Who is FTR?

We’re the experts in fundamental freight analysis.

FTR (Freight Transportation Research) is a leading provider of data-driven insights and analysis for the transportation industry. For over 30 years, FTR has been at the forefront of delivering comprehensive freight forecasting, economic analysis, and industry intelligence, helping businesses navigate the complexities of the transportation sector. With a focus on providing actionable information, FTR supports companies in making informed decisions, optimizing their operations, and staying ahead of market trends. Through its expert analysis, industry reports, and renowned events, FTR continues to be a trusted resource for understanding the dynamics of freight transportation and its impact on the broader economy.

What is our Vision?
A better world through smarter supply chain decisions.

What is our Mission?
To help companies be better strategic decision-makers through data-driven forecasts and unbiased transportation intelligence.

Who do we support?
FTR’s Freight•cast™ methodology and our industry experts with 280+ years of industry experience serve all corners of the transportation industry.

Trucking
Shippers
Rail
Intermodal
Investment
Consultancies

About Freight•cast™ (by FTR)

The economy generates freight, and freight drives the demand for carriers and equipment. Our founders, tired of defending their forecasts at a major commercial vehicle supplier, set out to develop a systematic process to paint this picture for their leadership team. Though those roots are 40+ years old at this point, it’s still drives our forecasting process to this day. Learn more at www.ftrintel.com/freightcast.

Award-winning Economic Outlook

The foundation of our process begins with an in-house, award-winning economic forecasting methodology. Tracking the macro-variables that we’ve identified to impact the commercial freight transportation industry.

Detailed Commodity Tracking

Now that we’ve measured the fluctuations in the overall economy, we track and forecast 200+ commodities to understand demand pressure and changes in the commercial freight system.

Modal Share Analysis

Next, we collect and analyze data from the most reliable industry associations and data providers to understand freight demand, productivity metrics, utilization, and capacity measures.

We analyze data from industry leaders like ATA, AAR, IANA, and publicly and privately available load board data to understand how freight demand is impacted across rail, intermodal, and trucking.

Equipment Production

We partner with commercial vehicle OEMs, major trailer builders, and railcar builders to capture critical monthly manufacturing data to monitor the overall health of the order boards.

This data exchange allows us to provide a forecast based on new orders, cancellations, net orders, deliveries, backlogs, and inventory analysis to help industry leaders anticipate swings in the market and plan budgets with precision.

Industry Expert Analysis

Our industry experts meet multiple times each month to discuss the key industry topics and their potential impact on the current FTR forecast.

After multiple hours of back and forth, the experts then provide an upside and downside risk to the forecasts and write a clear commentary to guide your decision-making.

This commentary is then delivered directly to our clients on a regular basis through our forecasting subscription services.

About the Conference

The FTR Transportation Conference is an event unlike any other. Heralded by many as the premium forecasting event of the year, this unique conference experience brings together key decision-makers from the world's most influential companies.

With a specific modal focus each day from September 8th - 11th, the conference offers a unique experience of amazing speakers, networking opportunities, and the industry’s most reliable transportation forecasts for trucking, rail, and intermodal.

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September 8th

Ideal for suppliers, investors, shippers, and builders with a focus on the class 4-8 commercial vehicle and trailer industry.

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September 9th

Ideal for carriers, shippers, brokers,
and suppliers with a focus on the future of the over-the-road trucking environment.

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September 10th

Ideal for carriers, shippers, brokers, and
suppliers focusing on the carload and intermodal industries.

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September 11th

Ideal for suppliers, investors, shippers, and builders focusing on the future demand of railcar production.

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Event Description

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Event Description (Short)

The 2025 FTR Transportation Conference is the premier event for industry leaders, experts, and innovators in the transportation sector. Held annually, it offers insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of transportation. Attendees will benefit from a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Join us to connect with top professionals and stay ahead in this dynamic industry.
Event Description (Medium)

The FTR Transportation Conference 2024 is the go-to event for professionals in the transportation industry. This annual conference brings together leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities. With a robust agenda featuring keynote speeches and panel discussions, attendees will gain valuable insights and strategies to navigate the evolving landscape.

The conference also offers ample networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with peers, partners, and potential clients. From emerging technologies to regulatory changes, every aspect of the transportation sector is covered. Don’t miss this chance to stay informed and ahead in your field.
Event Description (Long)

The FTR Transportation Conference 2024 is the foremost gathering of professionals in the transportation industry, held annually to address the most pressing issues and emerging trends. This event brings together a diverse group of leaders, experts, and innovators to share insights and strategies for navigating the complex landscape of transportation.

Attendees will benefit from a comprehensive agenda that includes keynote presentations from industry visionaries and in-depth panel discussions. The conference features four specialized tracks: Truck Freight, Truck Equipment, Rail Freight, and Rail Equipment, ensuring focused and relevant content for all participants. Topics range from the latest technological advancements and regulatory updates to economic forecasts and market analysis.

Networking opportunities abound, providing a platform for participants to connect with peers, establish new partnerships, and explore business opportunities.

The conference is a unique opportunity to learn from the best, exchange ideas, and stay ahead of the curve. Whether you are looking to gain knowledge, expand your professional network, or position your organization at the forefront of the industry, the 2024 FTR Transportation Conference is the place to be. Join us to shape the future of transportation together.

The 2025 FTR Transportation Conference is the premier event for industry leaders, experts, and innovators in the transportation sector. Held annually, it offers insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of transportation. Attendees will benefit from a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Join us to connect with top professionals and stay ahead in this dynamic industry.

The FTR Transportation Conference 2024 is the go-to event for professionals in the transportation industry. This annual conference brings together leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities. With a robust agenda featuring keynote speeches and panel discussions, attendees will gain valuable insights and strategies to navigate the evolving landscape.

The conference also offers ample networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with peers, partners, and potential clients. From emerging technologies to regulatory changes, every aspect of the transportation sector is covered. Don’t miss this chance to stay informed and ahead in your field.

The FTR Transportation Conference 2024 is the foremost gathering of professionals in the transportation industry, held annually to address the most pressing issues and emerging trends. This event brings together a diverse group of leaders, experts, and innovators to share insights and strategies for navigating the complex landscape of transportation.

Attendees will benefit from a comprehensive agenda that includes keynote presentations from industry visionaries and in-depth panel discussions. The conference features four specialized tracks: Truck Freight, Truck Equipment, Rail Freight, and Rail Equipment, ensuring focused and relevant content for all participants. Topics range from the latest technological advancements and regulatory updates to economic forecasts and market analysis.

Networking opportunities abound, providing a platform for participants to connect with peers, establish new partnerships, and explore business opportunities.

The conference is a unique opportunity to learn from the best, exchange ideas, and stay ahead of the curve. Whether you are looking to gain knowledge, expand your professional network, or position your organization at the forefront of the industry, the 2024 FTR Transportation Conference is the place to be. Join us to shape the future of transportation together.