FreightWeekSTL 2026 Set for June 8–12

Take a deeper dive into venture investment in the evolving logistics and supply chain landscape. The discussion will explore recent advances by portfolio companies, the role of AI, robotics and automation in freight, and how geopolitical risk and reshoring are shaping investment decisions. The session will also highlight what positions the St. Louis region as a competitive hub for supply chain innovation.

Learn about We Work the Waterways and its role in building the future workforce for America’s inland waterways. Panelists will explore how the organization is expanding awareness of maritime careers through hands-on events, in-school programs and accessible resources, strengthening industry partnerships, and connecting students and job seekers to real-world opportunities across the river freight system.

Join us for a tour of Intramotev’s headquarters and production facility in St. Louis and learn how the company’s innovative rail technologies are transforming freight movement through the deployment of autonomous, battery-powered solutions. CEO Tim Luchini will conduct a demo showing one of the autonomous vehicles in motion, share details regarding Intramotev’s latest milestones and discuss how their innovations can improve efficiency, safety and flexibility.

Tours of Ingram’s terminal facilities and the Mel Price Lock and Dam, coupled with presentations, will enable legislators and their staff to gain a better understanding of the value of the inland waterways, the businesses that operate on them, and their interconnectivity with other modes of freight transportation. Hosted by Ingram, Waterways Council, Inc., and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (Closed Event)

Gain insight into global trade dynamics and their implications for North American freight networks. The conversation will address economic trends, geopolitical factors, and shifting trade flows shaping demand across modes. We’ll also explore the role of Foreign Trade Zones and learn how the St. Louis region is playing a part in helping to address the latest supply chain disruptions.

This session will explore how public and private sector partners work together to keep freight moving safely and reliably on the Mississippi River. Leaders from American Commercial Barge Line and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will discuss barge operations in the St. Louis region, the role of river engineering and maintenance, and how ongoing coordination supports navigation, economic competitiveness and system resilience.

This timely conversation will focus on the forces shaping U.S. agricultural commodity markets and what they mean for barge traffic and multimodal freight along the inland waterways. Drawing on market data and real‑world shipper dynamics, the discussion will explore export trends, river conditions, infrastructure reliability and global trade pressures, while highlighting how the St. Louis region’s exceptional river‑rail connectivity can be leveraged more fully. The session will offer practical insight into what shippers, carriers and terminal operators should be watching over the next 12–24 months as they plan investments and capacity decisions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gather in person with other industry leaders aboard a riverboat docked on the St. Louis Riverfront for a keynote address by Tracy Zea, President and CEO of Waterways Council, Inc.

Titled Investing in our Inland Waterways: Strengthening Freight Competitiveness, the keynote conversation with Zea will explore the critical role of inland waterways for supply chain reliability, economic competitiveness and long-term freight system resilience. It also will highlight the importance of renewed investment in inland waterways infrastructure and priorities that will deliver the greatest return on investment.

The event will also feature the release of the 2027 Priority Projects List, a valuable tool used to advocate for support and funding for critical infrastructure improvements that strengthen the St. Louis region’s position as a world-class freight and logistics hub for national and global supply chains.

Gain insights from the recently commissioned Freight Rail Efficiency study for the St. Louis region as panelists delve into the data-driven methodology, cross-jurisdictional scope and extensive stakeholder engagement shaping its findings. The discussion will explore how technical analysis of rail network condition, performance, safety and commodity flows was paired with on-the-ground input to build a shared regional understanding of challenges and opportunities. Speakers will examine how this collaborative, bi-state process created a common framework to align regional priorities and position the region for coordinated freight rail planning.

Please note: If interested in going on the Ag Coast Riverboat Cruise immediately following this session, please register for that event separately as there is a cost involved with that event.

Hosted by the St. Louis Regional Freightway, this popular cruise will highlight key freight assets and opportunities that position the St. Louis region as a thriving freight and logistics hub with global access. The curated tour will provide an up-close look at critical elements of the region’s multimodal freight network, including roads and bridges, rail and barge facilities, multimodal freight transfer services, and the ports and infrastructure that have made this section of the Mississippi River the Ag Coast of America. Industry representatives will also be on board to provide insight on the tremendous career opportunities available in the freight and logistics industries. Light refreshments and lunch options will be available for purchase.

Register to receive the digital release of the latest Industrial Real Estate Market Report for the St. Louis region highlighting market fundamentals, current labor figures, and recent trends in construction and development that illustrate how this region continues to support growth in the manufacturing industry and associated supply chain and logistics operations. The report will explore the role of Interstate 44 as a key aerospace supply chain corridor for the nation. New data on the region’s targeted industry sectors will also be spotlighted.

We’ll close out FreightWeekSTL 2026 with a virtual session celebrating the 10th anniversary of St. Louis Regional Freightway’s official launch. Join us for a Top-10 countdown of the biggest milestones from the Freightway’s first decade. The panel will deliver quick, story‑driven highlights, ranging from the creation of the Priority Projects List and the Merchants Bridge achievement to branding the Ag Coast of America and launching the St. Louis Regional Aerospace and Aviation Task Force. Learn how a commitment to collaboration has turned ideas into measurable momentum for the bi‑state region.