Rail Freight at the FTR Conference

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

Join the email list to be notified when registration goes live!

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 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