The 2026 Transportation Summit Recap
A few weeks have passed since the 2026 Cottingham & Butler Transportation Summit in Schaumburg, and the two days delivered no shortage of valuable content. Whether you missed the Summit altogether, missed a session or two, or attended and want a closer look at what matters most, this recap highlights the key takeaways from each session and the biggest themes for carriers heading into 2027.
Outlook: 2026–27 Freight Forecast | Dean Croke, DAT
The 2026 freight recovery is supply-led, not demand-led. Rates are up because capacity is shrinking, not because freight demand is booming. Six regulatory and enforcement streams, which Croke calls the "Great Re-Credentialing," are permanently pulling drivers out of the market. Carriers should plan for capacity to keep tightening into 2027 and review contract pricing with that in mind.
Straight Talk: A Direct Read from FMCSA | Derek Barrs, FMCSA
FMCSA is pushing aggressive enforcement against fraud and chameleon carriers. A single three-day, four-state sweep placed about 800 drivers and vehicles out of service and recovered $1 million in stolen cargo. English proficiency enforcement has placed more than 32,000 drivers out of service, so carriers should test English proficiency at hiring the same way inspectors do.
On the Ballot: Politics, Policy, and the Road Ahead | Bruce Mehlman, Mehlman Consulting
With the midterms approaching and the data pointing toward change, many of the rules reshaping trucking could shift. Mehlman's advice was to play the long game, keep relationships on both sides of the aisle, and show up, since people trust what's local and firsthand.
Stolen: Inside the Cargo Theft Surge | Gary Thomas, Cargo Theft and Crime Specialist, and Ronnie Hornback, FBI
Cargo theft is up significantly. In 2025, roughly 3,594 incidents were reported, with more than $724 million in estimated losses. Strategic theft, such as identity theft and fraudulent broker loads, has grown nearly fourfold since 2021. Carriers should build a relationship with their local FBI field office through the Office of Private Sector before something happens.
Targeted: Staged Crashes, Stacked Courts, and What Carriers Can Do About It | Joseph Baiocco, Wilson Elser
Insurance premium costs per mile are up 47% over the past decade, even as fatal crash rates have dropped, and staged accidents are part of the reason. Dash cam footage and accident reconstruction can make or break a case. Drivers should document the scene and report immediately, so the carrier and its insurer can preserve evidence within the first 48 hours.
On Watch: Trucking's Role in Fighting Trafficking | Derek Benner, Our Rescue
Human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states, and roughly 49.6 million people live in modern slavery worldwide. Because trafficking routes often run through trucking corridors, drivers are in a unique position to spot it. Drivers should never intervene directly. They should call 911 if a crime is in progress, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 if something looks wrong.
Case in Point: Rulings, Regulations, and What's Next for Carriers | Greg Feary, Scopelitis Law Firm
Independent contractor misclassification case law is active across multiple states, and New Jersey's new rule on applying the ABC Test is now in effect, so carriers using owner-operators there should review those agreements. Recent rulings also mean carriers should expect closer vetting from brokers and shippers, and carriers that broker freight under the same authority should review that setup.
Keynote Speakers | John O'Leary, Author, Inspirational Speaker, & Survivor and Rorke Denver, Navy SEAL Commander & Officer
O'Leary and Denver kept coming back to the same idea: teams perform under pressure because they prepared for it, and people stay where they feel valued. In a tight driver market, both lessons carry real weight.
The Biggest Summit Takeaways
The Market: Capacity is tightening because of enforcement, not because freight demand is booming.
The Risk: Fraud is rising on every front, from strategic cargo theft to staged crashes to chameleon carriers.
The Response: Preparation beats reaction. Build relationships, preserve evidence and lead with intention before something goes wrong.
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Chris Vogel
Senior Vice President, Transportation Group
563.587.5521
Taylor Orton
Senior Vice President, Transportation Group
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