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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

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
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 - 8:30 AM - Women in Transportation Meet & Greet

Join us for the Women in Transportation Meet and Greet hosted by FTR’s COO, Jami Sargent. This informal gathering offers a unique opportunity for women in the transportation industry to connect, engage, and lead discussions on topics that matter most to them. Don't miss this chance to network and contribute to meaningful conversations.

7:30 AM - 8:45 AM - Breakfast
8:30 AM - Rail Freight Kick-off
8:45 AM - Is the Economy Still On Track?

An expert on the economy examines established and emerging trends, especially those that could impact freight in the rail industry.

Presenter: 
Coming Soon! 

9:30 AM - Riding the Rails: FTR’s Outlook for Rail Freight

Listen to FTR's projections regarding volume growth in both the carload and intermodal freight sectors for the upcoming year, along with key indicators to monitor for indications of either a stronger or weaker market.

Presenter: 
Coming Soon!

       

10:00 AM - More Insight on the Rail Freight Market

A respected equity research analyst provides insights into the current state of the rail industry, offers projections for the upcoming year, and discusses the various challenges and opportunities confronting both the railroads and their customers.

Presenter: 
Coming Soon!

10:30 AM - Networking Break
11:00 AM - Hot Topic Session

Details Coming Soon!

11:30 AM - Hot Topic Session
Details Coming Soon! 
12:00 PM - Lunch Buffet
1:00 PM - Rail Freight Keynote

Listen to insights from a rail industry leader on the direction of the rail freight market and how the industry is responding to changes in freight composition and evolving customer expectations.

Presenter: 
Coming Soon! 

1:45 PM - Is Rail Meeting Shippers' Expectations?

Following a big drop in rail employment, fluctuations in freight volumes, and uneven service the railroads have come under scrutiny from both customers and regulators regarding service standards. Listen to a panel of rail shippers evaluate the industry's response to these concerns and discuss their expectations for the future.

Presenter: 
Coming Soon! 

2:30 PM - Networking Break
3:00 PM - What's Washington's Plan for Rail?

Experts on regulatory developments at the Surface Transportation Board, the Federal Railroad Administration, and Congress share their insights on forthcoming developments from Washington and the potential impacts on both railroads and their customers.

Presenter: 
Coming Soon! 

Moderator: 

3:45 PM - Intermodal: Poised for Growth or Stuck in Neutral?

The intermodal market has been dealing with lower truckload rates, varying import volumes, shifting port choices, and less reliable rail service. Stakeholders debate whether these problems are fading or will continue to affect the segment for some time.

Presenters: 
Coming Soon! 

4:30 PM - Market Intelligence Master Class

Join Derek Young, FTR’s VP of Sales & Marketing, as he discusses the importance of devoting resources to your market intelligence toolkit to protect your profits and maximize your margins.
He’ll discuss why a defined market intelligence process is more important now than ever before. You’ll learn who benefits, how the impact trickles throughout the organization, the key components of a robust process, and how FTR subscriptions help our clients with our turnkey market intelligence solutions.

Presenter: 
Derek Young, FTR

5:30 PM - Rail Industry Reception - Sponsored by TrinityRail
Details Coming Soon! 

View 2024 Session Details Below

Rail Freight Agenda

Download the Rail Freight agenda in PDF.
Download Agenda

Company List

View companies in your industry that have previously attended.
Download List

Rail Freight Speakers

Click the dots below to scroll through 2024's fantastic list of speakers.

Eric Starks Chairman of the Board, FTR
Jonathan Starks CEO & Chief Intelligence Officer, FTR

Rail Freight Platinum Sponsor

Interested in becoming the 2024 Rail Freight Platinum Sponsor?

Contact events@ftrintel.com

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