Increasing and maintaining profitability in a sluggish economy will be the focus of the Distribution & LTL Carriers Association's annual conference in San Diego, Feb. 17-19.
"Tools for Profitability: Driving the Bottom Line,"
will be attended by top executives of LTL trucking and logistics companies and industry consultants.
Seven leading trucking experts will focus on how to reduce costs, improve efficiency and increase revenue. Tavio Headley, an American Trucking Associations economist, will deliver an economic review and forecast for 2008, while Ken Weinberg, vice president of Carrier Logistics Inc., will provide a practical introduction to the value-added service of cross docking, illustrating how companies can differentiate themselves and generate additional revenue. Carrier Logistics is a technology consulting firm that specializes in LTL.
Gary Gaussion, executive chairman of Silver Eagle Manufacturing will discuss technologies that can improve the fuel efficiency of trucks. David Brodie, ATA senior vice president for membership, will provide an introduction to the ATA Small Carrier Program, which offers discounts and rebates on products and services regularly used by carriers.
Other talks will address cross border issues, the latest regulatory and legislative issues affecting the industry and fuel management.
As a special feature, Steve Ford, a successful actor and son of former U.S. President Gerald Ford, will deliver a keynote speech titled "Inside The White House and Hollywood. . . Getting To The Top With Character." Ford's film and TV credits include "Armageddon," "When Harry Met Sally," and "J.A.G."
The conference will take place at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego from Sunday, Feb. 17 through Tuesday, Feb. 19. Online registration is available at www.dltl.org.
The gathering will provide ample opportunity for networking and informal exchange of ideas as well as special entertainment taking advantage of San Diego attractions. An optional golf tournament will take place on Sunday, Feb. 17 at the Riverwalk Golf Course, a former host of the PGA tour, and a spouse and guest tour will take participants through Balboa Park, San Diego's cultural complex of 15 museums and galleries and a two-time host of the World's Fair.