CLDA Members are encouraged to share news about their company. CLDA may share on social media, in newsletters or the Customized Logistics & Delivery Magazine.
Ready to share your news with CLDA or the industry media? Learn from these tips and tricks on how to get noticed.
One of the greatest assets within CLDA isn’t found in a program, a platform, or an event.
It’s the collective knowledge of our members.
Every day, leaders across our association are solving challenges, discovering new approaches, and gaining valuable experience. When that knowledge is shared, our entire industry benefits. That’s the power of education, and it’s one of the reasons it remains a core pillar of CLDA.
Education at CLDA happens year-round. Through our Resource Center, members can access webinars, past conference sessions, and valuable industry content whenever they need it. Our newsletter is another example of that commitment, bringing insights and expertise directly to your inbox each month.
What makes these resources especially valuable is the people behind them. Our speakers, authors, panelists, and contributors understand the unique challenges of customized logistics and delivery because they live them every day. Their willingness to share what they’ve learned helps all of us grow stronger together.
As our industry continues to evolve, so must we. I encourage you to take advantage of CLDA’s educational resources and, when the opportunity arises, share your own knowledge with fellow members.
Thank you to everyone who contributes their time, expertise, and experience to strengthen our community. Together, we are elevating our industry through the power of shared learning.
Lorena Camargo
CLDA President
Learn more and get involved with CLDA today!
Leadership, advocacy, and industry engagement continued to drive CLDA forward throughout the month of May.
This month brought important opportunities for CLDA leadership to engage in conversations and initiatives that continue strengthening our association and supporting our members.
Earlier this month, our Executive Director, Michael Wright, and I participated in ASAE’s governance training alongside association leaders from a variety of industries across the country. The experience provided valuable insight into governance best practices, strategic leadership, and organizational growth.
Investing in leadership development is an important part of ensuring CLDA continues to evolve and serve our members effectively. The training reinforced the importance of thoughtful planning, strong governance, and member-focused leadership as we continue shaping the future of our association and the industry we represent. We also came away with several valuable tools and ideas that will help guide our strategic planning session with the Board later this summer.
CLDA was also well represented at Home Delivery World this month alongside Regina Robuck, our Industry Relations Representative. The conference brought together leaders from across the delivery, logistics, retail, and final mile sectors to discuss the future of our industry, including operational challenges, emerging technologies, customer expectations, and security concerns impacting carriers nationwide.
While attending the conference, I had the opportunity to moderate a panel discussion on parcel theft, one of the most pressing challenges facing carriers, retailers, and customers today. It was encouraging to hear meaningful conversations centered around collaboration, prevention strategies, and protecting the integrity of the delivery experience.
What stood out most throughout these conversations was how rapidly the delivery and final mile industry continues to evolve. From security concerns and operational challenges to innovation and customer expectations, it’s clear our industry is being asked to adapt faster than ever before.
Experiences like these help ensure CLDA remains actively engaged and continues bringing meaningful insight, advocacy, and opportunities back to our members.
Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and commitment to CLDA. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue building momentum and moving our industry forward together. Your involvement and participation continue to play an important role in the strength and success of our association.
Lorena Camargo
CLDA President
Learn more and get involved with CLDA today!
As we move further into 2026, one thing is clear: our industry continues to evolve, and with that evolution comes both opportunity and responsibility.
This month, I had the privilege of joining fellow CLDA members in Washington, D.C. for our annual Fly-In. It was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we show up together with a unified voice.
During our time on Capitol Hill, we met with legislators and staff to advocate for our industry, specifically around the Department of Labor’s proposed changes to the definition of independent contractors. This issue is critical to the future of our businesses and the flexibility that has long been a cornerstone of the final mile and logistics sector.
We shared real-world insights on how these changes could impact our operations, our workforce, and ultimately the customers who rely on us every day. These conversations matter. Advocacy like this ensures that decision-makers understand not just policy, but the people and businesses behind it.
I’m incredibly proud of the members who participated. Your willingness to engage, educate, and represent our industry at this level speaks volumes about the strength of this association.
Advocacy at this level is essential, and it requires ongoing support. I encourage you to support the CLDA Advocacy Fund so we can continue showing up, sharing our perspective, and representing our industry where it matters most.
Support the CLDA Advocacy Fund
As we close out April and reflect on National Volunteer Month, I want to recognize and thank the individuals who help move CLDA forward behind the scenes. Our committees are where ideas turn into action and where members have a direct hand in shaping the future of our association. If you have been considering getting involved, there is no better time to step in.
Planning for our next conference is already underway, and there are many opportunities to contribute. Join a committee, share your perspective, and help drive the initiatives that move our association forward.
If you missed it, I encourage you to take a moment to watch our breakout session from this past FMF that highlights what it means to serve on a committee, how these groups work alongside the Board to advance CLDA’s mission and the relationships and connections built through active participation.
Beyond advocacy and engagement, I continue to hear from many of you about the day-to-day realities you are navigating, including rising operational costs, increasing customer expectations, and the ongoing need to balance speed, compliance, and service quality. These challenges are real and shared across our network. So is the resilience that defines this industry.
As we look ahead, I encourage each of you to stay engaged. Participate, connect, and contribute. The strength of CLDA has always come from its members.
Thank you for the work you do every day and for the role you play in keeping critical supply chains moving.
Together, we are not just adapting. We are helping shape what comes next. Take action with CLDA!
Lorena Camargo
CLDA President
I’m honored to begin my term as CLDA President and grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization that has played such a pivotal role in my journey. CLDA has been invaluable for me, connecting me with peers, mentors, and ideas that have shaped our success and continue to inspire me. I am committed to helping CLDA remain a supportive and inspiring community for all members.
Thank you for being a member and for your ongoing support. Your participation, feedback, and dedication are what make CLDA such a vibrant and thriving community.
As we look ahead, I encourage you to get involved and make your voice heard. Join a committee, participate in an event, or reach out with ideas. By contributing — through your time, insights, or advocacy donations — you help strengthen our association, support the success of our member companies, and ensure CLDA can continue advancing industry priorities and creating opportunities across our community.
During my term, I will focus on supporting members, fostering innovation, and creating industry connections. Whether you are a longtime member or just discovering CLDA, there is a place for you here, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together.
Here’s to the next two years of growth, collaboration, and celebrating the people and companies who make this community so special. I look forward to learning from you, serving alongside you, and accomplishing great things together.
Lorena Camargo
CLDA President
The Final Mile Forum is more than an annual event. It’s a gathering of leaders, innovators, and partners who shape the future of last-mile delivery. FMF26, happening February 18–20 at the Austin Downtown Marriott, brings together a community where connection is the new currency and where the relationships you build can elevate your business long after the conference ends.
Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or joining us for the first time, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are practical, high-impact tips to help you get the most value from your time at this year’s Final Mile Forum.
FMF26 is packed with sessions, panels, networking events, and exhibitor opportunities. Reviewing the agenda before you arrive helps you stay focused and intentional. Identify:
• Sessions that align with your company’s goals
• Speakers you want to learn from
• Times when you can explore the exhibit hall
• Moments to recharge so you can stay fully engaged
A clear plan helps you make smarter decisions onsite while still leaving room for spontaneous conversations that often become the most rewarding part of the Final Mile Forum.
The FMF26 exhibit hall is one of the most valuable spaces at the conference. It’s where new tools, technologies, and partnerships come to life. Don’t just browse. Engage.
• Ask exhibitors what business challenges their solutions help solve
• Look for partners that can strengthen your service offerings
• Share your operational goals so exhibitors can match their insights to your needs
Remember, this is a community-driven event. Every exhibitor is here because they serve your industry’s challenges, growth, and evolution.
FMF26 is built on the idea that who you know is how you grow. Before arriving in Austin, make a short list:
• People you want to reconnect with
• New partners or peers you’d like to meet
• Companies you want to learn more about
Make a point to introduce yourself, ask questions, and exchange contact information. Even a brief interaction can lead to long-term partnerships. In the final mile world, relationships build ROI, and the Final Mile Forum is the ideal place to invest in them.
This year’s event is in the heart of downtown Austin, one of the country’s most vibrant and innovative cities. Use the surroundings to maximize your experience:
• Host a coffee chat with a new connection at a local café
• Explore Austin’s food scene after sessions wrap
• Take a walk around Lady Bird Lake or South Congress to reset before another full day
Austin’s creativity and energy are the perfect setting for fresh ideas and dynamic conversations.
FMF26 is interactive by design. During sessions, panels, and discussions:
• Ask questions
• Share your perspective
• Provide insights from your company’s experience
You play a role in shaping the event’s value. The more you engage, the more you’ll take away.
Your FMF26 experience doesn’t end when you leave Austin. Strengthen new connections by following up within a few days:
• Send a brief note or message
• Share a resource or idea you discussed
• Offer to continue the conversation
This simple step turns quick introductions into lasting business relationships.
Once you’re home, share what you learned. Consider:
• A short team presentation
• A recap email
• Recommended next steps based on event insights
FMF26 can spark new ideas, but real transformation happens when you bring those ideas back to your organization.
The Final Mile Forum is a unique space where industry knowledge, innovation, and relationships intersect. It’s where leaders challenge assumptions, explore new solutions, and build the kind of partnerships that push our industry forward.
By preparing with intention, showing up with curiosity, and engaging fully, you’ll walk away from FMF26 not just informed but inspired.
Registration is open now for the 2026 Final Mile Forum, taking place February 18–20 in Austin. Early bird discounts end December 31, 2025, and discounted flights and hotel rooms are available through the CLDA event block.
Secure your spot today and make FMF26 the most impactful final mile forum of your year.
Before attendees arrive in Austin for FMF26, we want to give our community a glimpse into the city that will host the industry’s premier Austin final mile conference February 18–20. Understanding the spirit of a destination helps set the tone for meaningful conversations and stronger connections, and Austin is a place where history, innovation, and culture all come together. This look at Austin’s story offers a sense of what makes the city special and why it’s the perfect backdrop for the relationships and growth that define the Final Mile Forum.
Austin’s rise from a quiet riverside settlement to one of the nation’s most dynamic innovation hubs is a story rooted in resilience and creativity. It’s a city known for big ideas, bold thinking, and a culture that fuels collaboration. As the 2026 Final Mile Forum heads to the Austin Downtown Marriott, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the history, personality, and fun facts that make this destination unforgettable.
Long before Austin became the thriving capital we know today, the region was home to Indigenous peoples including the Tonkawa, Comanche, and Lipan Apache. They settled along the Colorado River, drawn to the natural springs and abundant resources of the area.
In the 1830s, settlers arrived and founded a small community called Waterloo. Its scenic hills and central location quickly drew the attention of leaders of the Republic of Texas, who selected it as the new capital in 1839. The town was renamed Austin in honor of Stephen F. Austin, the Father of Texas. Even then, the area’s promise was clear. It was a place built for new beginnings and steady growth.
As Austin grew throughout the nineteenth century, it took shape around Congress Avenue and what would become the downtown core. The Texas State Capitol, completed in 1888 and still one of the most iconic buildings in Texas, symbolized the city’s rising prominence. Its pink granite façade and commanding presence highlighted Austin’s role as the political heart of Texas.
Even as railroads expanded and commerce grew, Austin developed a personality all its own. Its creative spirit, independent thinking, and open-minded culture became defining elements of the city’s identity.
Today, Austin is known for its booming tech economy, but music remains one of its strongest cultural pillars. The roots of Austin’s music scene stretch back to the early twentieth century, but it was the 1970s that truly put the city on the map. Venues like the Armadillo World Headquarters helped build a thriving environment for live performance, fostering community and creativity among musicians and fans.
By the early 1990s, Austin had more live music venues per capita than any other city in the country. It earned the title Live Music Capital of the World, a name that still shapes the city’s energy today. Visitors can find music playing in coffee shops, bars, restaurants, outdoor stages, and iconic venues every night of the week.
For FMF26 attendees, that means there’s no shortage of spots to explore after a day of sessions, conversations, and networking.
Austin’s evolution into a global tech and innovation powerhouse is one of the city’s most remarkable transformations. The phrase Silicon Hills first emerged in the 1990s as established and emerging tech companies began planting roots across the region. Today, Austin is home to leaders in software, logistics, energy, and advanced manufacturing. It regularly ranks among the top U.S. cities for startups and business growth.
The city is built on innovation and forward thinking, offering a natural backdrop for conversations about logistics, technology, customer expectations, and the future of last-mile delivery. FMF26 attendees will find themselves surrounded by a city that shares their passion for efficiency, ingenuity, and continuous improvement.
One of Austin’s most enduring traits is its people. The city thrives on diversity, creativity, and collaboration. Its unofficial slogan, Keep Austin Weird, started as a grassroots effort to support small businesses. It has since become a rallying cry that celebrates individuality, authenticity, and local pride.
That same spirit of community reflects the values at the heart of FMF26. Connection is the new currency, and Austin is a place where conversations spark ideas, where partnerships grow naturally, and where people discover new ways to elevate their work.
Austin’s culinary scene is a standout in its own right. From food trucks offering global flavors to legendary barbecue joints like Franklin Barbecue, the city invites visitors to explore, taste, and enjoy. Tex-Mex, tacos, southern comfort food, craft coffee, local breweries, and upscale dining all blend into one unforgettable experience.
But food is just the beginning. Austin’s cultural landscape is filled with public art, murals, museums, outdoor installations, and creative neighborhoods. Visitors can explore the Blanton Museum of Art, walk the trails at Lady Bird Lake, relax in Zilker Park, or wander through the shops and restaurants of South Congress.
And for anyone looking to truly experience Austin, don’t miss the famous Congress Avenue Bridge bat flight at sunset, one of the most unique natural scenes in the country.
Here are a few memorable facts to bring up during a coffee break or networking session at FMF26:
• Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, with over 1.5 million bats living under the Congress Avenue Bridge.
• The Texas State Capitol is actually taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
• Austin was the first city in Texas to launch curbside composting.
• Barton Springs Pool is fed entirely by natural springs and stays around 68–70 degrees year-round.
• Austin FC, the city’s MLS team, has one of the most passionate fan communities in the league.
• Austin’s food truck culture is one of the biggest in the world.
• South by Southwest, now a global gathering for film, tech, and music, began as a small local event.
Each fact adds another layer to the story of a city that’s both dynamic and deeply rooted in creativity.
Hosting the 2026 Final Mile Forum in Austin makes perfect sense. The city mirrors the forward momentum of the final mile industry and represents the power of community. Austin fosters innovation, celebrates collaboration, and thrives on meaningful connection. It’s a place where who you know is how you grow, and where relationships build ROI.
As the industry gathers to discuss trends, tackle challenges, share success stories, and build new partnerships, Austin provides the ideal backdrop. Attendees will leave inspired by the city, by the people they meet, and by the ideas exchanged throughout the event.
FMF26 takes place February 18–20, 2026 at the Austin Downtown Marriott. Registration is open now, and early bird discounts run through December 31, 2025. Discounted hotel rooms and flights from Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines are also available.
Make Austin part of your story. Register today for FMF26 and join us at the premier Austin final mile conference where new connections fuel lasting growth.
The final mile is changing fast and staying ahead requires more than hard work and operational know-how. It takes insight, collaboration, and the ability to learn from the leaders who are navigating the same challenges you are.
That’s why the 2026 Final Mile Forum (FMF26) is built around one core idea:
Connection is the New Currency.
This year’s program brings together shippers, carriers, and solution partners for three days of education and networking that’s practical, forward-looking, and grounded in real-world experience. Whether you’re focused on growth, optimization, or delivering exceptional customer service, FMF26’s lineup will give you the tools and the relationships to make it happen.
Hear directly from the shippers who shape expectations across the final mile. FMF26 shipper connections are the name of the game! These panels are designed for their honesty, energy, and insight by offering an unfiltered look at what customers really want and how providers can deliver. The What Shippers Want panels are:
Because in the final mile, who you know is how you grow — and understanding the shipper mindset is essential.
FMF26 offers a curated mix of sessions that address the trends shaping last-mile delivery, including:
More sessions are being finalized so stay tuned! Every session is built to deliver value you can bring home and use immediately.
Some of the most valuable moments at FMF26 happen around the roundtable. In Carrier Roundtables, peers dig into the real issues, including workforce, operations, technology, customer demands, and walk away with solutions they can use immediately. In Shipper Roundtables, shippers and partners sit down together for open, honest discussion you won’t find anywhere else.
These sessions deliver education, clarity, and connection all at once — proving that who you know is how you grow and your network is your net worth.
And with Austin as our backdrop, inspiration comes easy. Expect an event filled with education, music, culture, and connection — all designed to fuel your next stage of growth.
🎯 Join us in Austin for FMF26, February 18–20, 2026. Early Bird registration is open through December 31, 2025.
👉 Secure your spot now.
Register now!
February 18–20, 2026 | Austin Downtown Marriott | Austin, TX
In the final mile, connection isn’t optional — it’s everything. That’s why there’s no event quite like the 2026 Final Mile Forum (FMF26). Hosted by the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA), FMF26 brings together carriers, shippers, technology providers, and industry leaders to share ideas, solve challenges, and strengthen the partnerships that move our industry forward.
This year, we’re heading to Austin, Texas, where innovation and energy meet opportunity. Over three powerful days, FMF26 will spark collaboration, deliver insight, and connect you with the people who are shaping what’s next in last-mile delivery.
Unmatched Networking: From receptions and roundtables to golf and Go-Karts, FMF26 offers countless ways to connect. Because who you know is how you grow.
Industry-Leading Education: Dive into shipper panels, general sessions, and discussions that explore trends, technology, and strategies driving the final mile.
Hands-On Access: Meet the partners, solutions, and innovators helping companies streamline operations and scale smarter.
The Austin Experience: Enjoy live music, world-class dining, and the vibrant energy of one of America’s most exciting cities.
FMF26 isn’t just about what you’ll learn — it’s about who you’ll meet. Every handshake, every conversation, every idea shared in Austin is an investment in your business. Because in this industry, your network truly is your net worth.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a CLDA veteran, you’ll leave FMF26 with actionable ideas, lasting relationships, and a renewed sense of possibility.
🎯 Join us in Austin, February 18–20, 2026.
Early bird registration is open now through December 31, 2025. Secure your spot today!
As we reach the midpoint of the year, we’re excited to share a few highlights from an active and impactful spring season for CLDA and our members.
This spring, we expanded awareness of CLDA and its member companies at key industry events. In April, Mark Cossack, Board member and Government Affairs Committee Chair, and Harold Boyett, Board member, presented CLDA’s vital advocacy efforts at the ECA Marketplace, encouraging attendees to get involved and help strengthen our industry voice. We also had a strong presence at Home Delivery World in its new location in Nashville, where CLDA President, Joel Pinsky, joined a panel discussion and connected with potential affiliate partners. In June, Harold Boyett represented CLDA at TEANA’s Annual Conference to continue elevating our advocacy work.
This outreach is part of CLDA’s broader mission to foster collaboration across the final-mile industry and highlight the essential work of our members.
On the regulatory front, we are continuing to coordinate feedback from our IAC (Indirect Air Carrier) members to ensure the final-mile sector’s voice is represented in conversations with the TSA. This follows a productive set of meetings between CLDA members and TSA officials in Washington, D.C., earlier this year at our annual fly-in.
We’re also proud to report strong engagement through our CLDA Connect events. Our most recent gathering in Austin, Texas brought together nearly 60 final-mile professionals for an evening of networking and community-building. Special thanks to GigSafe for hosting us at their headquarters! If you’re interested in hosting a future Connect event, we’d love to hear from you.
Looking ahead, the Final Mile Forum Reimagining Task Force worked hard to shape what promises to be the most dynamic and engaging FMF yet. Mark your calendars for February 18–20, 2026, in Austin, Texas! The FMF Committee is focused on the future, including the future of the event, of your business, and of our industry. Stay tuned for updates as details are finalized.
Finally, we’re thrilled to welcome almost 100 new carriers, affiliate partners, shippers and drivers as members to the CLDA community! As our industry continues to evolve, your engagement with CLDA ensures you stay connected, informed, and ahead of the curve.
Thank you for being an essential part of the CLDA community. We wish you a safe and enjoyable summer and we look forward to continuing our work together in the months ahead.
As we wrap up an exciting year for CLDA and the final mile industry, I’m proud to highlight some of the key ways we’ve supported our members through education, networking, and advocacy. Together, we’ve made meaningful strides in strengthening our industry and providing resources to help our members succeed.
At the 2024 Final Mile Forum, we welcomed professionals from across the industry for unparalleled networking and business-building opportunities. The energy, insights, and connections forged during FMF exemplify the value of coming together as an industry. We look forward to continuing this momentum at the 2025 Final Mile Forum in San Diego, where we aim to provide even more opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Our advocacy efforts were elevated in March through our Washington, DC fly-in, where members met with policymakers to discuss issues impacting our industry. These efforts are crucial in shaping the legislative and regulatory environment to support the success of final mile logistics companies. Your engagement in these initiatives amplifies our collective voice and ensures the industry’s priorities remain front and center. We couldn’t do this without your donations to the Advocacy Fund. Thank you to everyone that has donated this year.
CLDA members’ input through our membership survey has been instrumental in guiding our strategic direction. We’re using your feedback to develop collaborative initiatives with related organizations, such as ECA, Manifest, and Home Delivery World. We are strengthened and adding programs that deliver value to members. We continue to identify opportunities to meet the evolving needs of our members. These insights shape our focus for 2025 and beyond, ensuring that we continue to provide education, networking, and advocacy tailored to your priorities.
We enjoyed coming together for our first CLDA Connect event in September held in Atlanta. This opportunity allowed us valuable facetime with members and volunteers. We look forward to hosting more networking events on location in 2025.
We recently completed our Board of Director election, reflecting the dedication of our members in shaping the future of our association. Your votes contribute to creating a Board of Directors that represent the diverse needs and aspirations of our industry.
None of this could be possible without members volunteering their time and talents to CLDA. As we continue to grow, we encourage members to volunteer for a committee or work group to help shape CLDA and the programs and benefits that serve our Association membership.
Thank you for your ongoing engagement and support. Together, we are building a stronger future for CLDA and the final mile logistics industry.
