MCIEF’s FUEL 2027 is the must-attend leadership event for the next generation of trucking insurance professionals. Designed for Future Emerging Leaders, this summit provides an unparalleled opportunity for young professionals to gain industry knowledge, develop leadership skills, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded peers.
Agenda
Wednesday, February 3, 2027
1:00pm – 5:pm Registration Opens
5:00pm – 6:30pm Attendee and Guest Opening Reception
Thursday, February 4, 2027
7:30am to 8:30am Attendee Breakfast
8:30am-12:30pm Business Session 1 CE Qualified
12:30pm-1:15pm Attendee Lunch
1:15pm – 3:00pm Business Session 2 Leadership Breakout
3:15pm – 4:45pm Scavenger Hunt Option
4:45pm to 5:50pm Attendee and Guest Cocktail Hour
6:00pm – 8:00pm Dinner Cruise
Friday, February 5, 2027
7:00am to 8:00am Attendee Breakfast
9:15am – 10:00am Business Session 3 Keynote Speaker
10:15am – Noon Business Session 4 Breakout Roundtable
Conference Adjourns
Pricing
Attendee: $650
Spouse: $200
Speaker: Dennis Dellinger
ATA Chairman
Dennis Dellinger is a seasoned leader in the American trucking industry, currently serving as the 80th Chairman of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the President and CEO of Cargo Transporters, Inc., a prominent freight carrier based in Claremont, North Carolina.
Career at Cargo Transporters
Dellinger began his journey with Cargo Transporters in April 1986 as a Driver Supervisor. Over the years, he ascended through various roles—including General Manager, Vice President of Operations, and Vice President—before being appointed President in 2004. In 2019, he was promoted to President and CEO, a position he continues to hold. Under his leadership, Cargo Transporters has experienced significant growth, expanding its operations with new terminals in Rocky Mount and Charlotte, North Carolina, and investing $6 million in facility enhancements. The company now operates over 500 trucks and 1,900 trailers, employing approximately 750 people. Cargo Transporters has received numerous accolades for safety and environmental stewardship, including the ATA President’s Fleet Safety Award, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Fleet Safety Award, the EPA SmartWay Excellence Award, and recognition as one of Inbound Logistics’ 75 Green Supply Chain Partners.
Leadership in Industry Associations
In October 2024, Dellinger was elected as the 80th Chairman of the American Trucking Associations, the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. He also serves as the Immediate Past Chair of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), where he played a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding programs during the challenges of 2020–2021. Additionally, Dellinger holds positions on the Board of Directors and serves as Vice Chair of the Safety Policy Committee at ATA. He is a past chairman and current board member of the North Carolina Trucking Association (NCTA) and serves in an advisory capacity with The Trucking Alliance.
Personal Background
Raised in a military family, Dellinger settled in Claremont, North Carolina, during his eighth-grade year. He resides in Hickory, North Carolina, with his wife, Sherel. They have a daughter, Dana, and two grandchildren, Lachlan and Emma. Dellinger is known for his modest demeanor, strong work ethic, and deep commitment to family and community values. His extensive experience and leadership have made him a respected figure in the trucking industry, advocating for safety, environmental responsibility, and workforce development.
Dellinger and MCIEF
Mr. Dellinger has spoken several times at the MCIEF Annual Conference. Always an engaging speaker, his frank and humorous conversations about hard work and family values are enlightening for us all. We welcome Dennis as he also adds much about his travels around the Country as ATA Chair.
Fuel the Future at FUEL 2027 in Historic Charleston, SC
UEL 2027 comes to Hotel Bennett in the heart of historic Charleston, where bold ideas, meaningful connections, and elevated experiences meet in one unforgettable setting. Overlooking Marion Square and the downtown skyline, it’s a setting designed to help you step away from the everyday, think bigger, and return home inspired.
Why Hotel Bennett Is Perfect for FUEL 2027
Hotel Bennett pairs modern meeting technology with Charleston’s signature charm, offering more than 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for general sessions, breakouts, and special experiences. From the Crown Ballroom to rooftop conversations, on-site dining, and relaxing amenities like the spa and rooftop pool, the hotel creates an immersive backdrop that elevates the energy and community of FUEL 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is FUEL designed for?
FUEL is created for rising leaders in the trucking insurance industry, typically professionals under 40, or those early in their career path looking to grow into leadership roles.
What makes FUEL different from other industry conferences?
FUEL focuses exclusively on emerging leaders, smaller group access, mentorship, and high-value education, plus rare face time with executives like Donato Monaco, Northland’s President.
Why should I send a young professional(s) from my company?
FUEL accelerates development by exposing attendees to top underwriters, carriers, producers, and mentors they’ll likely work with for years to come. It’s a smart investment in your future leadership bench.
What networking opportunities will there be?
Plenty – dedicated mixers, roundtable sessions, small-group discussions, and interactive leadership workshops designed to build relationships that last throughout your career.
What is included in my registration fee?
Registration covers all educational sessions, speaker presentations, networking events, materials, and designated meals throughout the conference.
Will there be opportunities for mentorship?
Yes. FUEL intentionally brings together professionals at similar career stages along with seasoned leaders, creating natural opportunities for guidance, coaching, and relationship building.
Why is Donato Monaco’s session such a big highlight?
Donato is the President of Northland – one of the largest truck insurers in the U.S., and his session offers direct insight from the top, plus Q&A access you won’t get at larger events.
How does FUEL help me build long-term industry relationships?
FUEL brings together emerging producers, underwriters, brokers, adjusters, and carrier partners who are all on similar career paths. These are the people you’ll collaborate with for decades. Starting those relationships now creates trust, familiarity, and stronger partnerships later.
Will I have opportunities to connect with peers outside of sessions?
Absolutely. FUEL includes structured networking events, informal meetups, and social gatherings that make it easy to meet peers in a relaxed environment.
Sunday, February 15, 2026
1 pm – 5 pm – Member arrival, check-in and registration
5:00pm – 6:30pm – Attendee and Guest Opening Reception
Monday, February 16, 2026
7:00 am – 8:00 am – Attendee Breakfast
8:00 am-12:00 pm – Business Session 1 – CE Class – Current Trends and their Risk Analysis Impact – Fellows: Chad Krueger, Mike Mitchell, Jon Maimaron
12:00pm-1:00 pm – Attendee Lunch
1:15 pm – 3:00 pm – Business Session 2 – Improving Odds for Success
- Retail Session – Fellows: Chad Krueger, Joey Grasso, Jon Maimaron
- Wholesale Session – Fellows: Mike Mitchell, Harrison Cameron, Niko Matic
- Carrier Session – Fellows: Tyler Christensen, Alex Higley, Savannah Bray-Janzen
3:15 pm to 4:45 pm – Scavenger Hunt
4:45 pm to 5:50 pm – Attendee and Guest Cocktail Hour
6:00 pm – 9:30 pm – On Site Dinner
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
7:00 am to 8:00 am – Attendee Breakfast
8:00 am – 10:00 am – Business Session 3 – Donato Monaco, Northland CEO
10:00 am – Conference Adjourns
2026 Keynote Speaker
Donato Monaco
President, Northland Insurance
Donato Monaco is one of the most respected and influential leaders in the trucking insurance industry — and we are honored to welcome him as the keynote speaker for FUEL 2026: Future Under 40 Leadership Summit.
As the President of Northland Insurance, one of the largest and most established truck insurers in the United States, Donato oversees an organization that has shaped best practices, underwriting standards, and claims strategies used across the entire commercial auto and trucking insurance landscape. Under his leadership, Northland continues to be recognized for its deep industry expertise, innovative risk solutions, and long-standing commitment to supporting motor carriers of every size.
Why Donato Monaco Is a Major Voice in Our Industry
- Decades of specialized trucking insurance experience guiding strategic decisions in an increasingly complex and competitive marketplace.
- Executive leadership over one of the industry’s most influential carriers, known for setting the standard in underwriting, risk management, and claims handling.
- A reputation for forward-thinking insights on market trends, technology, loss prevention, and the future of transportation risk.
- A career dedicated to developing talent, empowering teams, and strengthening the next generation of insurance professionals.
- Trusted by agents, carriers, and industry partners nationwide for his clarity, expertise, and ability to translate real-world challenges into actionable strategies.
Why Emerging Leaders Should Hear Him Speak
For rising professionals, producers, underwriters, claims specialists, and all future leaders,Donato offers something rare:
Direct insight from the top of the industry.
His keynote at FUEL 2026 will provide a candid look at where trucking insurance is headed, what skills tomorrow’s leaders must cultivate, and how young professionals can build long, impactful, successful careers.
Attendees will gain:
- Leadership perspectives
- Clarity on market shifts and emerging risks
- Advice for building a sustainable, resilient career path
- A deeper understanding of how top carriers operate at scale
- The chance to participate in an exclusive Q&A session
This is a unique opportunity to learn from the executive leading one of the most important organizations in our field, and a highlight of the inaugural FUEL conference.
2026 Sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors, HUB International and Risk Placement Services (RPS), for their invaluable support of FUEL. HUB International, a leading insurance brokerage, helps organizations protect what matters most through comprehensive risk and insurance solutions across North America. RPS, a nationally focused wholesale insurance broker and managing general agent, brings deep specialty-market expertise and innovative approaches to complex risks. Their partnership helps make FUEL possible and enhances the experience and value we are able to deliver to all attendees.
