Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange attendees will enjoy a compelling and inspirational keynote address from Commander Kirk Lippold, as well as an update on the “messy middle” of alternative fuels, an interactive session with the editors of Heavy Duty Trucking, and HDT’s Truck Fleet Innovator awards and panel discussion.

HDTX will be held September 3-5 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Lippold, USN (Ret.) was the commanding officer of the USS Cole when it came under a suicide terrorist attack by al Qaeda in the port of Aden, Yemen, in 2000. During his command, he and his crew distinguished themselves by saving the American war ship from sinking. 

Today, Lippold is an inspirational and leadership speaker. At a time when everything is being reshaped by international events and political dynamics, he uses the details of his experience to help others lead teams and manage challenges in the face of financial, national security, and global uncertainties.

A compelling storyteller who captivated the audience previously at HDTX in 2022, Commander Lippold draws upon his Pillars of Leadership to offer strategies he learned and applied to instill integrity into his team members and mitigate crises throughout his naval career.

Dig Into the Messy Middle of Decarbonization with NACFE’s Mike Roeth

The North American Council for Freight Efficiency is exploring how trucking fleets can take advantage of the wide range of more environmentally friendly fuels and powertrains in its fifth “Run on Less” demonstration program. 

Run on Less Messy Middle will feature 13 fleets, exploring the efficiency of the latest diesel engines, biodiesel, renewable diesel, natural gas and renewable natural gas, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell, including newer entrants to the market such as Windrose, Tesla, and Hyundai.

The event culminates in September shortly after HDTX, and NACFE Executive Director Mike Roeth will share with attendees some of the insights learned during the run-up to the event.

Meet HDT’s Truck Fleet Innovators

A highlight of HDTX each year is the presentation of the awards to HDT’s Truck Fleet Innovators, followed by a panel discussion moderated by an HDT editor.

These wide-ranging discussions in the past have covered topics such as maintenance, equipment specs, safety, driver recruiting and retention, sustainability, autonomous trucks, leveraging fleet data, artificial intelligence, and more.

Interactive Session with HDT’s Editors

A popular session at last year’s HDTX was an informal and interactive session with HDT Editor and Associate Publisher Deborah Lockridge and Executive Editor Jack Roberts.

The two shared their insights on hot topics from decades of reporting on the industry and involved the audience in the discussion. A similar session will take place during this year’s Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange.

About Heavy Duty Trucking Exchange

Founded in 2017, HDTX is designed to connect a diverse and influential group of fleet managers of Class 7 and 8 vehicles with a select group of product and service suppliers to exchange information, ideas and solutions — at no charge to approved fleet managers.

Fewer than 50 fleet managers are approved to attend HDTX each year, making for an intimate event where networking goes beyond bringing home a stack of business cards.

HDTX attendees may include trucking fleet owners, top executives, and those who head up areas such as maintenance, IT, or safety and compliance.

Attendees get a customized schedule of short one-on-one meetings with suppliers. These have been compared to “speed dating.” Fleet managers can share the challenges they face in their operations and see if suppliers may be able to help.

Meals and social functions allow attendees to exchange ideas with other fleet managers and develop relationships with suppliers.

Qualified fleet managers receive an all-expenses-paid trip, including round-trip airfare to Phoenix, local airport transfers to and from the Scottsdale Resort, all scheduled meals and receptions.

Originally published April 14, 2025. Updated May 27.