Warwick, RI (March 12, 2026) – Nearly 80 safety professionals gathered at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick on for a rapid-fire dose of the latest safety and regulatory information from the trucking industry’s foremost subject matter experts.

After welcome comments by XPO’s Selvin Ramirez, a recent ATA Road Captain selection, attendees from Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island heard from MaryGrace Parker, Director of the Freight Program for the Eastern Transportation Coalition who touched on topics ranging from truck bridge strikes to alternative infrastructure financing options to truck parking. A former New York State Trooper and Thruway Director, Parker works with a consortium of state DOT’s, Port, Toll and related transportation agencies in bringing trucking industry perspectives to the forefront.

RITA member and telematics expert, John Elliano of Janus Logistics, followed with a compelling presentation about the need for carriers to implement sound policies for properly dealing with dashcam photos, while the morning session was rounded out with an ATA Safety and Regulatory Update from Brenna Lyles, ATA Vice President of Safety Policy, who discussed driver fitness, drug and alcohol testing, and technology, and Khane Goodson of Moors & Cabot who covered distracted driving due to preoccupation of drivers with finances and the need for employers to offer financial literacy programs.

The team from Fleetworthy began the afternoon session with a look at the “In-Cab Technology Suite” which includes weigh station bypass, commercial discount tolling, and smart road traffic alerts, while Trooper Jason DiFusco of the Rhode Island State Police Commercial Enforcement Unit gave a brief update on size and weight issues as well as a Q&A session while his corps of Troopers gave a roadside inspection demo on a semitrailer provided by XPO.

The one-two punch of QPWB Law’s Dave Willis and Great West Casualty Insurance’s Mark Laurusevage rounded out the day’s speaking program with Willis briefing the audience on safety exposures that plaintiff attorney’s focus on while Laurusevage focused on the prioritization of safety and risk through data driven solutions. A well-attended networking reception at the Crowne Plaza’s Alfred’s followed.

The Symposium, the first combined event between RITA, Transportation Association of Massachusetts (TAM), and Motor Transport Association of Connecticut (MTAC), is the model for a similar, but larger combined event between the Associations. The three organizations already collaborate on the annual Tri-Sate Truck Driving Championships and, this past December, Wreaths Across America Convoy Stop.

“While the three of us have different brands, issues and constituents, in some cases, it makes sense for RITA to partner with TAM and MTAC in order to share costs while developing stronger events and programs for our members,” said RITA President Chris Maxwell.