Rail Equipment at the FTR Conference

2024 CONFERENCE ATTENDEES CAN EXPECT:

Economic and freight outlooks that focus on factors that will affect rail demand
An update on regulations, focusing on the upcoming tank rule implementation
Executive Keynote discussion to get insights directly from a major industry executive
A full suite of panels and presentations that look at each of the railcar segments: Tanks, Covered Hoppers, Flats, Box, Gondola & Open Top Hopper
An industry thought leader gives you their perspective on how the market is shaping up

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From sessions to networking, we impact your decision-making

A prime opportunity exists for the rail industry to capture share from the trucking market, but the continual rise of commodity costs and financing present headwinds for the market. Join us for an excellent agenda featuring a who's who of the rail equipment industry as well as exclusive FTR forecasts built on our exclusive Freight•cast™ forecasting methodology, you'll leave with a clear understanding of the true state of demand for new car builds.

ATTENDEES CAN EXPECT:

Economic and freight outlooks that focus on factors that will affect rail demand
An update on regulations, focusing on the upcoming tank rule implementation
Executive Keynote discussion to get insights directly from a major industry executive
A full suite of panels and presentations that look at each of the railcar segments: Tanks, Covered Hoppers, Flats, Box, Gondola & Open Top Hopper
An industry thought leader gives you their perspective on how the market is shaping up

Agenda

Click on the agenda titles below to view 2023's session descriptions.

Thursday, September 14th

6:30 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. Participants also receive a complimentary running shirt.

8:45 AM - Welcome

9:00 AM - Railcar Equipment: View From the Top

A leader in the rail equipment space chats about the challenges and opportunities facing the industry in the year ahead.

Presenters:
TBA
Eric Starks, FTR

9:45 AM - The FTR Perspective on Rail Equipment

The FTR perspective on the economic and freight factors that will have the biggest effect on rail equipment. Will service or freight be the primary driver of utilization?

Presenter:
Todd Tranausky, FTR

10:15 AM - Networking Break

10:30 AM - Boxcars: Finding The Right Number for Demand

The boxcar fleet experienced significant order activity in the last two years. This panel will examine what that means for the future and what the right size of this fleet could be moving forward.

Panelists:
Ross Corthell, Packaging Corp. of America
Jerry Vest, III, TTX

Moderator:
Todd Tranausy, FTR

11:00 AM - Tank Cars: Adjusting to Replacement Level Demand

This panel will examine the next phase of the tank car market and what it means for railcar owners and lessors. We will also examine the issue of shop capacity and what it means for the repair and upkeep of tank cars over the next year.

Panelists:
Dan Anderson, TrinityRail
TBA

Moderator:
Todd Tranausky, FTR

11:30 AM - That Other Tank Car: A Deep Dive into the Acid Tank Car Fleet

An expert on the acid tank car fleet tells us more about this fleet that typically flies under the radar.

Presenter:
Chris Kerr, TrinityRail

12:00 PM - 12:20 PM NEW Session - Rail Equipment In Focus: FTR’s New Rail Equipment Offerings

Rail equipment needs are ever evolving and FTR’s Rail Equipment offerings are changing to meet those needs. Come hear about our latest innovations around hazardous materials tank car lease rates, and more real-time insight on cars coming into and out of the North American railcar fleet.

Presenter:
Todd Tranausky, FTR

12:00 PM - Lunch Sponsored by TrinityRail

1:00 PM - The Leasing Perspective: A Conversation About the Market

Join us as a top executive in the leasing space talks about their views on the industry. We will discuss present trends and what they mean for where the industry is headed over the next few years.

Presenters:
Jeffrey Lytle, CIT Rail
Eric Starks, FTR

1:45 PM - Flat Car: Freight Demand Creates Limbo

Flat car freight has faced a few difficult years, but recent orders show faith in a freight rebound remains vibrant in the flat car marketplace.

Panelists:
Jay Carter, The Greenbrier Companies
TBA

Moderator:
Todd Tranausky, FTR

2:15 PM - The Regulatory World: Key Info for Equipment Owners

This session will look at the regulatory regime that most affects railcar lessors, owners, and repair shops. We'll provide suggestions for how each of these groups can prepare for any additional regulations on the horizon.

Panelists:
TBA

Moderator:
Todd Tranausky, FTR

2:45 PM - Networking Break

3:00 PM - Jumbo Covered Hoppers: What Inning Are We In?

This session will look at the regulatory regime that most effects railcar lessors, owners, and repair shops. We'll provide suggestions for how each of these groups can prepare for any additional regulations on the horizon.

Panelists:
TBA

Moderator:
Todd Tranausky, FTR

3:30 PM - Large Covered Hoppers: The Ag Industry Perspective

Two shippers from the agricultural sector talk about their fleet strategies and needs as the industry moves from large covered hoppers to larger-size equipment.

Panelists:
Glenn Smith, Fieldale Farms Corp.

Moderator:
Todd Tranausky, FTR

Rail Equipment Speakers

Melissa Younger

Melissa is the Events Manager with FTR. She joined our team at the end of 2015, after spending almost 10 years at Indiana University’s School of Public Health, managing events, finances, and day-to-day operations for the Office of Development and Communications. At FTR, she is responsible for managing FTR's annual Transportation Conference, FTR webinars, and other events.

Jonathan Starks

Jon is the Chief Intelligence Officer at FTR. He has spent his entire career in the freight transportation sector having joined FTR in 2001. Jon's expertise includes freight modeling, modal analysis, fleet characteristics, and equipment demand. He is directly responsible for producing FTR's Freight-cast transportation model, producing more than 13 million datapoints and 85,000 forecasted items each and every month.

Jami Sargent

Jami is the Chief of Staff at FTR. She joined the FTR team in 2016 after having spent over 13 years working for a non-profit organization focused on mental health issues. As Practice Manager for the non-profit, Jami was responsible for the operations, billing, and regulatory compliance. At FTR she is responsible for managing FTR's company financial accounts, contracting and administrative team.

Melissa Younger

Jonathan Starks

Jami Sargent