U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will be the keynote speaker at the SMC3 2011 Jump Start Conference, Jan. 17-19 at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel, Atlanta.


LaHood will speak from 9:45-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18. His keynote remarks will precede a CEO Forum, with chief executives from UPS Freight, C.H. Robinson and Schneider Logistics.

"Together, this high-level group of speakers and panelists will give attendees insight into some of the major trends affecting U.S. trucking and supply chains, as well as the DOT's ongoing safe, smart, efficient, and sustainable transportation initiatives, which will extend well into the 21st century," said the company in a statement.

The 2011 Jump Start conference will also feature:

* Sessions on supply chain risks and rewards and social media and logistics

* An expert panel offering transportation insights

* Financial, economic, regulatory and legislative updates from industry experts

* Special interest sessions on the temperature-controlled market; LTL costing for Canada, Mexico and the United States; and the benefits and pitfalls of supply chain outsourcing

* The NAFTA outlook

SMC³ provides data, technology and education. Its core competency is its pricing expertise, which it delivers through data services and technology tools that simplify processes and promote collaboration between buyers and sellers of transportation services. The company also partners with leading transportation software developers for complete interoperability.

For more information visit the conference overview page.