RICA to exhibit at Breakbulk Americas 2026 in Houston

The Railway Industrial Clearance Association will bring its heavy and dimensional cargo expertise to Breakbulk Americas 2026 on Sept. 22-23 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. RICA plans to use the event to expand its membership, share industry knowledge and connect with a broader project cargo audience.

Why it matters: - RICA is positioning itself as a hub for the specialized know-how needed to move heavy and dimensional cargo safely and efficiently. - Breakbulk Americas 2026 gives RICA access to a large project cargo audience, including more than 6,000 industry professionals and 440 global shippers from nearly 70 countries. - The event could help RICA bring in new companies and younger transportation professionals.

What happened: - The Railway Industrial Clearance Association will exhibit at Breakbulk Americas 2026 on Sept. 22-23 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. - RICA plans to be at Booth T03 during the event. - The association is using the show to highlight the collaboration, education and expertise behind heavy and dimensional transportation.

The details: - RICA has spent more than 50 years creating a forum for professionals involved in heavy and dimensional cargo movement. - The association now has more than 400 members and continues to grow. - RICA’s membership includes Class I and short-line railroads, shippers, ports, riggers, heavy-haul carriers, barge and steamship lines, expeditors and other specialized transportation professionals. - Members use the organization to share knowledge, resources and practical solutions. - The association also gives members a way to strengthen cooperation across the transportation chain and solve problems during planning and execution of complex shipments. - Grant Wattman, president of RICA, said the most complex cargo movements require expertise from multiple disciplines. - Wattman said RICA wants to keep growing its community by bringing in new companies and the next generation of transportation professionals. - RICA says education and knowledge-sharing remain central to its mission. - Experienced members share lessons learned while newer members gain exposure to the technical, operational and logistical issues involved in dimensional shipping.

Between the lines: - RICA is using a major industry trade show to make itself more visible beyond its existing member base. - The association’s pitch is not just networking. It is also about building a coordinated workforce for niche transportation jobs that require multiple specialties. - The emphasis on education suggests RICA is trying to preserve institutional knowledge while broadening participation.

What's next: - Current RICA members attending Breakbulk Americas are being urged to stop by, reconnect and introduce colleagues who may want to get involved. - New attendees are invited to meet members, learn about the association and explore participation. - RICA will continue its outreach at the Houston event as part of its broader membership growth effort.