Rail Equipment
Thursday, September 12th
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
Jami Sargent
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
Jami Sargent
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
Rail Equipment Agenda
Click on the agenda titles below to view 2024's session descriptions.
6:30 AM - Indy Canal Run/Walk
7:30 AM - 8:45 AM - Breakfast
8:30 AM - Rail Equipment Kick-off
8:45 AM - Railcar Equipment Keynote
A leader in rail equipment manufacturing addresses the future challenges and opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers, and customers.
Presenters:
Coming Soon!
9:30 AM - FTR's Perspective on Rail Equipment
Listen to FTR's analysis of the economic and freight-related factors influencing rail equipment demand, along with a forecast of deliveries categorized by car type.
Presenter:Coming Soon!
10:10 AM - Equipment Finance: The Money Behind the Market
Ultimately, buying railcars relies on having a healthy finance market. Listen to financial experts talk about the current status and future outlook of important factors like lease rates, return on investment, and revenue streams.
Presenters:
Coming Soon!
10:30 AM - Networking Break
11:00 AM - Box Cars: Will Demand Recover to Meet Build Expectations?
Unlike other sectors, box car freight can easily switch to trucks. Participants debate if better rail service and steady demand will be sufficient to increase order activity to meet build expectations.
Panelist:
Coming Soon!
11:30 AM - Flat Cars: Is Demand Finally Dependable?
The markets driving flat car demand - automotive, intermodal, and lumber - have experienced big swings in recent years. A panel will debate whether or not freight demand has stabilized enough to support a consistent market.
Presenter:
Coming Soon!
12:00 PM - Lunch Buffet
1:00 PM - Rail Leasing Keynote
A railcar leasing executive shares insights on the industry and discusses key leasing metrics to watch in the coming quarters, as well as potential risks, both positive and negative, that leasing could encounter in the long term.
Presenters:
Coming Soon!
1:45 PM - Insights from the Supply Chain on Rail Equipment Demand
Railcar manufacturing is only as healthy as its suppliers' ability to meet component demand. Hear from railcar suppliers on the state of the supply chain and what challenges and opportunities they see in the coming years.
Presenter:
Coming Soon!
2:30 PM - Networking Break
3:00 PM - Covered Hoppers: Is There Any Limit to Demand?
Covered hoppers make up about half of all railcar backlogs, so production seems assured even without the additional demand expected from the growth in plastic pellets. The session will discuss the potential outcomes for this essential car type.
Presenters:
Coming Soon!
3:30 PM - Gondolas: Can Replacement Bolster the Market?
Gondola demand is closely tied to the metals industry, but another significant factor is the aging of the mill gondola fleet. Stakeholders discuss whether the replacement cycle will be robust enough to support fluctuating demand for metal products.
Presenter:
Coming Soon!
4:00 PM - Tank Cars: Steady As It Goes?
Chemicals and petroleum loadings showed solid growth early in 2024, but it hasn't significantly impacted the tank car market, which already has strong backlogs. Listen to a panel discussion on whether anything is expected to alter the segment's steady outlook.
Presenter:
Coming Soon!
View 2024 Session Details Below
Rail Equipment Agenda
Company List
Rail Equipment Speakers
Click the dots below to scroll through 2024's fantastic list of speakers.
Rail Equipment Platinum Sponsor
