AAM BLOG
The Transportation Summit 2025, hosted by Cottingham & Butler in Schaumburg, Illinois, once again proved why it has become one of the most anticipated events in the trucking and logistics calendar. For industry leaders, it’s more than a conference — it’s a rare opportunity to learn directly from experts, address the challenges shaping transportation today, and prepare for the road ahead.
For us at AAM Network Inc., attending events like this is not a formality — it is part of our DNA. We believe that continuous learning and exposure to new ideas make us stronger as a company, and every time we attend a summit, conference, or seminar, the knowledge doesn’t stop at those who were in the room. It flows back into our offices, across our teams, and onto the road through the work of our drivers and staff.
This year’s summit delivered insights that will stay with us for a long time.
🔑 Keynote & Speaker Highlights
1. Laurie Santos (Yale University)
Professor Santos, known for her groundbreaking work on the science of well-being, reminded us that happiness and resilience are not luxuries — they are critical tools for leadership in a high-pressure industry like trucking. Her message was clear: even in the face of daily stress, leaders who cultivate happiness drive stronger, more resilient teams.
2. Josh Linkner
Entrepreneur and innovation thought leader, Linkner introduced his Find A Way™ framework. He encouraged trucking companies to stop “coloring inside the lines” and instead embrace creativity and experimentation. In an era of disruption, his call to action was simple but powerful: success will belong to those willing to reimagine what’s possible.
3. Scott Cornell (Travelers Insurance)
Cornell delivered one of the most urgent and eye-opening sessions of the summit. He broke down how organized crime groups are now operating like “criminal logistics companies” — buying legitimate MC numbers, completing safe deliveries to build credibility, and then vanishing with high-value loads. His message was a wake-up call: traditional carrier vetting through FMCSA databases is no longer enough. Companies must strengthen training, build awareness, and stay vigilant against fraud that is becoming increasingly sophisticated.
4. Robert J. O’Neill (SEAL Team Six Veteran)
Closing the summit, O’Neill’s panel “Becoming Unstoppable” offered lessons from elite decision-making under fire. His message of perseverance, adaptability, and “never quit” resonated strongly with logistics professionals who know what it means to make high-stakes decisions under pressure.
🗣 Our Team’s Reflections
What made the summit even more meaningful was hearing from our own team members who attended. Their voices capture the energy of the event better than any agenda could.
Sam shared:
“Two key highlights for me were the chance to spend quality time networking and learning with my colleagues, and Scott Cornell’s freight fraud session. It was a strong reminder of how important it is to train and prepare our teams to stay ten steps ahead of threats. Most of all, I want to extend my gratitude to our employees, drivers, and team members at AAM Network Inc. Without their hard work, none of this progress or these opportunities would be possible.”
Kate, attending her very first Transportation Summit, wrote:
“This was not your average ‘sit-in-a-chair’ kind of event. Laurie Santos showed us happiness isn’t just possible, it’s necessary. Josh Linkner left me rethinking how I solve problems, and Scott Cornell’s cargo theft presentation felt like a Netflix crime series — only the danger is real. If this is what my first summit looks like, I can’t wait for the next.”
Their reflections show exactly why we value attending industry summits: our people return not just with notes, but with inspiration, new ideas, and renewed energy.
🙌 Why This Matters to AAM Network Inc.
At AAM Network Inc., we don’t just send our team to events — we make sure the knowledge comes back home. Every insight gained is discussed, shared, and applied across our offices and operations. From dispatch to safety, from compliance to driver support, everyone benefits when we invest in learning.
And we don’t miss the important ones. Whether it’s CVSA, Cottingham & Butler, or other major logistics and transportation summits, you can count on seeing our team present, engaged, and ready to bring back the best practices to Chicago and Alsip…
It’s part of the reason why our culture is so strong: we grow together, we learn together, and we pass that knowledge forward.
🚀 Looking Ahead
The Cottingham & Butler Transportation Summit 2025 reminded us of three essential truths:
- The trucking industry is evolving rapidly.
- Threats like freight fraud require constant vigilance and updated strategies.
- Leadership rooted in resilience, creativity, and well-being is more important than ever.
We are proud of our team for representing AAM Network Inc. at this important event. Their commitment to growth and excellence mirrors the commitment of every driver, dispatcher, and office team member who keeps us moving forward every single day.
As always, we remain dedicated to applying these lessons, sharing knowledge across our company, and driving innovation in the logistics and transportation industry.
Because at AAM Network Inc., learning never stops — and that’s what keeps us unstoppable.
