With the current state of the economy, the food industry currently is navigating a complex landscape of supply chain challenges that are impacting production, sourcing, logistics and distribution of food materials, ingredients and products. The 70^th Annual Food Shippers Conference took place last week, March 1-3, at the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort in Orlando, FL. More than 1,300 supply chain professionals and providers in the food industry attended with the goal to learn, collaborate, and network — all while enjoying the company of others.

 “This year's conference brings together the food supply chain industry where meaningful collaboration, sharing of best practices, and peer-to-peer networking happens,” says FSA President Darica Schneider, Senior Director Transportation Operations for Univar Solutions.  

Where Connections Come to Life

If there’s one thing the Annual Conference of the Food Shippers of America does exceptionally well, it’s creating meaningful opportunities for the people who move the food supply chain forward to connect. From fairways to receptions, networking spaces to casual hallway conversations, the conference buzzed with relationship-building among shippers, carriers, logistics providers, and key industry stakeholders.

The connections began early on Sunday, March 1, when many attendees traded business shoes for golf spikes and headed to the beautiful Waldorf Astoria Golf Club for the annual FSA Golf Tournament. With both morning and afternoon shotgun starts, the event delivered a perfect mix of friendly competition and relaxed networking under the Florida sun. Laughter echoed across the fairways as teams competed for bragging rights while strengthening industry friendships. (Check out the tournament winners here.)

Back at the conference, the energy continued to build. The Welcome Luncheon on Sunday — sponsored by Covenant Logistics and PLM Trailer Leasing — brought attendees together for their first round of conversations, while the Monday Attendee Buffet, sponsored by Fuel Transport and XPO, provided another opportunity to gather, share insights, and reconnect between sessions. Throughout the conference, networking breaks ensured that discussions sparked in the meeting rooms could continue in the hallways.

“Get Behind the Wheel!” Attendees tested out Werner’s Driver Simulator at this year’s Food Shippers Annual Conference. 

For those looking for more focused conversations, strategic networking sessions held in designated meeting areas created the perfect setting for one-on-one discussions throughout the event. Sponsored by Cornerstone Systems, Inc., the space became a hub for meaningful business conversations and relationship building.

First-time attendees also had a chance to find their footing early. Sponsored by PLS Logistics Services, the New Attendee Reception welcomed “newbies” in a relaxed setting where introductions quickly turned into new professional connections and friendships before the main conference activities began.

The official kickoff came with the Welcome Reception, sponsored by FST Logistics and Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC, followed by a lively Welcome Buffet Dinner on the Waterside Event Lawn sponsored by Amazon Freight, Arrive Logistics, and Tive, Inc. As the evening wound down, attendees gathered for a laid-back Cigar Social sponsored by Burns Logistics Solutions and Refrigerated Food Express, offering a chance to unwind and continue conversations under the night sky.

Networking continued each morning with breakfast gatherings on Monday and Tuesday, thanks to sponsors NFI Industries, Royal Transportation Services, AiLo Logistics, and GS Enterprises — ensuring the day began with coffee, conversation, and collaboration.

Monday evening brought another round of memorable connections with a Cocktail Reception sponsored by PECO Pallet and Trimble, followed by the Annual Banquet sponsored by CN, DTL Transport, and Giltner. The evening concluded with an After-Dinner Drink and Dessert Reception sponsored by Descartes and Schulz Logistics, where attendees lingered over sweet treats and lively discussion.
 

And throughout it all, one unofficial networking hub never slowed down—the lobby of the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort. From early morning greetings to late-night conversations, the space was constantly alive with laughter, handshakes, and the kind of spontaneous connections that make the Food Shippers Annual Conference such a valued gathering for the industry.

Education on Shipper Issues: The Economy, AI, Collaboration & More

Through the leadership of Conference Co-Chairs Eric Kruse, Supply Chain Logistics Manager with Kwik Trip Inc. and Ada Brewster, Director of Sales with Butler Transport, the Annual Food Shippers Conference once again highlighted relevant opportunities and challenges facing shippers.

While content of this three-day conference focused heavily on the freight market and the overall economy, other topics included artificial intelligence (AI), the importance of close collaboration and understanding of needs between food shippers and their providers, fraud and cargo theft, and significant challenges in the trucking industry.

Along with sessions covering these topics, keynote speakers included Bill Cowher, Hall of Fame and head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers and sports analyst for CBS, and actor John Ratzenberger of the well-known sitcom Cheers and voice talent for animated movie greats such as Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Cars, The Incredibles, and Inside Out.

Cowher explained that success starts with culture, not talent alone. During his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he emphasized accountability, preparation, and trust — principles that translate seamlessly to the boardroom. He reminded leaders in the Food Shippers audience that adversity is inevitable, but resilience and steady leadership define long-term winners. Cowher stressed the importance of building a strong team where every individual understands their role, buys into a shared mission, and is willing to do the hard, often unglamorous work. Above all, he encouraged executives to lead with passion and authenticity, because when people believe in their leader and their purpose, performance follows.

Other session highlights include:

The Economy and Transportation Outlook. Eric Starks, Chairman of FTR, is a leading authority in the freight transportation market intelligence and is widely recognized for his deep insights into the economic forces shaping the trucking, rail and intermodal sectors.

“There is so much risks ranging from China, Russia, Ukraine and Iran to tariffs, immigration, interest rates and cryptocurrency,” says Starks. “The risk probabilities are becoming more balanced, but the downside risk remains higher than upside.”

Unleashing Productivity with Generative Artificial Intelligence. Generative AI could boost productivity of up to 40% of U.S. workers, potentially increasing output by one-third. Dave Nelsen, President of Dialog Consulting Group, highlighted seven leading AI systems and their practical applications, including content creation, summarization, deep research, and tech support. These tools facilitate faster problem-solving and better insights by leveraging vast domain-specific knowledge.

“Successful integration requires leaders to understand where AI excels and where it falters,” he says. “Ultimately, organizations must proactively adopt AI to remain competitive and foster innovation.”

Fraud and Theft in the Supply Chain. With the ongoing challenges regarding theft and fraud, efficient use of technology can enable safer, more efficient, and transparent freight operations, according to Michael Caney, Chief Commercial Officer of Highway.

“Fraud itself is not the problem,” he emphasizes. “Fraud is the signal. Fraud is what you see when a market is running transactions that do not have enforceable trust built into the transaction itself.” He explained how technology used by food shippers, freight brokers and 3PLs, and carriers can help verify partner identities, reduce fraud, and build trust in digital transactions – particularly when streamlining carrier onboarding and offering real-time compliance monitoring.

Trucking’s Top 10 Challenges. Rebecca Brewster, President and Chief Operating Officer of the American Trucking Research Institute (ATRI), discussed how the trucking industry continues to face significant challenges, including rising costs, depressed rates, workforce shortages, and the need for infrastructure investment. She presented research conducted by ATRI and provided insights on how shippers and providers can navigate these critical issues and make informed decisions.

“Among the top industry issues this last year that are constants include the economy, lawsuit abuse reform, insurance cost and availability, truck parking, driver compensation, and CSA,” says Brewster. “Other issues surfacing to be more recent concerns are English language proficiency and training standards for professional truck drivers, diesel emissions regulations, and artificial intelligence.”

The 70^th annual Food Shippers Conference incorporated a powerful mix of networking, relationship-building, and celebration of the industry during Monday evening's Cocktail Reception, Annual Banquet, and Dessert in the Desert.

Supply Chain Success Relies On Collaboration

In today’s challenging freight market, success relies heavily on strong collaboration between food shippers and their logistics partners. During a panel discussion, shippers and service providers explored how companies across the supply chain — shippers, carriers, brokers, and 3PLs — can balance data-driven decision-making with relationship-building. The conversation highlighted the value of quarterly business reviews (QBRs), aligning on shared initiatives, simplifying technology solutions, and establishing contractual accountability to strengthen strategic partnerships. Panelists also shared best practices for becoming a “shipper of choice” and fostering true win-win relationships. The discussion featured leaders from food companies including Schreiber Foods and General Mills, alongside logistics providers such as J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Schneider National, Stokes Trucking, and TranzAct Technologies.

“Know Your Shipper” panel featured Thom Albrecht (moderator, Reliance Partners), Steve Callagy (Seaboard Foods), Jim Carver (Michael Foods), Meghan Charboneau (Mars), Scott Haldeman (The Marzetti Company), Robert Morris (WK Kellogg Co.), and Mike Schwersenska (Brakebush Transportation). 

“Together We Win” panel featured Mike Reagan (moderator, TranzAct Technologies), Craig Paulsen, (Schneider), Dan Egan (J.B. Hunt Transport), Mark Lawver (Stokes Trucking), Peter Andrews (Schreiber Foods), and Mark Purdy (General Mills).  

Food supply chain stakeholders and decision-makers explored the value of “premium” versus “average” service, among other pressing issues such as changes in fuel surcharge pegs, extended payment terms, and how shippers assess rates in light of CSA alerts, equipment age, insurance coverage, and trailer pools. Panelists featured food companies such as Michael Foods, The Marzetti Company, Seaboard Foods, Mars and WK Kellogg Co. Providers featured include Brakebush Transportation and Reliance Partners.

Related Articles:

• 2025 FSA Conference Highlights Key Areas of Focus: Technology, Theft, and Tariffs
• 2024 FSA Conference in Review: Driving Resilience through Talent, Technology
• 2023 FSA Conference in Review: Recap

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