2026 AGENDA

By incorporating regional diesel price variation and payload-dependent fuel economy can create a more accurate, transparent and equitable approach to carrier reimbursement and shipper cost allocation.

Gain practical insights into how manufacturers, shippers and logistics providers can improve transportation pricing through more data-driven fuel cost modelling:

• Addressing the limitations of national diesel price averages and fixed MPG assumptions
• Incorporating regional diesel pricing and payload-sensitive fuel economy into FSC calculations
• Improving cost allocation fairness and reimbursement accuracy between shippers and carriers
• Exploring future opportunities to integrate telematics, machine learning and real-world operating data into fuel pricing models

In this session, hear how forward-looking leaders are considering holistic, cross-functional supply chain, process and network decisions to improve the bottom line and strengthen performance.

This session will explore logistics and production control strategies to drive out waste in the end-to-end supply chain, from demand and ordering planning, to executing production and supply chain volume, to managing logistics network and partnerships, all with the view of improving total delivered cost, enhancing performance, visibility and stability across operations.

Key talking points will include:

• Processes to reduce waste through early-stage planning across departments, from design, procurement, S&OP, production control and logistics 
• Ensuring more synchronised and dynamic planning and execution across suppliers, logistics and production 
• Implementing digital tools and AI solutions that reduce waste, increase speed and value-add
• Supply chain optimisation, from supplier location and delivery, to logistics network design
• Measuring holistic cost impacts across the supply chain, from cash flow to supplier delivery and logistics speed
• Digital transformation strategies that gain trust and benefit across associates and partners 
• Co-developing solutions with partners that aim for mutual benefit

As digital tools and automation become more embedded in operations, the focus is shifting from adoption to impact. This session examines which applications are delivering measurable results, how leaders are scaling successful use cases, and where expectations still outpace reality.

Learn how OEMs, suppliers and technology providers are accelerating transformation through:

• Deploying AI, automation and advanced analytics in logistics operations
• Connecting planning and execution through digital platforms
• Overcoming legacy system constraints and integration challenges
• Building organisational readiness for digital adoption

Hear how organisations are strengthening partnerships across the value chain, including:

• Building visibility across OEM, supplier and logistics networks
• Moving toward long-term, collaborative partnership models
• Managing demand signals versus real-world call-off volatility
• Balancing capacity commitments with operational flexibility

The parcel and LTL logistics market is evolving rapidly, with shifting freight rates, exposure to sustained higher fuel costs and the emergence of a major a new provider in B2B logistics reshaping the competitive landscape.

This session will explore the key dynamics affecting automotive shippers and provide practical insight into managing costs, identifying opportunities and responding to changing market conditions.

Attendees will gain practical negotiation tactics for securing better rates, maximizing discounts and improving carrier contract terms, alongside insight into the short and longer-term impact Amazon’s expanding role in the B2B supply chain.

Key topics and takeaways:

• The changing dynamics of the parcel and LTL logistics landscape and what they mean for automotive shippers
• Current freight-rate trends and how increased carrier competition is creating opportunities for stronger pricing and discounts
• The cost impact of fuel surcharges, including live insights into current domestic and international rates, typical fuel discounts and how net fuel pricing works
• Amazon’s expanding role in B2B supply chain, parcel, trucking and air freight, and the potential implications for carrier strategies and pricing