Beneficial Cargo Owners & Shippers

Shipper Experience at Intermodal EXPO 2026Exclusive Access. Strategic Connections. Actionable Supply Chain Intelligence.

Designed exclusively for Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs), importers, exporters, retailers, manufacturers, and supply chain leaders, the Shipper Experience provides access to industry executives, policymakers, ports, railroads, and technology innovators through a curated program not available to general attendees.

Complimentary registration is available to qualified shippers. Space is limited.

Where Shippers Connect with the Leaders Shaping North America’s Freight Network

Join railroads, trucking companies, ports, ocean carriers, 3PLs, and technology providers to discover solutions that improve service, visibility, capacity, sustainability, and cost efficiency.

Complimentary Registration Available for Qualified BCOs

As a qualifying cargo owner or shipper, you may be eligible for a complimentary full conference registration.

Why Shippers Attend

Executive-Level Access

Connect directly with Class I rail executives, port leadership, federal policymakers, IMCs, motor carriers, and technology providers.

Exclusive Experiences

Participate in private tours, invitation-only receptions, executive roundtables, and shipper-only networking opportunities.

Strategic Insights

Gain practical intelligence on cargo theft, AI, freight data analytics, regulatory developments, and emerging technologies impacting supply chain performance.

Meaningful Connections

Schedule private meetings with transportation partners and solution providers who can help improve your supply chain operations.

Schedule at a Glance

Gain access to opportunities not available anywhere else.

Monday, September 14Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Access
7:30 a.m.

VIP Leadership Breakfast

Michael Rutherford, Assistant Secretary, Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy, U.S. DOT (Invited)

8:30 a.m.

Connect with IANA Committee Leadership

Meet industry leaders actively shaping the future of intermodal transportation.

9:30 a.m.

Safety & Security Meeting

Sit in on industry discussions addressing cargo theft, security threats, and operational resilience.

10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Private Industry Tours & Lunch

Exclusive experiences including:

  • Port of Long Beach Operations Tour*
  • Long Beach Container Terminal (Automated Terminal)
  • On-Dock Rail Operations
  • Forum Mobility EV Trucking & Charging Infrastructure
  • Lunch and Industry Discussion with Port of Long Beach Leadership

*Final tour schedule subject to change

2:00 p.m.

Supply Chain Beach Volleyball Networking Event

An informal networking opportunity with industry peers.

4:30 p.m.

Intermodal Leadership Invitation-Only VIP Reception

5:30 p.m.

Monday Night Welcome Reception

Tuesday, September 15Leadership, Intelligence & Relationship Building
7:30 a.m.

VIP Meet & Greet and Breakfast

8:00 a.m.

General Session — Katie Farmer, President & CEO, BNSF Railway

Gain leadership insight and strategic vision from more than 30 years of railroading experience, with a focus on operations, service, and safety.

9:15 a.m.

Featured Executive Session — Jim Vena, Chief Executive Officer, Union Pacific

Take a deep dive into the future of rail and the evolving intermodal landscape with one of the industry’s most influential leaders.

10:00 a.m.

EXPO Hall Opens

Explore the latest transportation, technology, and logistics solutions.

11:00 a.m.

Educational Sessions

  • AI and the Future of Supply Chain Decision Making
  • Legal & Regulatory Risks Shippers Need to Know
  • Strengthening Port-Rail Connectivity
12:00 p.m.

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS: Shipper-Only Executive Luncheon

What Your Freight Data Should Be Telling You (And Probably Isn’t) — a private session designed specifically for cargo owners and supply chain professionals.

2:00 p.m.

Educational Sessions

  • EV Reality Check
  • Cargo Theft: What’s Next?
  • Leadership Strategies for Supply Chain Professionals
4:30 p.m.

EXPO Happy Hour

Celebrate the relationships, innovation, and reliability that keep freight moving across North America.

6:00 p.m.

VIP Rooftop Reception at HALO

An exclusive networking experience overlooking Long Beach.

8:00 p.m.

IANA After Dark

When the exhibit hall closes, the networking continues at IANA After Dark, EXPO’s premier evening celebration. Join industry colleagues from across the intermodal supply chain for an unforgettable night featuring live entertainment from the Port of Long Beach’s very own band, The TEUs, along with great music, libations, interactive activations, and plenty of opportunities to connect with customers, partners, and peers in a relaxed setting.

Evening

Private Dinners & Networking

Private dinners, executive networking events, and hospitality opportunities.

Wednesday, September 16Strategic Outlook & Closing Connections
8:00 a.m.

Networking Breakfast

8:30 a.m.

Inside Intermodal Executive Panel

Hear perspectives from leaders representing ocean carriers, motor carriers, logistics providers, and railroads.

9:45 a.m.

Keynote Presentation — Guenther Steiner, Former Haas F1 Team Principal & CEO, Red Bull KTM Tech3

Discover what it takes to lead high-performance teams and make bold decisions in fast-moving environments with the former Haas F1 Team Principal.

10:45 a.m.

Private Meet & Greet — Guenther Steiner

11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

EXPO Hall Open

Final opportunity to connect with solution providers, technology partners, and transportation executives. Experience activations around the floor including: Hole in one contest, Headshot café, AI photo booth, hands-on roadside inspection demonstration, Dog Bark Lounge, and more!

Included with Your Complimentary Registration

  • VIP breakfast and executive networking opportunities
  • Meet-and-greets with transportation leaders
  • Access to IANA committee leadership and industry discussions
  • Exclusive shipper-only luncheon and educational content
  • Port, terminal, rail, and technology tours
  • VIP receptions and networking events
  • Access to the Intermodal EXPO exhibit hall
  • Curated introductions and one-on-one meeting opportunities

This Is More Than a Conference

The Shipper Experience is a rare opportunity to sit at the table with the leaders, decision-makers, and innovators shaping the future of North American freight transportation.

Request your complimentary shipper registration today and gain access to opportunities not available anywhere else.

Request Complimentary Shipper Registration
What’s New for 2026
What’s New for 2026
  • Expanded shipper-focused education sessions
  • Enhanced networking and matchmaking opportunities
  • More technology and innovation showcases
  • Dedicated discussions on supply chain resilience
  • New opportunities to engage with transportation decision-makers
Maximize Your Time Away from the Office

In just three days, attendees can:

  • Meet dozens of transportation partners
  • Discover new service solutions
  • Benchmark strategies with peers
  • Stay ahead of emerging industry trends
Designed For
  • Chief Supply Chain Officers
  • VP Transportation
  • Director of Logistics
  • Transportation Managers
  • Procurement Leaders
  • Distribution Executives
  • Supply Chain Strategy Teams

Exclusive BCO & Shipper Networking Opportunities

Connect with fellow cargo owners and transportation leaders in dedicated networking environments designed for strategic discussions and peer learning.

Claim your free BCO pass today – save up to $1,900!

Act now; you must register before August 31.

As a qualified BCO, your company is eligible for complimentary Associate Membership with the Intermodal Association of North America. As an IANA member you and your entire team will have the tools, resources and relationships necessary to improve your supply chain.

I want to improve my supply chain

*A qualified BCO (beneficial cargo owner) is a legal entity that owns or has title to the freight being transported. BCOs may use third parties such as IMCs to negotiate transportation services and rates on their behalf. A BCO does not act as a third party in the movement of such goods. A BCO is sometimes referred to as a shipper, which is a company who is usually the supplier or owner of commodities shipped. Companies not eligible for a BCO/shipper registration would be companies that are eligible to become an IANA member in one of the following divisions: motor carrier, marine, rail, 3PL, supplier. You will receive confirmation of your registration once it has been vetted and approved by IANA staff. Registration must be received by August 31, 2026. We cannot register any BCOs/Shippers onsite.

2026 PARTNERS

A special thank you to our premium level partners for your continued support.