Freightology

Content Channel – Freightology: Transformative Ideas in Transportation

Quick hitting 20 minute presentations by industry thought leaders exploring transformative, thought provoking information, innovations, and ideas in freight transportation.

This Content Channel is recommended for: All Industry Participants

Please view the Freightology sessions in the full Schedule. Click here to view >

Tuesday

Activities
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Registration Open

Union Station Lobby
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Golf Outing - Maple Creek Golf Course

Maple Creek Golf Course
10:30 Shuttle pick up – Crowne Plaza Lobby

11:00 am – Golf registration and lunch

12:00 pm – Shotgun Start

5:00pm – Shuttle pick up – back to Crowne Plaza
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Lunch Buffet

Located in the Union Station - Exhibit Hall West

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Opening Reception - Sponsored by Trinity Rail

The Opening Reception is held at the Grand Hall Bar in the Crowne Plaza on Tuesday, September 11th from 6:30-8:30 PM . Please join the FTR Staff and conference attendees in this kick-off reception and beneficial networking opportunity.
Tuesday

Transportation 101 & Freightology - Illinois Street Ballroom East

Avery Vise
Todd Tranausky
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Transportation 101 - Overview

Overview of Freight Transportation Marketplace
Fundamentals of Freight will begin by providing attendees with a high level profile and exploration of the freight transportation markets. Following this overview, participants will break into two groups -- (1) rail and intermodal, and (2) trucking -- for 90 minutes of presentation and discussion. We encourage trucking executives to utilize this opportunity to better understand rail and intermodal, and vice-versa.

Todd Tranausky
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Transportation 101 - Rail & Intermodal Track

Topics to be addressed include: · The economic and regulatory factors behind the industry’s evolution · The varied equipment types and commodities moved by each mode · Present trends in freight transportation and a brief look at what to expect going forward

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Freightology Sessions

Concurrent sessions running every 30 minutes, exploring transformative ideas in transportation.

Jonathan Starks
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Conference Kickoff: Maximizing Your Conference Experience

Whether you are a first time or returning attendee, you are looking to make the most of your time. Meet several of the FTR Experts who will be leading the charge and let us give you insight into how the depth and breadth of knowledge presented at the conference can help you and your organization. Unsure of what sessions to attend? We will give you the lowdown of what we will be focusing on in each content channel to help you schedule those sessions that will give you maximum benefit.

John Schmitter
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

How Technology Will Change Rail Economics

North American railroads have invested billions of dollars in new technology, Positive Train Control, wayside car inspection systems, drones, automated track inspections, and more. What else is coming? What has been/will be the impact of technology on rail costs? Will technology investments help the railroads improve service enabling faster growth in revenue? We will explore the likely impact of technology on both rail costs and revenue?

Bill Witte
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

What Shifting Demographics Mean for Commerce

As we approach the peak of the baby boomer retirements combined with fewer young workers entering the workforce, there are clear implications to labor and commerce. This shift is affecting purchasing habits, consumer demands, inventory needs, and transportation demand. Likewise, this change will have a clear impact when the economy slows in the future, as declines will not be uniform across industries and demographic subpopulations.

Rick Mihelic
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Electric Vehicles - Charging the Future of Freight

Production commercial electric vehicles are entering the market from upstart newcomers and well-known truck OEMs. Electric vehicles are not the solution for every freight segment, but they are viable alternatives for specific duty cycles. Advances in this technology are rapid. Electric trucks will grow into wider uses as the technology matures and confidence replaces speculation. Arguments for and against electric trucks center on weight, technology, cost, and charging/electric grid issues. Join the North American Council for Freight Efficiency’s Director of Future Technologies Studies, Rick Mihelic, as he brings some clarity and insight into this complex topic.

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Modern Micro-Airfreight

Stephan Keese
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Impact of Autonomous Trucks on the US Trucking Industry

Vehicle automation and digitalization will bring disruptive change to the trucking industry over the next decade. New business models like the transfer hub concept will eventually enable the operation of driverless trucks on interstates. The consequent operating cost savings will be significant, ranging from 25- 40% cost reductions compared with today's trucks. In addition, booking platforms will increase the transparency of available capacity and freight rates, and partially pass the operating cost savings on to the end customer. Stephan Keese, Senior Partner at Roland Berger, will explore the scope and timing of these trends and their impact on the logistics industry's structure.

Brad Moore
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Next Generation Railcar Ordering Tools

Advances in technology have allowed shippers more visibility into their supply chains, specifically when railroads will be serving their facilities. This session will look at the existing tools shippers have and what the expectations are for this technology moving forward. It will examine the benefits and possible cost savings enabled by the enhanced visibility carriers can provide shippers to make shipping by rail easier.

Eric Starks
Jonathan Starks
5:45 PM - 6:15 PM

Media Session (Invite ONLY)

Media Only - With the breadth and depth of topics covered during the full conference, this session is designed to provide a road map of how to most effictively cover content from the conference for one's specific readership. This is an excellent opportunity for media members to make initial contact with the FTR industry experts and find additional resources.
Tuesday

Transportation 101 & Freightology - Illinois Street Ballroom West

Avery Vise
Todd Tranausky
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Transportation 101 - Overview (ISB East)

Overview of Freight Transportation Marketplace Fundamentals of Freight will begin by providing attendees with a high level profile and exploration of the freight transportation markets. Following this overview, participants will break into two groups -- (1) rail and intermodal, and (2) trucking -- for 90 minutes of presentation and discussion. We encourage trucking executives to utilize this opportunity to better understand rail and intermodal, and vice-versa.

Avery Vise
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Transportation 101 - Trucking 101

Topics to be addressed include: · The economic and regulatory factors behind the industry’s evolution · The varied equipment types and commodities moved by each mode · Present trends in freight transportation and a brief look at what to expect going forward

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Freightology Sessions

Concurrent sessions running every 30 minutes, exploring transformative ideas in transportation.

Jonathan Starks
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Conference Kickoff: Maximizing Your Conference Experience (ISB-East)

Whether you are a first time or returning attendee, you are looking to make the most of your time. Meet several of the FTR Experts who will be leading the charge and let us give you insight into how the depth and breadth of knowledge presented at the conference can help you and your organization. Unsure of what sessions to attend? We will give you the lowdown of what we will be focusing on in each content channel to help you schedule those sessions that will give you maximum benefit.

Jeff Kauffman
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Alternative Energy Solutions and Vehicles - The Solar Wave Approaches

Although much of the focus on alternative fuel vehicles has been on CNG, LNG, hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell, and electric vehicles, solar energy is increasingly being harnessed either independently or working collectively with other alternative energy solutions for transportation. Solar is breaking new ground and successfully lowering operating costs, increasing vehicle uptime, operating efficiency, and adding to driver satisfaction. It is doing this with the benefit of a quieter, zero carbon emissions footprint. While larger scale adoption of solar solutions may still be in its infancy, it is likely larger than many realize. Is solar part of a combined Hybrid/EV solution that sparks a revolution leading to the decline of diesel as a commercial vehicle energy source? This session will consider the applications, strengths, and weaknesses of the solar option.

Austin Mills
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Cryptocurrency - Why You Should Care!

Cryptocurrency has been a hot topic over the past year, with plenty of grand claims and strong opinions. Some say it is the future of money and commerce more broadly. Others believe it will be a short-lived bubble. However, most still do not understand it, particularly the difference between bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. While only time will tell for sure, the potential implications are certainly significant. We will discuss what cryptocurrency is, how different cryptocurrencies are built to serve different purposes, what the potential benefits of this technology are, and what its current and potential future shortcomings and challenges may be.

Richard Sear
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Sentient Relationships in the World of Autonomy

The Internet of Things has created a separation of humans and machines, despite our willingness to surround ourselves with them. The era of sentient tools will close the gap created by the flooding of hardware and polluted data streams caused by our increasing demand for information. The result will be a need for humans to see data and hardware in an entirely new way. This talk will discuss "transhumanism" and the impact of humans having a deeper symbiotic relationship with machines (especially the autonomous kind). Grounded in data and ethnography (human research), we will look at different personas and expectations for solution providers in the years ahead.

Martin Swany
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Analyzing Big Data with Artificial Intelligence

We are in the midst of a revolution in big data and the artificial intelligence (AI) necessary to tame it. The roots of neural-inspired computational models go back nearly 75 years, but recent changes have brought the notion of neural networks to the forefront. This talk will cover the history and current practice of AI and neural networks. The speaker will also sort out some of the terminology and jargon around modern neural networks and AI.

John Kingston
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Futures of Transportation - Freight Trading as a Commodity

Shipper and carriers have always been exposed to the vagaries of freight rates without any ability to hedge that exposure. John Kingston of FreightWaves will discuss one concept to address this longstanding challenge: A commodity exchange to allow anyone whose finances could be affected by volatile freight rates to protect against big swings in rates

Clayton Slaughter
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Commerce and Privacy - When They Know Everything About You

What are the legal ramifications when a shipper or carrier knows (or has access to) private financial, business, or health information about a client due to connected business practices? Should all members of a shared business chain or "ledger" be responsible for reporting a breach? Are there legal reasons a logistics/shipping company might not want to participate in data sharing in order to preserve company or client privacy? We will cover the privacy issues that keep your legal counsel up at night.

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Spot as a Digital Market Place
Wednesday

State of Freight - Grand Hall

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

Indy Canal Run/Walk

Meet in the Crowne Plaza lobby. Start your day off right with a 3 or 5 mile run, or a 2 mile walk down the Indy canal. A great time to enjoy the beauty of Indianapolis and engage with your colleagues. Participates also receive a complimentary running shirt.

6:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Open

Union Station Lobby

6:30 AM - 8:00 AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a hot breakfast and omelet station before the conference sessions begin.

Eric Starks
8:15 am - 8:30 AM

Conference Welcome

Thank you for joining us for the 2018 FTR Transportation Conference! This introduction to the event will provide insight on special events and activities, sessions, and other great opportunities.

William A. Strauss
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Economic Outlook in an Uncharted Environment

The economy is reaching a timeframe that has traditionally suggested a slowdown is around the corner. However data and current conditions indicate that a softening is not imminent. Exploring current conditions along with risk factors is critical in assessing future growth. Hear from a leading mind on the economy about its impact on manufacturing and whether we've ever seen conditions like this before. Are there historical events that can be used as a guide post for what the future holds, or is this truly uncharted territory?

Bill Witte
Jonathan Starks
9:30 - 10:00

Transportation Update

TBD

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Networking Break

Annette Sandberg
10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Trucking Regulatory Update: ELD Struggles and More

The ELD mandate is now a reality. With the flurry of waiver and exemption requests early in 2018, where do things stand now? Will Hours of Service need to change now that drivers have to honestly record all hours of driving? Annette Sandberg will review the growing pains experienced by fleets as they implemented ELDs, and provide an update on other impending regulatory actions by the FMCSA.

Avery Vise
10:50 AM - 11:10 AM

Trucking Outlook: The FTR Perspective

With the freight market in high gear, the lack of capacity has been the story of the year. But what about the year to come? FTR’s principal trucking analyst shares insights into the trends and outcomes to watch for in 2019.

Avery Vise
Don Daseke
Jeff Tucker
John Janson
Lee Klaskow
Thom Albrecht
11:10 AM - 12:00 PM

Trucking Panel - The Consequences of a Year of Upheaval

The ELD mandate, lost productivity, and a capacity crunch abruptly shifted normal rhythms and procedures in transportation. A panel of senior executives discuss how shippers, carriers, and intermediaries are responding to these challenges.

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Industry Themed Networking Lunch - Sponsored by HDMA

The lunch is divided into industry areas for enhanced networking. This lunch provides good opportunities to find the people you are interested in getting to know.

Bill Mullins
Todd Tranausky
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM

Dispatches from Washington - What to Expect from Regulators

The Surface Transportation Board finally has nominees to fill some of its vacant slots and a permanent chair. It has also started to take a hard look at carriers’ service performances, and could be primed to delve into other long-simmering issues before the board. Two attorneys that practice before the agency debate what to expect from the agency as we end the year and head into 2019.

Todd Tranausky
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM

Rail Outlook: The FTR Perspective

Service on the railroads has been below historical levels this year, but tight truck capacity has limited the ability of shippers to use other modes. This session will detail FTR’s expectations for rail volume growth going forward, along with addressing issues affecting carriers and shippers.

Brian Hancock
Jason Seidl
Mike Bostwick
Nicholas White
Todd Tranausky
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Rail Panel - Challenges and Opportunities in the Carload Sector

The carload sector is poised to benefit from capacity tightness in the trucking sector, but rail service woes could derail those opportunities. This panel of industry thought leaders will examine the risks and opportunities for rail expansion along with the expected outcome for carriers and shippers in the rail carload sector over the coming year.

2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Networking Break

Todd Tranausky
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM

Intermodal Outlook: The FTR Perspective

Domestic trailer growth has outpaced domestic container activity since the end of 2017. The industry is also seeing a trend toward moving international containers intact and a shift to movements through Canadian ports. This session will present FTR’s view of whether these phenomenon will continue, along with other factors that could alter intermodal’s prospects .

Bruce Mann
Ivan Zenovic
Jim Filter
Shelli Austin
Todd Tranausky
Val Noel
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM

Intermodal Panel - Intermodal Outlook for the Year Ahead

A panel of distinguished professionals will look at the outlook for intermodal in the year ahead. They will also examine what trends are expected to continue and what is likely to change in the intermodal landscape. Among the questions this panel will address will be the impact of rail service on intermodal’s competitive position relative to truck.

5:00 PM - 5:45 PM

Invite Only: Speaker Reception and Media Meet & Greet

5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Night at The Pavillion - Sponsored by Truckstop.com

Our primetime event for the 2018 Conference is Night at the Pavilion. This event will be held Wednesday, September 12th, and will consist of dinner, followed by an exciting lineup of casino style games and entertainment fit for all. This is a must attend networking event!
Wednesday

Rail Equipment - Illinois Street Ballroom East

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

Indy Canal Run/Walk

Meet in the Crowne Plaza lobby. Start your day off right with a 3 or 5 mile run, or a 2 mile walk down the Indy canal. A great time to enjoy the beauty of Indianapolis and engage with your colleagues. Participates also receive a complimentary running shirt.

6:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Open

Union Station Lobby

6:30 AM - 8:00 AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a hot breakfast and omelet station before the conference sessions begin.

8:15 AM - 10:00 AM

State of Freight Overview

10:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Networking Break

David Horwitz
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Leasing’s Viewpoint: Will the Market Stay Rational Going Forward?

Hear an industry thought leader discuss the demand expectations on the market for various railcar types, including their challenges and potential growth areas. The session will also look at how fleet utilization and other metrics will affect the leasing market.

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

A Shipper’s Perspective on the Competitive Landscape for Railcars

Hear from an industry leading shipper on his view of the railcar market and whether modal shifts are a serious threat to the demand for rail equipment. This session will also look at the potential for hidden issues in the rail space from trucking changes.

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Industry Themed Networking Lunch - Sponsored by HDMA

The lunch is divided into industry areas for enhanced networking. This lunch provides good opportunities to find the people you are interested in getting to know.

1:15 PM - 3:00 PM

Rail Segment in Grand Hall and Truck and Trailer Equipment Channel

2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Networking Break

Harry Zander
Jonathan Wahba
Patrick Magee
Rob Hart
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

Consumer Markets Panel - The Changing Consumer's Effect on Railcar Demand

The consumer has a significant impact on freight demand. Our panelists examine how changing consumer behavior could alter demand for railcars in the consumer sectors. Equipment markets to be explored will include intermodal cars, autoracks, box cars, coil steel, and more.

George Macko
Greg Schmid
Stefan Loeb
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

Construction and Infrastructure Panel - "Building Up" Car Demand

The construction and infrastructure markets blend business, government, and consumer fundamentals. As such, a resurgence in construction markets could change the outlook for those railcars dependent on building materials. This session will explore equipment for mil gons, center beams, and aggragate cars.

5:00 PM - 5:45 PM

Invite Only: Speaker Reception and Media Meet & Greet

5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Night at The Pavillion - Sponsored by Truckstop.com

Our primetime event for the 2018 Conference is Night at the Pavilion. This event will be held Wednesday, September 12th, and will consist of dinner, followed by an exciting lineup of casino style games and entertainment fit for all. This is a must attend networking event!
Wednesday

Truck & Trailer Equipment - Illinois Street Ballroom West

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

Indy Canal Run/Walk

Meet in the Crowne Plaza lobby. Start your day off right with a 3 or 5 mile run, or a 2 mile walk down the Indy canal. A great time to enjoy the beauty of Indianapolis and engage with your colleagues. Participates also receive a complimentary running shirt.

6:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Open

Union Station Lobby

6:30 AM - 8:00 AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a hot breakfast and omelet station before the conference sessions begin.

8:15 - 10:00 AM

State of Freight Overview

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Networking Break

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Rail Equipment Channel

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Industry Themed Networking Lunch - Sponsored by HDMA

The lunch is divided into industry areas for enhanced networking. This lunch provides good opportunities to find the people you are interested in getting to know.

Eric Starks
1:15 pm - 2:00 PM

Commercial Vehicle Class 8 Equipment Outlook: The FTR Perspective

Commercial Vehicle Class 8 Equipment Outlook: The FTR Perspective

Brent Nussbaum
Chris Kemmer
Kevin Tomlinson
Russ Thompson
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Heavy Truck Fleet Equipment Forum - Adapting to Logistical and Technological Changes

A panel of fleet decision makers will discuss the changes in transportation logistics driven by the increase in e-commerce, and other business and consumer practices. They will address the impacts on equipment spec'ing and overall operations. Mix of vehicles, tractor-trailer ratios, new technologies, and supplier relationships are important factors in evaluating how fleets are looking to 2020 and beyond.

2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Networking Break

Don Ake
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM

FTR Commercial Vehicle Trailer Outlook: The FTR Perspective

The U.S. trailer market has a chance at setting new record highs. However, limits on supplier parts, factory workers, and truck drivers could restrain demand. What do these factors mean for 2019 sales and beyond?

Jeff Kauffman
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Market Outlook: A View from the Street

Get an independent perspective on the outlook for the commercial vehicle sector from a well-respected industry expert. Find out what factors and assumptions are driving the outlook, and compare and contrast this presentation with the FTR forecasts to gain a fuller understanding of the equipment environment.

Chris Kemmer
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm

Fleet Sentiment on Equipment Demand, Business Environment, and Industry Issues

Hear about fleet equipment demand as reported in CKCVR's quarterly Fleet Sentiment survey. This session will explore capacity vs. demand, driver shortages, equipment utilization, and overall business sentiment. Fleet survey results will highlight industry issues such as e-commerce, adoption of electric vehicles, 3-D printing of replacement parts, and intelligent vehicles.

5:00 PM - 5:45 PM

Invite Only: Speaker Reception and Media Meet & Greet

5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Night at The Pavillion - Sponsored by Truckstop.com

Our primetime event for the 2018 Conference is Night at the Pavilion. This event will be held Wednesday, September 12th, and will consist of dinner, followed by an exciting lineup of casino style games and entertainment fit for all. This is a must attend networking event!
Thursday

Shipper, Broker, & Carrier - Grand Hall

5:45 AM - 6:45 AM

Indy Canal Run/Walk

Meet in the Crowne Plaza lobby. Start your day off right with a 3 or 5 mile run, or a 2 mile walk down the Indy canal. A great time to enjoy the beauty of Indianapolis and engage with your colleagues. Participates also receive a complimentary running shirt.

6:30 AM - 8:15 AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a hot breakfast and omelet station before the conference sessions begin.

7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Registration Open

Alan Amling
8:00 am - 8:45 PM

Conference Keynote: The Brave New World of On-Demand Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (aka 3D printing) is coming to your doorstep! Bringing this concept into the consumer and business space has been a challenge over the years. Investments in technology have created an environment that now allows for additive manufacturing in the back of a delivery truck as goods are being transported to your doorstep. Join this session in exploring real world applications of this transformative technology from an industry thought leader who is putting this process into practice today.

Gary York
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Transportation "One-on-One"

FTR's Todd Tranausky sits down with Gary York, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Robinson Fresh, to discuss how shifting trends among customers and transportation providers are shifting how food gets to market. The capacity tightness currently affecting trucking gives rail carriers that have invested in perishables service the opportunity to grow their business, but the preference of consumers for local produce could cap that growth. The rapidly changing marketplace requires transportation to have a voice in the C-Suite of your organization to help it become one of your organization’s core competencies. This session will explore these topics and more and provide insights into how one company is dealing with these changes.

Howard Finkel
Ken O’Brien
Sean Mahoney
Todd Pigeon
William Doyle
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Latest Developments in the Maritime Transportation and Logistics Chain

This wide-ranging panel will address, among other things, the Panama Canal expansion's impact on development new port options; developments at some leading ocean carriers; and shippers' options for negotiating competitive ocean rates.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Networking Break

Brian Cristol
Geoffry Milsom
Lance Healy
Lauren Howard
Paul Newbourne
Ziad Ismail
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Is Visibility a Real Supply Chain Value?

Listen to a panel of industry experts as they talk about what visibility means to different supply chain stakeholders, how each stakeholder group is deriving value from visibility, how they are getting ROI from visibility and what the future of transportation technology is evolving towards.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Executive Lunch

Avery Vise
Bob Fatovic
John Hill, Jr.
John Larkin
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

The Last Mile - A Changing Landscape

There was a time when “last mile” was just a tiny transportation niche. No more. The surge in online purchasing has shifted much of the transportation, once provided by the consumer, to commercial providers and exploded consumer expectations on delivery time frames. This panel will discuss how last mile is transforming the entire transportation sector.

Mary Pileggi
Meredith Neizer
Todd Tranausky
Travis Krous
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Shipper's Strategy Panel - Assessing Modal Shift

An astute panel of shippers from across multiple sectors discusses how the capacity situation is affecting their modal balance between rail, truck and inland barge. They will discuss risks in their supply chains and how they are able to factor risk into the price and capacity situation shippers face. The panel will also assess the capacity and rate dynamic and their expectations over the coming months.

2:30 PM

Conference Closing
Thursday

Rail Equipment - Illinois Street Ballroom East

5:45 AM - 6:45 AM

Indy Canal Run/Walk

Meet in the Crowne Plaza lobby. Start your day off right with a 3 or 5 mile run, or a 2 mile walk down the Indy canal. A great time to enjoy the beauty of Indianapolis and engage with your colleagues. Participates also receive a complimentary running shirt.

6:30 AM - 8:15 AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a hot breakfast and omelet station before the conference sessions begin.

7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Registration Open

Union Station Lobby

Alan Amling
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

Conference Keynote: The Brave New World of On-Demand Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (aka 3D printing) is coming to your doorstep! Bringing this concept into the consumer and business space has been a challenge over the years. Investments in technology have created an environment that now allows for additive manufacturing in the back of a delivery truck as goods are being transported to your doorstep. Join this session in exploring real world applications of this transformative technology from an industry thought leader who is putting this process into practice today.

John O’Bryan
9:00 am - 9:30 AM

Rail Equipment Keynote "One-on-One"

Join us for a sit down with John O'Bryan, President and CEO of American Railcar Industries, to explore issues that will impact the rail equipment landscape. This session will discuss uncertainties and opportunities facing the industry as it continues to move toward a more digitally enabled railroad. Digital content and real time information has a chance to transform the rail transporation system and provide better transparency to industry particpants. How stakeholders embrace these changes could have a dramatic impact on how the supply chain evolves. Attendees will have an opportunity to be actively engaged and ask questions.

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Fracking Demand Changes

Understanding locally sourced brown sand's impact on frac sand and cement car availability is a major issue for the railcar markets. This sesison will look at how the shifting balance between rail and truck in the shale drilling fields could alter demand for railcars.

Eric Starks
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Rail Equipment Outlook; The FTR Perspective

With the manufacturing economy leading the way, global demand is heating up regarding the moment of goods. Rail plays a central role in this all-important sector. As underlying freight demand is putting pressure on the transportation sector, trucking is at capacity and should be pushing more freight back to rail. Yet, the rail system is only seeing incremental growth in freight. How this will impact demand for rail equipment and understanding the upside and downside risk factors will be explored during this session. Join FTR's CEO, Eric Starks, in looking at the outlook for rail equipment demand in North America.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Networking Break

Bob Pickel
Rob Hart
Todd Kahn
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Agricultural Demand Panel - Setting the Balance for Rail Equipment

Industry experts explore the supply chain for railcars serving the agricultural sector. Because the industry is dealing with high inventory cycles, finding the steady state demand for grain cars creates headaches for car suppliers. As we move toward the harvest season, finding equilibrium is of paramount concern for industry participants.

Ginger Adamiak
Nicole Lev Ross
Will Geiger
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Petrochemical Panel - An Energy Growth Story

Plastic Pellet traffic along the U.S. Gulf coast should support growing demand for covered hoppers. Increased domestic and export activity will also create new challenges for the existing fleet as its work load increases. Experts will discuss how many cars will be needed to meet this growing demand. This panel will assess railcar growth opportunities in the plastic pellet and petrochemical markets, as well as ongoing replacement pressure for existing cars.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Executive Lunch

Chris Ashman
Doug Kratzberg
Jim Zoellick
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

General Purpose Tank Panel - How Demand Changes Will Shape Car Needs

Experts discuss everything you need to know about general purpose tank car demand and the various subsets within the group. Growing exports to the Mexican fuel market and a shift to 286K lb railcars could drive additional demand for tank cars. This session will examine what these demand drivers mean for the market.

Dan Penovich
Nicole Lev Ross
Tom Jackson
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Pressure Tank Panel - Supporting Changing Behavior Patterns

The pressure tank car market is seeing growth opportunities from several commodity groups. Changes in behavior and freight flows from items such as LPG, propane, ammonia, and more could have fundamental impacts on demand for this car type. Join us as this panel of experts gives insights into this all-important market.

Brad Yeatts
Jim Zoellick
Terry McCreery
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Coal Panel - Right Sizing the Coal Fleet - Finding a New Normal

The coal market faces competing headwinds from low natural gas prices and carrier service issues. As generators seek to find the right balance between coal and other competing fuels, the process has the potential to effect the entire rail system. This session will provide clarity to these uncertanties.

2:30 PM

Conference Closing
Thursday

Truck & Trailer Equipment - Illinois Street Ballroom West

5:45 AM - 6:45 AM

Indy Canal Run/Walk

Meet in the Crowne Plaza lobby. Start your day off right with a 3 or 5 mile run, or a 2 mile walk down the Indy canal. A great time to enjoy the beauty of Indianapolis and engage with your colleagues. Participates also receive a complimentary running shirt.

6:30 AM - 8:15 AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a hot breakfast and omelet station before the conference sessions begin.

7:00 AM - 2:30 AM

Registration Open

Union Station Lobby

Alan Amling
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

Conference Keynote: The Brave New World of On-Demand Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (aka 3D printing) is coming to your doorstep! Bringing this concept into the consumer and business space has been a challenge over the years. Investments in technology have created an environment that now allows for additive manufacturing in the back of a delivery truck as goods are being transported to your doorstep. Join this session in exploring real world applications of this transformative technology from an industry thought leader who is putting this process into practice today.

Susan Alt
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Truck & Trailer Keynote "One-On-One"

FTR's Jonathan Starks sits down with Susan Alt, Senior VP of Public Affairs for Volvo, for a wide ranging discussion on equipment regulations, customer relationships, and technology. Get insights on how truck OEMs will continue to evolve to meet customer challenges. Attendees will have an opportunity to be actively engaged and ask questions.

Eli Lustgarten
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Equipment Demand in an Untested Economic Environment

Trade, Tariffs, Taxes, and Tolls: How the economic environment has changed and what impact this has on the demand for commercial vehicles going forward. The Trump Administration has created both pluses and minuses for trade, taxes, and infrastructure. Where will it shake out in the end?

Rob Fortney
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

The New Dynamics of Refrigerated Freight: Changing Temperatures for Changing Needs

Refrigerated freight types and volumes have increased greatly over the last years, significantly boosting the demand for refrigerated vans. Will this trend continue, and how does that impact the market going forward?

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Networking Break

Collin Shaw
Greg Treinen
Jonathan Starks
Julie Furber
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Panel - New Technologies are Revolutionizing Commercial Vehicles

We are in the early stages of a technology shift for transportation equipment. However, much of the development is occurring at a rapid pace, and accelerated change is expected over the next few years. Hear leaders in this field address issues relevant to commercial vehicles. Addressing integrated componentry, additive manufacturing, electrification, and autonomous vehicles, our panelists will help you better assess where different markets are in adopting these technologies and what the path forward looks like.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Executive Lunch

Steve Clough
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Used Trucks: Insights on the State of the Market

Hear from the leading expert on the current environment of the used equipment market. How has the used market responded to strong market demand along with accelerated replacement that has moved additional equipment into the used market? Get insights into how the residual value of equipment is playing into the decision to add or replace trucks.

Jonathan Starks
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM

Medium-Duty Equipment Outlook: The FTR Perspective

The medium-duty vehicle market has grown at a stable clip to this point. Has the market assessment changed as the consumer sector rebounds, business investment comes back, and economic growth accelerates?

Jon Morrison
Jonathan Starks
Paul Jarossy
Steve Gilligan
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Medium-Duty Panel: Assessing Potential in a Slow Growing Market

E-commerce. Final Mile. Same Day Shipping. Reverse Logistics. Increased Distribution Networks. All of these changes have direct impacts on medium-duty use and equipment needs. We will explore the underlying demand fundamentals for new medium-duty equipment - from changes in the types of vehicles that are needed, to the need for additional capacity, to enhancements in technology on the vehicles.

2:30 PM

Conference Closing