ATA’s NAFC to hold annual conference in March

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The National Accounting and Finance Council of the American Trucking Associations will address issues from the greening of America’s supply chain to fiduciary responsibility in managing 401(k) plans at its Annual Meeting & Exhibit Forum, set for March 24-26 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix.

Americans’ increasing focus on the “environmental footprint” of the companies they do business with is driving the emergence of programs and partnerships across the nation. The Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transportation Partnership and the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, which began Tuesday, Jan. 1, are two prime examples of this movement’s immediate effect on the trucking industry.

NAFC will discuss at its annual conference the growing demand for a cleaner, more efficient product; the costs associated with mitigating emissions and improving fuel efficiency; and the shipper/customer’s willingness to help shoulder the financial burden.

Other topics to be addressed include:

  • The effect of individual state regulations on operations and profitability;
  • Trucking industry credit and collection practices;
  • The future of the National Motor Freight Classification;
  • Fiduciary responsibility in managing 401(k) plans; and
  • A town hall-style discussion of tax and finance concerns in the next highway bill.
  • The event also will feature an exhibit forum, hosting many suppliers of financial products and services to the trucking industry. Exhibitors will include accounting firms, tax specialists, credit and collections, risk management professionals and software and computer hardware companies.

    NAFC Executive Director David Hershey expects many of the trucking industry’s top financial professionals to attend. “This is a superb opportunity for industry leaders to congregate and discuss their concerns heading into what promises to be a difficult year for many,” Hershey says.

    Registration fees start at $325 for NAFC members. First-time motor carrier registrants will receive an additional discount, making their cost $215. This event is open to members and nonmembers alike.

    Complete conference information and registration forms are available online at http://nafc.truckline.com. For more information, call NAFC at 703-838-1915.