If you’ve ever wished you could sit across the table from the policymakers shaping the future of freight transportation, the 2025 NITL Engage Policy Forum in Washington, DC is your chance. Taking place in October at iconic venues including the National Press Club, Capitol Hill Club, and the U.S. Capitol building, this in-person event is designed for decision-makers in every corner of the logistics industry.
The National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) is bringing together shippers, carriers, port authorities, 3PLs, and transportation executives for two days of high-impact discussions, policy briefings, and networking. For members of the nationwide ACWI warehousing network, this is more than just another industry conference. It’s a rare opportunity to influence national transportation policy, strengthen your industry connections, and bring back insights that can give your company a competitive edge.
Why this event matters right now
The supply chain landscape is shifting fast. Rail regulations like EP711 Reciprocal Switching have seen major legal challenges. Ocean carriers continue to navigate global disruptions, and trucking companies face new emissions and safety regulations. Policy changes on Capitol Hill will shape how freight moves, how much it costs, and how your warehouse or logistics operation must adapt in the next 5 to 10 years.
By attending NITL Engage, you’re not just observing these conversations—you’re part of them. NITL’s mission is to represent the collective voice of transportation stakeholders. The more ACWI members who show up, the more powerful that voice becomes in advocating for policies that support efficient, reliable, and affordable freight movement.
The ACWI connection
ACWI members operate in an ecosystem where warehouse logistics services depend on the smooth interplay of highway, rail, ocean, and port infrastructure. Policy decisions made in Washington can directly affect delivery timelines, storage needs, inventory planning, and customer satisfaction.
At NITL Engage, you can:
- Join peer-to-peer discussions with senior decision makers from railroads, trucking firms, ocean carriers, and port authorities.
- Hear directly from lawmakers and regulators about upcoming rules that could affect third-party logistics providers and shippers.
- Share your operational challenges so policymakers understand how legislation impacts real-world logistics.
What you’ll experience
1. Access to policymakers
Sessions are held in close proximity to where the decisions happen—the U.S. Capitol itself. This proximity offers unique opportunities for face-to-face dialogue with Congressional staff, agency officials, and industry regulators.
2. Industry-shaping discussions
The 2025 agenda is designed around “Focus on the Future,” which means you’ll explore how to position your organization for long-term success. Expect deep dives into regulatory trends, infrastructure investment, sustainability mandates, and global trade policy.
3. High-value networking
From Fortune 500 company executives to emerging logistics leaders, the attendee list is stacked with professionals who can help you open new partnerships or strengthen existing supply chain relationships. Whether over coffee at the National Press Club or during receptions on Capitol Hill, you’ll make connections that count.
4. Peer-to-peer operations insights
Learning isn’t limited to the speaker podium. The forum is structured for two-way engagement, where shippers, carriers, and 3PLs trade strategies and share best practices for improving efficiency and adapting to new rules.
Who should be in the room
While the event is open to all transportation stakeholders, certain ACWI members will find it especially valuable:
- Highway, ocean, and rail shippers
- Executives from trucking companies and port authorities
- Leaders of warehouse distribution management companies
- Non-profit executives in trade and transportation
- Rail and ocean carriers looking to understand shipper perspectives
If your business touches freight movement in any form, this forum has direct implications for your operations and your customers.
Why ACWI members should participate
Your customers care about policy outcomes—even if they don’t talk about it. Whether it’s demurrage rules at ports, truck driver hours-of-service limits, or rail access regulations, these policies trickle down to impact cost, delivery speed, and reliability. Attending NITL Engage helps you anticipate changes and adapt before competitors do.
Your presence helps shape the conversation. ACWI represents a powerful (and growing) segment of the logistics sector. By showing up in force, we demonstrate to policymakers that independent warehouses and 3PLs are engaged and integral to a healthy national supply chain.
You’ll come back with actionable intelligence. Beyond the big-picture policy themes, the conversations you’ll have in hallways, breakout rooms, and evening receptions can yield concrete solutions to your current operational challenges.
Tips for making the most of the forum
- Review the agenda early and highlight sessions most relevant to your sector, whether that’s rail regulation, trucking policy, or ocean freight rules.
- Schedule one-on-one meetings with key contacts before you arrive—spots fill up fast during events in DC.
- Bring a policy “wish list” from your company or ACWI peers so you can clearly articulate needs to lawmakers and regulators.
- Follow up immediately after the event with new connections to keep the momentum going.
Final word
The 2025 NITL Engage Policy Forum is not just another date on the industry calendar. For ACWI members, it’s an investment in influence, insight, and industry leadership. The relationships you build and the knowledge you gain in Washington can shape your strategic decisions for years to come.
If you’re serious about keeping your warehouse or logistics operation competitive in a changing regulatory landscape, you’ll want to be in DC this October.
Learn more and register through the official NITL site: 2025 NITL Engage Policy Forum
ABOUT ACWI: The American Chain of Warehouses, Inc. (ACWI) is a nationwide network of third-party logistics providers offering warehousing services, distribution management, and fulfillment solutions across the United States. For shippers, ACWI makes it simple to find trusted third-party logistics providers with strategic warehouse locations to handle value added logistics, pick and pack services, food-grade warehousing, and rail-served distribution facilities. For independent warehouse operators, ACWI membership connects you with a nationwide network of peers and potential customers. Members benefit from business referrals, shared resources, marketing support, and a collective industry voice on transportation policy issues. By joining ACWI, you gain visibility, credibility, and opportunities to grow your customer base.For more information about ACWI warehousing and logistics services or how to join the network, get in touch and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.