance Group
W.W. Williams
Wabash
Webster Bank
Weil Wrecker Service
Wiregrass Construction Company
Convention Speakers
derek barrs
Administrator Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Derek D. Barrs is Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation, nominated in 2025 and confirmed by the Senate. He leads efforts to improve commercial vehicle safety and transportation efficiency. With nearly 35 years in law enforcement, including over 25 focused on motor carrier safety, he served as a Florida State Trooper and retired as Chief of the Florida Highway Patrol. He also held a leadership role at HNTB Corporation and served on the Flagler County School Board. He holds a Public Administration degree from Flagler College and is a father of two.
Brenda Neville
President & CEO Iowa Motor Truck Association
Brenda Neville, CAE, IOM is President and CEO of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, where she has served for nearly four decades and now represents more than 400 trucking companies and industry partners across Iowa. Guided by humility and deep respect for the people she represents, she considers it an honor to serve Iowa’s trucking community and the countless individuals who make it an essential part of everyday life.
Doug Marcello
SHAREHOLDER Saxton & Stump
Douglas Marcello is a trucking and commercial transportation attorney who defends companies nationwide, with trial experience in 35 states. He handles everything from accident response to risk mitigation and jury trials, and holds a CDL, giving him firsthand industry insight. He founded transportation-focused firm Marcello & Kivisto, which joined Saxton & Stump in 2022. A leader in trucking safety, Doug serves on Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association boards and is active with American Trucking Associations. He writes on key industry legal issues and is a Dickinson School of Law graduate.
Elizabeth Sweetman
TAT
Elizabeth Sweetman is a Corporate Engagement manager at TAT (formerly known as Truckers Against Trafficking), an organization committed to educate, equip, empower and mobilize key industries and agencies to combat human trafficking. In her role, she works with key industries to build awareness and highlight engagement pathways in the fight against human trafficking. In addition to professional experience in the corporate arena, she has a psychology degree from Louisiana State University and presentation skills honed during her time as a stage performer, an emcee, and owner of an entertainment company.
Lloyd Howell
TCW, Inc.
Lloyd Howell, a driver for TCW, Inc. in Birmingham, has spent 25 years in trucking. Starting as a delivery helper, he taught himself to drive and earned his CDL, launching a long career behind the wheel. Named Alabama truck driver of year in 2024, Howell serves as both an Alabama and National Road Team captain. Known for his commitment to safety and mentorship, Howell emphasizes protecting others on the road and ensuring everyone gets home safely.
LT. Jason Harris
ALEA Motor Carrier Safety Unit
Lt. Jason Harris serves in the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit, dedicated to safeguarding both transportation professionals and the motoring public. Together with his team of troopers, he works closely with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and industry partners to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles and passenger coaches. Their mission is to ensure safer roads for everyone through collaboration and proactive safety measures.
SCott Smith
PS Logistics
Scott Smith is the CEO and co-founder of PS Logistics, a Birmingham-based flatbed carrier serving 48 states since its founding in 2004. The company specializes in hauling steel, building products, and gas and oil field commodities, utilizing both company-owned and owner-operator equipment. Before starting PS Logistics, Scott held leadership roles at the former Deaton, Inc. and Western Express, Inc., as well as Boyd Bros. Transportation. A Cum Laude graduate of Auburn University, Scott earned his Bachelor of Science in Transportation in 1992.
John Etheridge
Buddy Moore Trucking
John Ethridge is a third-generation trucker, continuing the legacy of the Alabama flatbed operator Buddy Moore Trucking. In his work, he upholds the family’s long tradition of excellence in customer service and dedication to the people who make the company great. Along with his uncle Buck Moore and aunt Susan Kirkpatrick – each considered Titans of the state’s trucking industry – his grandfather inspired and mentored his eventual progression into trucking. He’s now among Alabama Trucking rising leaders.
Todd Stacy
Founder and Publisher Alabama Daily News
Todd Stacy is the founder and publisher of the Alabama Daily News. After a 15-year career in politics, Todd left Washington, D.C. in 2017 to start a news organization that gives readers high-quality coverage of government and politics without political bias or corporate spin. Alabama Daily News has since grown to become the news outlet of choice for the state’s top political and business leaders. Todd’s morning “Daily News Digest” newsletter is the “must read” email for Alabama officials and politicos in Montgomery and Washington, D.C. His work has been widely referenced by national news outlets including The New York Times, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and The Washington Post.
Grayson Everett
Editor in Chief Yellowhammer News
Grayson Everett has contributed to Yellowhammer’s portfolio of publications since 2022, putting his business and political background to work in service of Alabama storytelling. A Huntsville native, Grayson studied at The University of Alabama’s College of Communication and Information Sciences. He was the Capitol Reporter for YHN during the 2023 legislative session and continues to cover politics, government and the people who shape Alabama.
Charlie salter
LB3
Charlie Salter is the reigning Alabama Professional Driver of the Year, whose more than 35 years of accident-free driving and service to public safety are a credit to the industry. A former FedEx Freight driver and now an independent contractor with LB3, he was tapped for his incredible career and work as an Alabama Road Team Captain. He’s also a two-time Grand Champion of the Alabama Truck Driving Championships and a Driver of the Year Runner-Up in 2024.
Stuart Fischer
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Stuart Fischer serves as a faculty member in the Department of Supply Chain Management at Auburn University. He leads employer engagement efforts with industry partners and plays a key role in advancing the professional development and career readiness of supply chain students.
Kurt Glass
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Kurt Glass is a senior studying Supply Chain Management at Auburn University. He completed a summer internship with AAA Cooper and has accepted a full-time position as an Operations Supervisor with the company following his graduation in May.
Duncan Tapscott
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Duncan Tapscott is a senior studying Supply Chain Management at Auburn University. He completed a summer internship with Buddy Moore Trucking and has accepted a full-time position as a Driver Manager with the company following his graduation in May.
Daniel Wright
Wright Transportation
Daniel Wright is the President of Wright Transportation, based in Mobile, Ala. At 39, he is one of the youngest Chairmen of the Alabama Trucking Association. His focus is on uniting the state’s trucking leaders to address major industry challenges like rising costs, nuclear verdicts, cargo theft, and federal regulations. He is a proactive leader and a strong advocate for industry collaboration and legislative action to ensure a stronger, safer future for trucking in Alabama.
M80s
Saturday Night Entertainment
The M80s elevate the party’s intensity to maximum level with an amped up, nonstop ragin’ 80s show you won’t forget! We pack the dance floor song after song…every time! It is 80s Gone Wild!!! Who wants to be subtle? There was nothing subtle about the 1980s or The M80s show! Join The M80s party that never ends with all your favorite dance hits from pop, rock and new wave! Our show is bigger, louder and more awesome than ever so don’t miss out! What are you waiting for? Let’s go!
