This annual gathering puts industry knowledge and experience at the center of major discussions about trucking policies and priorities. By participating, you help ensure the truckload segment remains active in shaping the legislative and regulatory landscape.

Mark Your Calendar: September 29–30, 2025

These Fall Business Meetings give TCA members and guests the chance to connect directly with key decision-makers and peers. Attendees learn about industry developments, the latest trends, and policy updates affecting daily operations and the sector’s future.

Whether this is your first TCA event or you’ve attended for years, your involvement helps drive actionable change that supports professional drivers, carriers, and everyone in the truckload industry.

What’s on the Agenda at the Fall Business Meetings

On September 29, the focus will turn to committee meetings and guest presentations that dive deep into the hot topics for truckload carriers. You’ll get updates and insights on:

• Creative solutions for driver recruitment and retention

• New ideas to improve truck parking availability

• Legislative news on zero-emission vehicles

• Progress on drug testing regulations

• Initiatives for young drivers and workforce development

• Funding proposals and highway safety measures

• Programs to build a stronger image for trucking and grow TCA membership

Everyone is invited—committee membership is not required to attend meetings or participate in discussions.

Why the Call on Washington Matters

September 30 is all about advocating for our industry on Capitol Hill. TCA’s Call on Washington allows members to meet one-on-one with lawmakers, staff, and officials who influence the rules and regulations governing trucking.

Participants address current topics such as:

• Size and weight guidelines for trucks

• Evolving classification rules for independent contractors

• Federal Excise Tax (FET) updates and highway funding

• Solutions for ongoing truck parking shortages

This is a valuable moment to have your perspective heard at the highest levels, influence legislative processes, and represent the interests of carriers nationwide.

Please note: The Call on Washington portion is open exclusively to TCA members.

Register and Make a Difference

Secure your spot for these meaningful industry events at tcafallcall.com. Registration gives you access to key meetings, learning opportunities, and a direct path to advocating for the future of trucking.

Image Source: TCA
Source: The Trucker

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A Standout Industry Event

Lori emphasized that the Recruitment & Retention Conference continues to be one of the most impactful events in the industry. “The R&R conference never disappoints. It is by far the most relevant, informative recruiting event in the industry. I have never walked away without a list of actionable items I want to implement in my own organization.”

This year’s conference was no exception. The discussions challenged her to think differently about recruitment strategies and introduced new solutions that can drive long-term success.

Key Trends in Driver Recruitment and Retention

Two major themes dominated conversations throughout the conference: driver retention and preparing for a potential surge in demand. “How are we going to retain the drivers we have, and how are you preparing for a ramp-up in business? Each topic warrants a very strategic approach, and the companies that have a plan in place will move ahead at a much faster pace.”

Lori noted that companies leveraging AI and automation while maintaining a personal touch will experience significantly better retention and recruitment outcomes. “Our industry has never had such a vast array of tools to help us work smarter than we do now. The companies that leverage AI and automation that allows them to truly add the personal touch will see exponentially greater retention while building a strong culture, making it easier to recruit.”

A Renewed Focus on Independent Contractors and New Drivers

An unexpected takeaway from the conference was the industry’s renewed focus on independent contractors. “This usually takes place right before a strong demand for drivers. There was also a lot of discussion around attracting and developing new CDL holders. I think we will see company training programs begin to grow this year.”

As hiring processes evolve, companies are adjusting their strategies to be more efficient. “Many recruiting departments have become very lean. They’ve brought marketing in-house, reduced staff, and adjusted systems. This means they will need solutions that are agile and scalable. My team had several discussions with leaders seeking our BPO support and wanting to leverage our technology to meet their changing demands.”

The Changing Role of Recruiting Leaders

Lori observed a shift in how recruiting leaders approach hiring, with many adopting a more HR-driven mindset. “We are seeing a new type of recruiting leader. They are much more HR-minded and are willing to actively seek out the best candidates. This approach, though good, can lengthen the hiring cycle and bog down the process.”

TDUSA is already working on solutions to help streamline the hiring process without compromising the quality of hires. “The TDUSA approach has been to prequalify candidates so that we can help reduce the lead-to-hire time. I left challenged to implement new solutions that will assist in a stronger hire while progressing the hiring process. You can expect to see TDUSA launch new solutions in 2025 that will meet this need.”

Standout Sessions and Insights

Lori had the opportunity to present on building social communities and gained valuable insights from fellow attendees. “From the attendees, I learned additional ways to leverage my audience and staff to develop content in fun ways.”

She also praised the impact of the keynote speakers and industry experts. “The keynote speakers are always great at R&R. I left very motivated. I’m always convicted with the above-the-line/below-the-line conversation. A progressive company is always moving towards new ways of thinking and does not become weighted down by negative views that deter their focus.”

Economic insights also played a crucial role in shaping industry perspectives. “Bob Costello’s economic outlook is always helpful in influencing business decisions. He does a great job at making complex information understandable.”

Looking Ahead

The Recruitment & Retention Conference provided invaluable takeaways for TDUSA and the industry at large. With a focus on retention, recruitment innovation, and adapting to shifting market demands, the companies that take action now will be better positioned for success in the year ahead.

Lori’s final takeaway? “If you didn’t walk out of that conference with a strategy or a list of people/companies that could help you with strategy, you missed out.” TDUSA is already gearing up to implement new solutions in 2025 to stay ahead of these challenges.

The post President of TDUSA Lori Furnell Recaps the Biggest Takeaways from this Year’s Annual Recruitment & Retention Conference appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.