FedEx Freight’s new CEO John Smith will kick off ACT Expo 2026

ACT Expo 2026 Unveils Speaker Lineup

ACT Expo has revealed its roster of speakers for the 2026 event, which will take place from May 4 to May 7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Nearly 400 industry leaders, executives, and fleet professionals are expected to attend.

FedEx Freight’s New CEO to Kick Off the Event

John Smith, who will soon take over as president and CEO of FedEx Freight, is set to deliver the opening keynote address on Monday, May 4, at 2:10 p.m.

Smith leads the largest less-than-truckload (LTL) network in North America, a division that reported $8.9 billion in revenue in 2025 and operates throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With close to four decades in the transportation sector, Smith’s keynote comes as FedEx Freight prepares for its transition to an independent public company on June 1.

“The LTL sector is evolving rapidly as customers demand faster, more reliable, and transparent service. At FedEx Freight, we recognize that much of this transformation begins with our vehicles,” Smith commented. “We are constantly enhancing our processes and striving for a safer, more efficient fleet. I look forward to sharing our insights and discussing future opportunities for the industry at ACT Expo.”

Erik Neandross, president of TRC’s Clean Transportation Solutions group and ACT Expo producer, added, “John manages one of the most advanced freight networks in North America. ACT Expo is where forward-thinking fleet professionals plan for the future. Hearing from someone who oversees such a complex operation will provide valuable perspectives on how technology, network design, and disciplined execution create a competitive edge.”

Smith’s presentation will explore how major LTL networks leverage data, predictive analytics, and automation to boost capacity and reliability, while balancing cost control with investments in digital innovation and low-emission fleet strategies.

Featured Speakers and New Educational Opportunities

RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian, will take the main stage to discuss Rivian’s growing impact on commercial transportation and the deployment of electric vehicles at scale. Stephen Roy, president of Mack Trucks and executive vice president at Volvo Group, will address global technology trends, digital vehicle integration, and strategies to maximize uptime and minimize total ownership costs.

“Fleet operators are facing a flood of new technology choices, from advanced powertrains to a rapidly growing array of digital and AI-driven tools,” said Neandross. “ACT Expo brings together leaders who are already putting these innovations into practice, enabling attendees to focus on solutions that truly enhance operations and support both economic and environmental goals.”

Notable Presenters

This year’s speaker lineup features representatives from leading OEMs, technology firms, and major fleets, including:

• Sherry Sanger, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Marketing, Penske Transportation Solutions
• Steve Hanson, Senior Director of Fleet Operations, Engineering, and Sustainability, PepsiCo
• Ossa Fisher, President, Aurora
• Dan Priestley, Director of Semi Truck Engineering, Tesla
• Raquel Urtasun, Founder and CEO, Waabi
• Mustafa Samiwala, Principal of Fleet Development, Amazon

Continuing Education Credits Introduced

For the first time, ACT Expo 2026 will offer a continuing education program in collaboration with the NAFA Fleet Management Association and Green Business Certification Inc. Attendees can earn credits by participating in over 25 conference sessions and 10 workshops.

Speakers will share their expertise through keynote addresses, technical sessions, demonstrations in the Expo Hall Theater, and partner-led roundtable discussions.