.png?width=350&height=350&name=S73%20Logo%20(blue%20background).png "S73 Logo (blue background)")
ABOUT
What: Since 1986, ACT Research has been the leader in commercial vehicle data, market analysis, and forecasting services, providing timely and vital information to the marketplace. As a benefit to subscribers, ACT Research holds two events per year to provide an opportunity for discussions, professional insights, and networking.
The ACT Research team will provide the N.A. Commercial Vehicle & Transportation Industries Outlook for 2025-2028. In addition, we will be hosting industry expert guests to discuss the current and future health of the industry to support your planning and budgeting.
Why Participate: Obtain valuable perspectives on the commercial vehicle (CV) and transportation industries from the organization renowned for its top-tier North American Commercial Vehicle OUTLOOK. ACT Research received the prestigious 2019 Lawrence R. Klein Blue Chip Award for our exceptional forecast accuracy.
Who Participates: Those joining us are industry trailblazers and decision-makers, including top management and C-Suite executives from their respective OEMS, Tier 1 & 2 suppliers, new entrant OEMs, technology suppliers, and various finance institutions.
What Others Say: "[ACT Seminar] is a can't miss...an incredible group of people across the industry; you have OEMs, tier 1s, fleets, start-ups, investment side, sell side. A great lineup of speakers and panels, something that you rarely get at conferences like this." - Robert Brown, Chief Strategy Officer
When & Where: Market Vitals: The Current & Future Health of the Industry will be held on August 20-21, 2025, at The Commons at 300 Washington St., Columbus, IN 47201
Event sponsored by:
.png?width=800&height=372&name=S73%20Pricing%20Guide%20(7).png "Market Vitals Registration Prices Guide")
DAY 1 SESSIONS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20
12:00 PM
WELCOME/REGISTRATION
Thank You To Our Name Badge Sponsor:
1:00 PM
OEM Panel
What are the factors shaping heavy-duty commercial vehicles as the industry flips the calendar to 2026 planning? The challenges facing the industry today—regulatory uncertainty, lingering for-hire overcapacity, unsettled US economic policy—do not engender near-term confidence, but answers for many of today's known-unknowns are forthcoming. When will the industry get to start talking about opportunities again? In this engaging panel, top OEM thought leaders will share their perspectives on the state of the industry, what’s most important right now, and how they are navigating around current market dynamics. The discussion will dive into key trends, strategic considerations, and audience Q&A. Join us for a conversation with those at the forefront of the industry.
- Sean Kenney, CEO - Hyundai Translead
- T.J. Reed, President & CEO - Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles
- Charles Chilton, VP & GM, IC Bus - International Motors
- Moderator: Kenny Vieth, President & Senior Analyst - ACT Research
2:30 PM
Fireside Chat with Penske
In this session, we endeavor to demystify the truck rental and leasing market. We will address questions such as the differences between the two options, how customers choose whether to rent or lease, typical customer profiles of the two operating choices, implications of these factors on equipment types, and much more.
- Paul Rosa, Senior Vice President, Procurement and Fleet Planning - Penske Truck Leasing
- Moderator: Steve Tam, Vice President & Analyst - ACT Research
4:00 PM
Trucker Panel
Join us for a unique discussion with truckload executives who live and breathe freight every day. This panel will explore real-world perspectives on the barriers to entry, the impact of tariffs and trade tensions, evolving regulations, and shifting freight volumes. Hear directly from the front lines about equipment challenges, safety priorities, and where panelists see strength, and vulnerability, in today’s freight demand.
- Luke Subler, President - Classic Carriers, Inc.
- Tripp Grant, ECP & CFO - Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
- Dean Croke, Principal Analyst - DAT Freight and Analytics
- Moderator: Tim Denoyer, Vice President and Senior Analyst - ACT Research
5:00 PM
Closing Thoughts
6:00 PM
NETWORKING DINNER
- ACT Research Office - 4440 Middle Rd, Columbus, IN 47203
DAY 2 SESSIONS
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21
7:30 AM
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & REGISTRATION
Thank You To Our Name Badge Sponsor:
8:00 AM
Economic Outlook Panel: Trying to Connect with a Knuckleball
Jordan Vickers, Vice President and Chief Economist at Eaton; Bob Costello, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President at ATA; and David Teolis, Chief Economist at ACT Research, will try to make sense of the harder-to-predict-than-ever outlook. The tax, trade, and regulatory policies of the Trump Administration, along with global geopolitical developments, have made for business conditions that are as risky as any we have experienced thus far in this volatile decade. From their diverse vantage points, our panel will comment on key factors shaping today’s economic landscape, covering fiscal and monetary policy, inflation, consumer and investment trends, trade, and freight market dynamics. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the opportunities and risks over the next four to eight quarters in what is always one of the highest rates sessions of ACT seminars.
- Bob Costello, Chief Economist & SVP - American Trucking Associations
- Jordan Vickers, Vice President, Chief Economist - Eaton
- David Teolis, Chief Economist - ACT Research
- Moderator: Jim Meil, Principal, Industry Analysis - ACT Research
9:45 AM
Freight, Class 8, & Trailer Market Update & Forecasts
In this session, we’ll provide a comprehensive analysis of current market conditions and future forecasts for the freight, Class 8, and trailer markets. The discussion will begin with an overview of the current state of each market, highlighting critical trends and the key demand drivers shaping these sectors. The session will then shift to forecasts, offering insights into the projected outlook for freight, truck, and trailer demand in the months and years ahead. The discussion will conclude with a fireside chat and interactive Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to deepen their understanding and explore how these insights can inform their strategic planning.
- Tim Denoyer, Vice President & Senior Analyst - ACT Research
- Kenny Vieth, President & Senior Analyst - ACT Research
- Jennifer McNealy, Director, Research Analysis and Publications - ACT Research
- Carter Vieth, Research Analyst - ACT Research
12:00 PM
Networking Lunch
1:00 PM
Medium Duty Market Update
The wait for equipment stuck in the upfit process is largely over for medium duty commercial vehicle customers. Backlogs are approaching normal levels. However, the segment is not out of the woods. Inventory remains elevated, well above the historical average. Perhaps more concerning is the seeming lack of customer demand, as exhibited by weak net order intake. Production and sales are forecast to fall in 2025 but recover in 2026. Join this session to gain an understanding of the necessary building blocks for the forecast to come to fruition. We will also get a firsthand look at how truck body manufacturers interface with chassis manufacturers and truck buyers.
- Todd Brenesier, Vice President of Commercial Excellence - JB Poindexter & Co.
- Steve Tam, Vice President & Analyst - ACT Research
2:00 PM
Used Truck Market Update
In June this year, it finally happened. The average retail sale price of a used Class 8 truck increased year over year for the first time since December 2022. Could this be the signal that the used truck market has turned the corner on the extended cycle? In this session, we will review the current state of the used truck market and share our thoughts about where we think the market is headed for the remainder of 2025 and in 2026 and the elements that will drive the performance.
- Steve Tam, Vice President & Analyst - ACT Research
3:15 PM
Decarbonization Update
We are nearly two thirds of the way through 2025, and the industry is working to understand the impacts of the significant regulatory changes implemented by the Trump Administration over the last few months. Decarbonization and zero-emission regulations have been gutted, causing dramatic changes in the adoption of decarbonization propulsion technologies. Stick around for the final session of Seminar 73 for an informative discussion on ACT Research's decarbonization forecast, regulatory changes, infrastructure, technology developments, and key industry updates.
- Ann Rundle, Vice President, Electrification & Autonomy - ACT Research
- Lydia Vieth, Research Analyst, Electrification & Autonomy - ACT Research
4:00 PM
Closing Thoughts
