At All Chemical, we recently attended two notable events in Texas: Hazmat by Road & Rail and Women in Trucking Accelerate! Conference. Both events gave us the opportunity to continue learning about the evolving regulatory and operational landscape while connecting with leaders across the hazardous materials transportation sector.

These gatherings also gave us an opportunity to engage in open discussion about current standards and emerging trends in transportation and logistics. We explored how the industry can continue moving forward toward more efficient, sustainable practices while maintaining the highest levels of safety.

Hazmat By Road & Rail: Technology, Safety, & Collaboration

The Hazmat by Road & Rail event provided a setting for compliance professionals, educators, safety leaders, and first responders to examine the ever-evolving landscape of hazmat transportation.

One important insight shared by the first responders focused on the real dangers they encounter in the field and the ongoing need for proper, consistent labeling, accurate documentation, and stronger communication from carriers. These components are vital for keeping the public and first responders safe during hazmat incidents.

Emerging Technologies & Alternative Fuels

The sessions at Hazmat by Road & Rail covered a variety of topics including:

• New requirements and best practices for handling hazmat shipments
• Dangers associated with Damaged, Defective, or Recalled (DDR) lithium-ion batteries
• The growing usage and risks related to CNG (compressed natural gas) and LNG (liquified natural gas) tractors
• Compliance tools and strategies
• The future of paperless documentation in the US

Operational Strategies & The Responsible Use of AI

During the event, Project Manager Katie Woods led a discussion titled “From the Ground Up: Operation Strategies for Safer, Smarter Hazmat Transport.” In her discussion, she discussed how operational strategies strengthen safety, communication, and consistency.  She also discussed the growing role that AI plays in the current landscape of logistics and transportation, highlighting both the benefits as well as the risks.

Her message was clear that AI should be a tool to support people, not replace them. In high-risk environments, human judgement, personal experience, and accountability are irreplaceable. The responsible use of AI means making sure that technology enhances decision-making, as long as it doesn’t overshadow professional human expertise. Her presentation highlighted an integrated training approach that values hands-on expertise while incorporating emerging technological tools to better support drivers.

She also spoke about the importance of building a strong safety culture within an organization. Her discussion emphasized that open communication is the backbone of that culture. She explained that both management and drivers have equally important roles in meeting federal requirements and upholding a company’s own standards.

Women in Trucking Accelerate! Elevating Women & the Future of Transportation

Katie Woods also attended the Women in Trucking Accelerate! Conference. This three-day event brought together female professionals across the logistics and transportation industry and focused on leadership, empowerment, and the future of women in trucking.

Katie was one of only four recipients who received a scholarship to attend this event, which brought together more than 1,200 members.  She attended in her role as Project Manager at All Chemical to further her understanding of safety, operations, and leadership so she can better support the company’s future.

Confidence & Leadership for Growing Careers

The event held many sessions that emphasized building confidence, improving communication, leading with influence, and preparing for the future of transportation and logistics. The conversations highlighted how every level of the industry, from drivers, dispatchers, engineers, safety experts, and executives are contributing to a more inclusive and innovative industry.

Experiencing the Role of a Driver

Katie also spent time in the famous WITney trailer, where she had the opportunity to try the virtual driving simulator. She put her understanding of what our drivers experience to the test, using what she’s learned from conversations with drivers, safety teams, and others across the company. With that foundation and All Chemical’s training programs, she scored a 96!

Moving Forward Together

Although the conferences were very different in focus and audience, both delivered the same essential themes: safety, communication, and people-first leadership. Hearing this message echoed across two separate industry spaces shows just how critical these elements are to moving chemical transportation forward. It’s a wonderful reminder of the evolution of the industry that’s embracing technology, inclusivity, and communicative support. At All Chemical, we’re eager to partake in these discussions and evolve with the industry’s top leaders. Together, we shape the future of hazmat transportation and logistics.

As we look ahead to 2026, we remain committed to supporting our people, driving innovation, and delivering excellence with every mile.