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ATA Opens Registration for 2026 Safety, Security & HR National Conference

Truckers brace for industry‑wide session on safety, security, and workforce issues in Oklahoma City

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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has opened registration for its 2026 Safety, Security & Human Resources National Conference, slated for April 1‑3 at the Omni Oklahoma City.

The event is a cornerstone for freight operators, safety managers, and compliance teams who need to stay current on FMCSA regulations, emerging security threats, and workforce trends. By gathering the people who set policy, manage risk, and make day‑to‑day operational decisions, the conference creates a forum where practical solutions can be tested and shared across the industry.

More than 400 professionals are expected to attend, and the agenda is split into four focused tracks: Safety, Security, Human Resources, and Claims & Loss Prevention. Dan Horvath, ATA’s chief operating officer, said the 2025 conference in Louisville “showcased the power of innovation and collaboration” and that the momentum will carry into this year’s event in Oklahoma City. “The sessions equipped safety, security, and HR professionals with practical strategies to meet today’s challenges and prepare for what’s ahead,” Horvath added.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A drivers and OTR truck drivers, the conference will highlight updated FMCSA guidelines on driver fatigue, electronic logging device compliance, and emerging technology such as autonomous vehicle integration. Owner‑operators will find sessions on workforce management that address hiring, retention, and training for the next generation of drivers, offering tools to reduce turnover and improve profitability. Fleet managers will gain insights into claims mitigation, loss prevention tactics, and how to align security protocols with daily routing decisions, ultimately lowering insurance costs and enhancing route safety.

Industry Reaction

Carriers across the country are already noting the conference’s potential to shape future regulations. Industry groups such as the National Association of Small Trucking Companies and the Owner‑Operator Association have expressed interest in the policy‑making discussions that will take place. The broader trucking community recognizes that the knowledge shared at these gatherings can directly influence truck driver jobs, improve safety standards, and help trucking companies hiring to attract and retain qualified talent.

Key Points

  • Conference dates: April 1‑3, 2026, at the Omni Oklahoma City.
  • Attendance projected to exceed 400 industry professionals.
  • Four dedicated tracks: Safety, Security, Human Resources, Claims & Loss Prevention.
  • Dan Horvath highlights momentum from Louisville and the focus on practical, real‑world solutions.

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Photo by Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz on Pexels

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Dana Merritt
Freight market analyst and former dispatcher with 12 years at a regional flatbed carrier. Dana specializes in spot rates, load boards, and the economics of owner-operator life.