Rail Freight

Wednesday, September 11th

What content should 2024 attendees expect?

ATTENDEES CAN EXPECT:

  • Economic and freight outlooks that focus on factors that will affect rail demand

  • A look into the current state of regulations and what to expect as the new Administration ramps up activity

  • 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 major sectors of rail freight: Grain, Intermodal, Metals, Energy, etc.

  • A look at how railcar capacity has been affected by changes in demand by sector and what to expect going forward

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From sessions to networking, we impact your decision-making

Continued capacity issues are plaguing the trucking industry and driving shippers to search for help on the rail and intermodal networks. This freight-focused look at the rail and intermodal industry will give you clarity on the dynamics of railcar capacity and demand, economic and freight outlooks, regulatory impacts, and a review of each of the major sectors of rail freight. Featuring presentations from major shippers and rail executives as well as the power of the FTR Freight•cast forecasting methodology, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of the state of competitiveness between rail, intermodal, and trucking.

ATTENDEES CAN EXPECT:

  • Economic and freight outlooks that focus on factors that will affect rail demand

  • A look into the current state of regulations and what to expect as the new Administration ramps up activity

  • 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 major sectors of rail freight: Grain, Intermodal, Metals, Energy, etc.

  • A look at how railcar capacity has been affected by changes in demand by sector and what to expect going forward

 

Rail Freight Agenda

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

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.

7:30 AM - Women in Transportation Meet & Greet

Join us for the Women in Transportation Meet and Greet. FTR’s VP of Client Services, Helen Lile, will host an informal gathering for women, allowing attendees the chance to connect and engage with other female leaders in the transportation industry.

8:45 AM - Welcome
9:00 AM - Economic Update: Have You Ever Seen the Rain?

An industry economist provides their outlook on the indicators to watch heading into 2024 and what it means for freight. 

Presenter: 
TBA

9:45 AM - The Road Ahead: FTR’s Perspective on Truck Freight

FTR presents our outlook for volume growth in the carload and intermodal freight markets over the next year. We'll discuss the sectors we are most keyed in on going forward for signs about where the freight market is trending.        

Presenter: 
Todd Tranausky, FTR

10:15 AM - Networking Break
10:30 AM - Shipper Spotlight: Who is Focused on Moving Forward?

A rail shipper provides their take on the market and what they are focused on heading into the new year. Hear what their plans are for market share and volumes between modes based on their experience.

Presenters: 
TBA
Todd Tranauksy, FTR

11:15 AM - STB In Focus: Vital Decisions from D.C.

Two leading transportation attorneys discuss the finer points of the biggest issues presently before the Surface Transportation Board.  They'll debate and discuss why these issues are important and what they mean for your business.

Panelists: 
Karyn Booth, Thompson Hine, LLP
Bill Mullins, Baker & Miller, PLLC

Moderator: 
Todd Tranausky, FTR

12:00 PM - Lunch
1:00 PM - View from the Class I Suite: Norfolk Southern's Alan Shaw

NS' Alan Shaw discusses the opportunities for growth and the challenges related to executing that growth plan in the year ahead. 

Presenter:
Alan Shaw, Norfolk Southern
Eric Starks, FTR

1:45 PM A Deep Dive into the Grain Bin

Two leaders in the agricultural space discuss the outlook for ag in the year ahead and what the risks to that outlook are moving forward.

Panelists: 
TBA

Moderator: 
Todd Tranausky, FTR

2:30 PM - Networking Break
2:45 PM - Knowledge is Power: Harnessing Data Through Technology

A look at how technological advancements can give shippers better, more predictive data on which to make supply chain decisions. A case study will show how this has worked for shippers in the real world.

Presenter: 
John Schmitter, RailState

3:15 PM - Intermodal: Measuring Actual Growth

After several tough years for intermodal, this panel provides a look toward what could be different in 2024. We'll look at the competitive dynamics in play and what could support internodal volume growth in 2024.

Panelists: 
Ivan Zenovic, Hub Group, Inc. 
TBA

Moderator: 
Todd Tranausky, FTR

5:30 PM - Evening Reception

Location: Grand Hall Bar, Union Station

Rail Freight Agenda

Click the download button to view the agenda pdf.

Previous companies by industry

Every Great Growth-Driven Design Project 

Rail Freight Speakers

Rail Freight Agenda

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

6:30 AM - Indy Canal Run/Walk
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 - Economic Update: Have You Ever Seen the Rain?

An industry economist provides their outlook on the indicators to watch heading into 2024 and what it means for freight. 

Presenter: 
Luisa Fernandez-Willey, Association of American Railroads

9:45 AM - Slow Growth: Will 2024 be like 2023?

FTR presents our outlook for volume growth in the carload and intermodal freight markets over the next year. We'll discuss the sectors we are most keyed in on going forward for signs about where the freight market is trending.

Presenter: 
Todd Tranausky

       

10:15 AM - Networking Break
10:30 AM - Data Driving Decisions: How Modern Technology Can Help Shippers And Carriers Pivot To Growth Together
This session brings together a shortline railroad and technology provider to discuss how enhanced visibility and more accurate arrival estimates can help drive volume growth for carriers and shippers. Shippers have complained for years about inaccurate trip plans and unrealistic arrival times. Watco and Telegraph will describe a technology solution they use to help drive crew planning, scheduling, and better ETAs that they provide to shippers.
 

Presenter: 
Sabin Reynolds, Watco Companies LLC
Harris Ligon, Telegraph, Inc.

Moderator: 
Todd Tranausky , FTR

11:15 AM - STB In Focus: Vital Decisions from D.C.

Two leading transportation attorneys discuss the finer points of the biggest issues presently before the Surface Transportation Board.  They'll debate and discuss why these issues are important and what they mean for your business.

Panelists:
Karyn Booth, Thompson Hine LLP
Bill Mullins, Baker & Miller, PLLC

Moderator: 
Todd Tranausky , FTR

 
12:00 PM - Lunch
1:00 PM - View from the Class I Suite: Norfolk Southern's Alan Shaw

NS' Alan Shaw discusses the opportunities for growth and the challenges related to executing that growth plan in the year ahead.

Presenter: 
Alan Shaw, Norfolk Southern Corp.

Moderator: 
Eric Starks, FTR

1:45 PM - A Deep Dive into the Grain Bin

Two leaders in the agricultural space discuss the outlook for ag in the year ahead and what the risks to that outlook are moving forward.

Presenter: 
Glenn Smith, Fieldale Farms Corp. 
Nathan Schouvieller, Cargill

Moderator: 
Todd Tranausky , FTR

2:30 PM - Networking Break
2:45 PM - Knowledge is Power: Harnessing Data Through Technology

A look at how technological advancements can give shippers better, more predictive data on which to make supply chain decisions. A case study will show how this has worked for shippers in the real world.

Presenter: 
John Schmitter, RailState

3:15 PM - Intermodal: Measuring Actual Growth

After several tough years for intermodal, this panel provides a look towards what could be different in 2024. We'll look at the competitive dynamics in play and what could support intermodal volume growth in 2024.

Presenter: 
Phil Shook, Milestone Equipment Holdings, LLC

Moderator: 
Todd Tranausky , FTR

5:30 PM - Evening Reception
Location: Grand Hall Bar, Union Station

View 2023 Session Details Below

Rail Freight agenda

Download the Rail Freight agenda in PDF.

Previous companies by industry

View companies in your industry that have previously attended.

Rail Freight Speakers

Click the dots below to scroll through 2023's fantastic list of speakers.

Karyn Booth Partner & Chair Transportation Practice, Thompson Hine, LLP
Luisa Fernandez-Willey AVP, Policy & Economics, Association of American Railroads
Harris Ligon CEO, Telegraph
Bill Mullins Partner, Baker & Miller
Sabin Reynolds Sr. Director, Logistics, Watco Companies LLC
John Schmitter President, RailState
Nathan Schouvieller Senior Merchant, Cargill
Alan Shaw President & CEO, Norfolk Southern Corp.
Phil Shook Exec. VP, Chassis & Containers, Milestone Equipment Holdings, LLC
Glenn Smith VP, Ingredient Purchasing, Fieldale Farms Corp.
Eric Starks Chairman of the Board, FTR
Jonathan Starks CEO & Chief Intelligence Officer, FTR
Todd Tranausky Vice President, Rail & Intermodal, FTR

Rail Freight Platinum Sponsor

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Contact events@ftrintel.com

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