Click here for the 2004 brochure.

Dear Colleague:
Since its inception one year ago, the goal of the Flatbed Industry Forum has been to address the
timely topics that affect all aspects of the flatbed transportation sector. The Flatbed Industry Forum,
March 9 and 10, is where you will find the solutions that will play a critical role in increasing the
profitability, efficiency and productivity of your enterprise.
Stricter government regulations, the continuing conflicts in the Middle East, rising fuel, insurance and
healthcare costs, all add to the economic uncertainties each of us face in managing our businesses.
Many of these factors are beyond our control. But they present an opportunity to examine the issues
and to develop a plan to move forward. Gain insight and answers to the following:
How will the new government regulations affect my business strategies and what can I
do now to improve my bottom line?
Where will the changing economic landscape lead and what opportunities can be taken
from it today?
Who owns the customer? Can carriers and shippers be viable partners?
How does my business model compare with others in and around my sector?
What impact will the 201 Steel Tariffs have on moving freight, pricing, imports and
inventory levels?
What impact does weather and the housing market have on building products?
We will examine important issues with carriers, shippers, government delegates, industry analysts
and others who can present a precise view of today's challenges. Attendees will gain usable, realistic
solutions that can be implemented immediately. The Flatbed Industry Forum brings together two very
different and diverse audiences - shippers and carriers - to build the partnerships they need to forge
ahead.
Plan now to attend and explore solutions to the tough questions facing our industry. Join your fellow
business leaders and me in Paving the Road to Partnerships, March 9 and 10, 2004 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Sincerely,
Gregg A. Troian
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pittsburgh Logistics Systems, Inc.
The Purpose:
The objective of the Flatbed Industry Forum is
to give the opportunity for flatbed industry
carrier and shipper executives to meet face-toface to discuss strategies and solutions to
today's tough challenges of the flatbed
transportation sector. No other organization
or conference has addressed the specific
issues of the flatbed motor carriers and those
who rely on their services. Join industry
leaders for this annual summit. This year's
program is all new and will provide a wealth
of business intelligence you won't receive
anywhere else.
The Location:
The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency,
Pittsburgh International Airport on March 9
and 10, 2004. The Hyatt is conveniently
located on the Pittsburgh International Airport
property. If flying into the Pittsburgh
International Airport, follow signs to baggage
pick-up. Take the airport tram to the land side
and follow signs to the hotel and short term
parking. The hotel is accessible directly from
inside the airport walkway.
Please mention you are a Flatbed Industry
Forum participant when making hotel
arrangements. If you desire a list of other
hotels in the area or driving directions,
please visit the FIF link at
www.pghlogistics.com or call the Flatbed
Forum at 724-709-9000 x2292
A Panel Preview
We'll hear from industry leaders such as:
Centria Architectual Systems, Georgia Pacific,
Insight3, Kelson & Slomski, Menaker &
Associates, Maverick Transportation,
PGT Trucking, Qualcomm, Republic Partners,
Schneider Downs & Co., Swift Transportation,
Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel, and Worthington Steel.
How to Register:
There are two convenient ways to register.
You may click on the FIF logo link at
www.pghlogistics.com. Here you will find the
latest program updates and may receive your
confirmation number by completing the
registration form on-line. Another way to
register is to complete the form located on the
last page of this brochure and mail to : Flatbed
Industry Forum, The Quad Center, Rochester,
PA 15074 along with your method of payment.
Also Sponsored by
© Copyright 2004
Tuesday, March 9, 2004
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Registration Desk Open
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
"You can't miss it" Networking Session
The people you know make a difference in your business. Don't miss
this dynamic opening session conducive to meeting and mingling with
other key leaders in the industry. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and
ample refreshments as you gather valuable contacts, pitch your latest
product or service, and set up future negotiations.
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
7:00 am - 8:00 am
Registration / Badge Pick-up
7:30 am - 8:00 am
Continental Breakfast
8:00 am - 8:30 am
Hear from the DOT on the Change in Hours of Service
Flatbed Industry Forum
What does the DOT have to say? We'll hear from a representative about
the reasons for this change, the impact on safety regulations, the legal
issues, current legislation for the change in hours and other DOT
regulations affecting our businesses.
8:30 am - 9:30 am
Impact the Change in Hours of Service has on the Industry
Share your thoughts in this intense panel discussion between shippers
and carriers dealing with the change to the Hours of Service. Learn
strategies to deal with cost control, capacity issues, scheduling,
inventory, modifications to dispatching, and conflicting shipper/carrier
rates.
9:30 am - 9:45 am
Coffee Break
9:45 am - 10:15 am
The Technology Track
Innovations that can improve your business
New technology advances can do everything from help track inventory
in transit to improve communication and efficiency. But, at what cost?
Explore levels of technology vs. the expense to implement. Discuss
security issues, communicative devices, inventory control and more.
© Copyright 2004
10:15 am - 11:15 am Does your business stack up to your competitors?
Flatbed Industry Forum
Learn the importance of benchmarking and best practices. Success
requires change. Learn from the informative panel discussion how
other organizations are making improvements and seeing profit.
What are the true costs of running a flatbed truck? What is the
impact of those costs on the shipper's side of the business?
11:15 am - 11:45 am The "State of our Highways" Address
What's happening on the Federal front? An insider's look into the
federal highway infrastructure, legislative initiatives, budget
proposals and changes we can expect to see in the near term and
beyond.
11:45 am - 1:15 pm
Lunch / Raffle
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm
Special Guest: Dan Baker
Join us to hear from our special guest, Dan Baker.
Dan is a nationally known speaker, teacher and
consultant to the trucking industry. Dan brings
years of experience of working with over 300
trucking companies of all sizes and types. His
message is always fun, full of jokes and stories,
one-liners, and always sends an important message
from the cutting edge of what's really happening in
the real world of trucking.
2:15 pm - 3:00pm
The Economic and Business Outlook
Take part in this panel to discuss how recent political decisions are
impacting our industry. Learn the impact of the 201 Steel Tariffs on
the shippers' inventory levels and the carriers' long-haul travel.
Discuss the outlook of new home construction and building products.
3:00 pm - 3:15pm
Break
3:15 pm - 3:45pm
Legal Perspective on Cargo Claims
Gain a legal analyst's insights on trucking and transportation law.
Find out what your business needs to know about Cargo Claims. An
informative discussion from Dave Slomski, esq.
3:45 pm - 4:00pm
Closing Remarks
Sessions are subject to change
© Copyright 2004
Registration
Early Bird Registration Discount
$395
through March 1st.
Make checks payable to:
Flatbed Industry Forum
The Quad Center
Rochester, PA 15074
For more information visit the FIF link at
www.pghlogistics.com or call (724)-709-9000 x2292
or email us at fif@pghlogistics.com
Registration fee $425 after March 1st.
See website for additional discounts and cancellation policy.
A Sample of Past Flatbed Industry Forum Participants
Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging
AK Steel
Alco Transportation
American Metals Market
American Road Express
Americans for Safe and Efficient Transportation
Arrow Trucking Company
Attorney At Law
Aztec Trailers, Inc.
Ballie Lumber Company
Beemac Trucking
Bridgestone/Firestone Tire Company
City Xpress
Contech Construction Products
Corporate Insurance
Coury Financial Services, L.P.
CRST Flatbeds
D.M. Bowman
Dallas Mavis Specialized Carrier Co.
Dearborn Steel Express, Inc.
ESM II, Inc.
Falcon Transport Co.
Fleet Bank
Freightway Express, Inc.
Galamet Inc.
General Cable
Georgia Pacific
Guttman Oil Company
HireCheck SAMI/Jack Ham Enterprises, Inc.
© Copyright 2004
Howard Transportation
Howe Freightways Inc.
InnerLink Strategic Solutions
International Truck and Engine Corp.
Jaro Transportation Services, Inc.
JP Morgan Securities, Inc.
Kelson & Slomski
Kim-Tam Truck Leasing Limited
Kolbrener Inc.
M & C Trucking Co.
Manac
Marsh USA, Inc.
Maverick Transportation
Michael Baker Corp.
Michigan Metal Trans.
Mid-West Materials
Nation Wide Drug Testing
National Tube Supply Col.
Neilly Canvas Goods Company
O.S. Hill & Co., Inc.
Outside Processors Council
Penn State University
Perfect Order
PGT Trucking, Inc.
PI&I Motor Express
Pilot Travel Centers, LLC.
Pittsburgh Logistics Systems, Inc.
Precision Flatbed Carriers
PTC Alliance
R&R Express
Reitnouer Inc.
Rhyno Express
RLI Transportation
Robert Morris University
Robinson Cartage Company
Roehl Transport, Inc.
Ron Gross Trucking
Schneider Downs & Co., Inc.
Seneca Capital
Seubert & Associates, Inc.
SG&C Associates, Inc.
Simmons Business Systems
Skye Trucking Co.
Southern Pines Trucking
Staub Trucking
Steel Transport
Steel Transport of Ohio
Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Swift Transportation
Tennessee Steel Haulers
The Techs
The Works
Thorp Reed & Armstrong, LLP.
TL Express
Total Package Express
Tri-State Trailer Sales
Universal Am-Can Ltd
Universal Truckload Services Inc.
Valley Tire
Weirton Steel Corporation
Registration Form
Please fill in the information requested and mail to Flatbed Industry Forum, The Quad Center, Rochester, PA 15074
Name of Registrant
Title
Company Name
Street Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal Code
Country
Phone
Fax
Email Address
Your email address is required for
online confirmation of your registration
and Forum updates only.
Website Address
What is your company's primary business?
(Check all that apply)
Trucking Company
Truck Sales
Truck Service and Maintenance
Trucking and shipping products
(chains, tarps, tires, etc.)
User of flatbed services (retail or wholesale)
Fuel
Insurance
Transportation analyst/Consulting
Academic/Research
Government
Manufacturing
Other
What is your job function?
(Check only one)
Executive (CEO, President, Chairman, Sr V.P.)
General Management (VP, GM, Director)
Engineering
Operations
Sales
Marketing
Human Resources
R&D
Technology
Technical
Financial
Other
Fleet/Operations Information (if applicable)
Number of Tractors
Number of Trailers
Flatbeds as a % of total fleet
Number of Terminals
Geographic Areas of Operation
Primary Commodity:
Steel
Lumber
Machinery
Aluminum
Other
Payment Information
(Please Complete all information)
Early Bird Discount of $395 through March 1st
($425 per registration after March 1st)
Daytime number
Email address for online invoice
Address, if different from above.
Please do not send cash. Personal checks, company
checks, cashier's checks and money orders are
acceptable forms of payment. Credit card transactions
can be accepted over the phone @
724-709-9000 x2292.
Make checks payable to:
(Don't forget to include the participant(s) name)
Flatbed Industry Forum
The Quad Center;
Rochester, PA 15074
State/Province/Country
Zip/Postal Code
You may register online by clicking the FIF logo link at www.pghlogistics.com
© Copyright 2004
The Quad Center
Rochester, PA 15074
Mark your calendar!
March 9th & 10th
Paving the Road to Partnerships
Visit the FIF link at
www.pghlogistics.com
or email fif@pghlogistics.com
for more information.