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Schedule

View this page for an overview of what the 2019 FTR Transportation Conference has to offer or click the button below for a detailed view of the 2019 Agenda! Download the 2019 Agenda for a printable PDF that shows the sessions and channels that you won’t want to miss at this year’s premier forecasting event.

Download 2019 Agenda Download Session Descriptions

Tuesday

Activities

9:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Registration Open

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Lunch Buffet

5:15 PM - 6:00 PM

Women in Transportation Networking Event

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Opening Reception - Sponsored by TrinityRail

The Opening Reception is held at the Grand Hall Bar in the Crowne Plaza on Tuesday, from 6:30-8:30 PM. Please join the FTR Staff and conference attendees in this kick-off reception, buffet style dinner, and beneficial networking opportunity.
Tuesday

Transportation 101 & Freightology

Avery Vise
Todd Tranausky
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Transportation 101 - Overview

Overview of Freight Transportation Marketplace
Fundamentals of Freight will begin by providing attendees with a high level profile and exploration of the freight transportation markets. Following this overview, participants will break into two groups -- (1) rail and intermodal, and (2) trucking -- for 90 minutes of presentation and discussion. We encourage trucking executives to utilize this opportunity to better understand rail and intermodal, and vice-versa.

Todd Tranausky
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Transportation 101 - Rail & Intermodal Track

Topics to be addressed include: · The economic and regulatory factors behind the industry’s evolution · The varied equipment types and commodities moved by each mode · Present trends in freight transportation and a brief look at what to expect going forward

Jonathan Starks
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Conference Kickoff: Maximizing Your Conference Experience

Whether you are a first time or returning attendee, you are looking to make the most of your time. Meet several of the FTR Experts who will be leading the charge and let us give you insight into how the depth and breadth of knowledge presented at the conference can help you and your organization. Unsure of what sessions to attend? We will give you the lowdown of what we will be focusing on in each content channel to help you schedule those sessions that will give you maximum benefit.

Todd Snyder
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

"Sensing" the Future in Rail

Railroads have focused a lot on developing technologies that can detect and prevent derailments and other accidents before they happen in the quest to provide more reliable, safer service to shippers. This session will examine what advancements in the area of sensor technology may help provide an even safer, more reliable rail network for all.

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Predictive Analytics for Rail Car Life Cycle Costs

Analytics have been big in sports for years, but can this same technology be applied to the rail fleet? Learn how analytics can be used to predict how much a rail fleet will cost over its life span.

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Artificial Intelligence - Breaking Down Big Data

Analytics have been big in sports for years, but can this same technology be applied to the rail fleet? Learn how analytics can be used to predict how much a rail fleet will cost over its life span.

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Nanomanufacturing

The concept of components manufacturing themselves seems like science fiction, yet the techonlogy is advancing to a level that is starting to make this a reality. Nanomanufacturing may shake up our current beliefs in how products are produced, and may fundamentally change demand for goods.

Kelli Block
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Is the Independent Contractor Model Viable?

Government agencies and courts - even the U.S. Supreme Court - are wading into the murky world of worker classification in trucking and similar industries, often with conflicting goals and guidance. Where is this all going, and will carriers be able to rely on an independent contractor option that allows them to tap critical surge capacity?

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

The Future of Micro Airfreight

We frequently see demonstrations of drones delivering packages, but these typically are very limited tests under highly controlled conditions. There are regulatory and technological hurdles in the way of commercializing drones for parcel delivery on a wide scale.

Jody Peacock
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Container on Barge - New Lease on Life

Container on Barge has been discussed and tried by the industry for decades, but recent advances have led to a revival in this area as an alternative for shippers.
Tuesday

Transportation 101 & Freightology

Avery Vise
Todd Tranausky
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Transportation 101 - Overview

Overview of Freight Transportation Marketplace Fundamentals of Freight will begin by providing attendees with a high level profile and exploration of the freight transportation markets. Following this overview, participants will break into two groups -- (1) rail and intermodal, and (2) trucking -- for 90 minutes of presentation and discussion. We encourage trucking executives to utilize this opportunity to better understand rail and intermodal, and vice-versa.

Avery Vise
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Transportation 101 - Trucking 101

Topics to be addressed include: · The economic and regulatory factors behind the industry’s evolution · The varied equipment types and commodities moved by each mode · Present trends in freight transportation and a brief look at what to expect going forward

Jonathan Starks
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Conference Kickoff: Maximizing Your Conference Experience

Whether you are a first time or returning attendee, you are looking to make the most of your time. Meet several of the FTR Experts who will be leading the charge and let us give you insight into how the depth and breadth of knowledge presented at the conference can help you and your organization. Unsure of what sessions to attend? We will give you the lowdown of what we will be focusing on in each content channel to help you schedule those sessions that will give you maximum benefit.

Eric Starks
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Exploring the Building Blocks of Disruption

We hear bold predictions about how transportation will be transformed by such trends as automation, data integration, and electric propulsion. The real question is: What has to happen to get us from here to there?

Bill Green
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Cloud Expansion Without a Thunderstorm?

Many transformative concepts and technologies require processing much more data and doing so much faster than we do today - mostly in a cloud environment. Will the information infrastructure be able to handle it?

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Not Your Dad’s Battery Technology

There is a growing debate whether electric commerical vehicles (ECV) can match the reliability and durability of the current legacy powertrains. Will maintenance and battery costs be similar to current CV total cost of ownership, or will the ECV push drain my wallet and my battery?

Mike Cammisa
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Driving to Driverless - Technology and Policy Pathways

Trucking already benefits from some of the initial driver assistance building blocks of autonomous driving. What needs to happen in regulation and technology to move to a truly driverless environment on the road and not just in controlled testing and demonstrations?

Walter Rentzsch
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

The Digital Pipeline

Transportation is mobile, and the same data volume and speed requirements that could tax the cloud computing infrastructure also will require robust connectivity.

Ken Sherman
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Data Sharing - The Evolution of Supply Chain Visibility

Increased volatility in today’s shipping environment is causing shippers to increasingly turn to freight visibility platforms to gain control of their supply chains. To obtain visibility you must share data. In sharing data there are inherant risks; however, if you don’t share data you will be left behind.

Clayton Slaughter
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

New Tech Meets Old Law

How do I plan when the law seems geared for antiquated technology? Explore risk assessment and risk mitigation when the law seems anything but clear. When technology seems to drive the process regardless of risk, business planning becomes more complex.
Wednesday

State of Freight

6:00 AM - 7:00 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. Participates also receive a complimentary running shirt.

6:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Open

Union Station Lobby

6:30 AM - 8:00 AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a hot breakfast and omelet station before the conference sessions begin.

Eric Starks
8:15 am - 8:30 AM

Conference Welcome

Thank you for joining us for the 2019 FTR Transportation Conference! This introduction to the event will provide insight on special events and activities, sessions, and other great opportunities.

Jack Kleinhenz
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Making Sense of the Economic Puzzle: Prospects for Growth

Is the economy on solid ground in the 10th year of the recovery? It has been an interesting year already. Late in 2018 and early in 2019, the economy faced a soft patch with a steady run of weak data and definite headwinds. While economic growth has decelerated since the middle of 2018, the slower growth does not need to end in a downturn. The U.S. economy in 2019 has benefited from gains in consumer spending, low interest rates, and inflation. Hear an industry expert provide an overview of key economic indicators, review spending trends, and provide a discussion on the economic outlook.

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Transportation Overview - The FTR Perspective

The outlook for transportation starts with the economy, but the sector’s dynamics don’t always track with Gross Domestic Product. FTR will lay out their view on economic and market forces that are shaping freight transportation.

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Networking Break

Avery Vise
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Trucking Outlook - The FTR Perspective

In the aftermath of an extraordinarily strong market, carriers’ financial fortunes are linked more closely to responding appropriately to changing conditions. This session offers FTR’s views on demand, capacity, and pricing in a more volatile truck freight market.

Avery Vise
Bill Matheson
Chris Kravas
Chris Pickett
Robert Savage
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Trucking Panel - Navigating Normal Once Again

The relatively brief period of trucking companies calling all the shots is over. Carriers, shippers, and brokers find themselves in the more usual situation of jockeying for advantages and “win-win” relationships in a more balanced market. A panel of market thought leaders will delve into the changing market conditions and it’s impact on the trucking space.

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Industry Themed Networking Lunch - Sponsored by HDMA

The lunch is divided into industry areas for enhanced networking. This lunch provides good opportunities to find the people you are interested in getting to know.

Karyn Booth
Todd Tranausky
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM

How Pending Regulatory Matters Could Change the Shipper-Railroad Dynamic

A prominent rail shipper attorney discusses the big issues facing the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and why shippers of all commodities need to take notice of what the agency is doing in regards to access and accessorial charges.

Todd Tranausky
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM

Rail Outlook - The FTR Perspective

Hear FTR’s views on rail demand, pricing, and capacity. Find out where the freight to drive rail carload growth will come from and what the potential headwinds to achieving growth will be.

Brian Jonaitis
Kathleen Smith
Ken Hoexter
Linda Turner
Todd Tranausky
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Rail Panel - Searching for a Carload Growth Driver

This panel will examine what could drive carload volume increases. With coal being a major drag on overall carload growth and other commodities hovering around their five-year averages, the panelists will explore the sectors that could drive growth and what it would take to get there.

2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Networking Break

Bill Doyle
Christian Pedersen
Don Snyder
Todd Tranausky
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

Maritime Panel - How Coming Changes Will Impact Supply Chains

Thought leaders from the port, intermodal, and marine industries discuss how coming changes will alter the industry. These changes will force shippers and carriers to evaluate their future strategies and planning.

Jim Magee
Mark Yeager
Todd Tranausky
Tom Williams
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Intermodal Outlook - The FTR Perspective

FTR gives their perspective on the intermodal markets. Facing slower growth than the sector is accustomed to, this session will examine what is driving the lagging growth and what could drive demand to get back to its historically strong growth rates.

4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

Intermodal Panel - A Closer Look at the Factors Shaping Intermodal Growth

This panel will look at the factors, both positive and negative, that will work on the intermodal sector in the year ahead. From IMO 2020 to rail service levels to a softer truck market, our panelists will set the stage for what intermodal can expect as we look toward 2020.

4:45 PM - 5:00 PM

Closing

5:00 PM - 5:45 PM

Invite Only: Speaker Reception and Media Meet & Greet

5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Night at The Pavillion - Sponsored by Truckstop.com

Our primetime event for the 2019 Conference is Night at the Pavilion. This event will be held Wednesday and will consist of dinner, followed by an exciting lineup of casino style games and entertainment fit for all. This is a must attend networking event!
Wednesday

Rail Equipment

6:00 AM - 7:00 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. Participates also receive a complimentary running shirt.

6:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Open

Union Station Lobby

6:30 AM - 8:00 AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a hot breakfast and omelet station before the conference sessions begin.

Eric Starks
8:15 AM - 8:30 PM

Conference Welcome

Thank you for joining us for the 2019 FTR Transportation Conference! This introduction to the event will provide insight on special events and activities, sessions, and other great opportunities.

Jack Kleinhenz
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Making Sense of the Economic Puzzle: Prospects for Growth

Is the economy on solid ground in the 10th year of the recovery? It has been an interesting year already. Late in 2018 and early in 2019, the economy faced a soft patch with a steady run of weak data and definite headwinds. While economic growth has decelerated since the middle of 2018, the slower growth does not need to end in a downturn. The U.S. economy in 2019 has benefited from gains in consumer spending, low interest rates, and inflation. Hear an industry expert provide an overview of key economic indicators, review spending trends, and provide a discussion on the economic outlook.

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Transportation Overview - The FTR Perspective

The outlook for transportation starts with the economy, but the sector’s dynamics don’t always track with Gross Domestic Product. FTR will lay out their view on economic and market forces that are shaping freight transportation.

10:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Networking Break

Eric Starks
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Rail Equipment Outlook: The FTR Perspective

Faced with several sectors in oversupply and steady utilization, FTR looks at its expectations for the year ahead in rail equipment. Find out how our demand analysis is impacting market expectations and risks.

Hans Daniels
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Making Sense of Petroleum Markets in the Current Climate

Shale drillers are moving away from long-haul sand volumes, and the Permian Basin is eyeing new pipelines. Yet changes to refined products shipments to Mexico and continued Canadian crude traffic appear supportive of strong rail demand. Hear an industry expert address the outlook for the petroleum markets.

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Industry Themed Networking Lunch - Sponsored by HDMA

The lunch is divided into industry areas for enhanced networking. This lunch provides good opportunities to find the people you are interested in getting to know.

Karyn Booth
Todd Tranausky
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM

How Pending Regulatory Matters Could Change the Shipper-Railroad Dynamic

A prominent rail shipper attorney discusses the big issues facing the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and why shippers of all commodities need to take notice of what the agency is doing in regards to access and accessorial charges.

Eric Starks
Todd Tranausky
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM

Rail Outlook - The FTR Perspective

Hear FTR’s views on rail demand, pricing, and capacity. Find out where the freight to drive rail carload growth will come from and what the potential headwinds to achieving growth will be.

Brian Jonaitis
Ken Hoexter
Linda Turner
Todd Tranausky
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Rail Panel - Searching for a Carload Growth Driver

This panel will examine what could drive carload volume increases. With coal being a major drag on overall carload growth and other commodities hovering around their five-year averages, the panelists will explore the sectors that could drive growth and what it would take to get there.

2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Networking Break

Blake Hurtik
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Trade vs. Demand - Understanding Fundamentals Driving the Future of Steel

Steel markets have been buffeted by the changing winds of trade for the last two years. This session will examine how much of the volatility recently is driven by trade and how much is a function of underlying demand.

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Changes in Railroad Operations Are Changing How Product Moves

Hear a shipper’s perspective on how recent operating changes at the railroads have helped or hurt service. Understand how operations have changed to adapt to the current rail environment and what their expectations are for the future.

Ken Eriksen
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

Grain - Trade, Rail, Weather, & Rivers: Making Sense of the Madness

Grain markets have been dented by trade and weather over the last year. With future expectations of uncertainty surrounding trade and ever changing weather patterns, farmers’ ability to make rational decisions is being adversely impacted. This session will examine expectations for the grain market as we head into harvest.

4:45 PM - 5:00 PM

Closing

5:00 PM - 5:45 PM

Invite Only: Speaker Reception and Media Meet & Greet

5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Night at The Pavillion - Sponsored by Truckstop.com

Our primetime event for the 2019 Conference is Night at the Pavilion. This event will be held Wednesday, September 12th, and will consist of dinner, followed by an exciting lineup of casino style games and entertainment fit for all. This is a must attend networking event!
Wednesday

Truck & Trailer Equipment

6:00 AM - 7:00 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. Participates also receive a complimentary running shirt.

6:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Open

Union Station Lobby

6:30 AM - 8:00 AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a hot breakfast and omelet station before the conference sessions begin.

Eric Starks
8:15 AM - 8:30 AM

Conference Welcome

Thank you for joining us for the 2019 FTR Transportation Conference! This introduction to the event will provide insight on special events and activities, sessions, and other great opportunities.

Jack Kleinhenz
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Making Sense of the Economic Puzzle: Prospects for Growth

Thank you for joining us for the 2019 FTR Transportation Conference! This introduction to the event will provide insight on special events and activities, sessions, and other great opportunities.

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Transportation Overview - The FTR Perspective

The outlook for transportation starts with the economy, but the sector’s dynamics don’t always track with Gross Domestic Product. FTR will lay out their view on economic and market forces that are shaping freight transportation.

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Networking Break

Avery Vise
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Trucking Outlook - The FTR Perspective

In the aftermath of an extraordinarily strong market, carriers’ financial fortunes are linked more closely to responding appropriately to changing conditions. This session offers FTR’s views on demand, capacity, and pricing in a more volatile truck freight market.

Avery Vise
Bill Matheson
Chris Kravas
Chris Pickett
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Trucking Panel - Navigating Normal Once Again

The relatively brief period of trucking companies calling all the shots is over. Carriers, shippers, and brokers find themselves in the more usual situation of jockeying for advantages and “win-win” relationships in a more balanced market. A panel of market thought leaders will delve into the changing market conditions and it’s impact on the trucking space.

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Industry Themed Networking Lunch - Sponsored by HDMA

The lunch is divided into industry areas for enhanced networking. This lunch provides good opportunities to find the people you are interested in getting to know.

Kristen Monaco
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM

Driver Supply - What the Data Tells Us

One of the chronic debates in trucking is the extent - and even the very existence - of driver shortages. Kristen Monaco, associate commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics and a leading researcher in truck driver dynamics, will clarify some of the confusion surrounding driver availability.

Avery Vise
Andrew Martin
Robert Haag
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Heavy Truck Fleet Equipment Forum - Balancing Costs and Efficiency

As pricing leverage for trucking companies has subsided, carriers must have a renewed focus on managing costs and maximizing utilization. A panel of knowledgeable fleet managers will discuss the latest trends in equipment technology and the spec’ing and maintenance decisions that are helping to improve profitability and reliability.

2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Networking Break

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

Commercial Vehicle Trailer Outlook - The FTR Perspective

The trailer market is in the midst of an unprecedented run of strong activity. Evaluating the market indicators and demand fundamentals is essential in understanding where the outlook is headed for new trailer production. Can the recent run be sustained into 2020 and beyond?

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Commercial Vehicle Class 8 Equipment Outlook - The FTR Perspective

A strong economy and surging freight volumes pushed the Class 8 market to new heights. Softening order activity in the first half of 2019 would sugest a weaker environment going forward. However, elevated backlogs continue to keep production strong. FTR explores demand fundamentals to see if the market can sustain current production levels, or at least achieve a soft landing.

Andrew Martin
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Fleet Sentiment Heading Into 2020 - Taking the Pulse of the Industry

Results from the 2019 Fleet Sentiment survey will be presented, including fleet plans for equipment purchases in 2020 and the overall environment for carriers as we head into 2019 Q4. In addition, hear feedback on current industry issues with quotes from survey participants to add color to the data presented.

4:45 PM - 5:00 PM

Closing

5:00 PM - 5:45 PM

Invite Only: Speaker Reception and Media Meet & Greet

5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Night at The Pavillion - Sponsored by Truckstop.com

Our primetime event for the 2019 Conference is Night at the Pavilion. This event will be held Wednesday, September 12th, and will consist of dinner, followed by an exciting lineup of casino style games and entertainment fit for all. This is a must attend networking event!
Thursday

Shipper, Broker, & Carrier

6:00 AM - 7:00 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. Participates also receive a complimentary running shirt.

6:30 AM - 8:00 AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a hot breakfast and omelet station before the conference sessions begin.

6:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Registration Open

Eric Starks
John Drake
Rob Haddock
8:00 am - 8:45 PM

Conference Keynote

Start your day with an engaging discussion led by FTR CEO Eric Starks. He will explore the ever-changing landscape impacting business decisions and how those decisions impact transportation needs. Attendees will have an opportunity to be actively engaged and ask questions.

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Networking Break

Stefan Loeb
Todd Tranausky
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Keynote - Shippers, Brokers, & Carriers

Join the conversation as an FTR industry expert leads a one-on-one discussion with a transportation thought leader into the important topics impacting shippers, brokers, and carriers. Attendees will have an opportunity to be actively engaged and ask questions.

Glenn Smith
John Schmitter
Nicholas White
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Shipper’s Perspective on PSR - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Shippers provide insight on their experiences with Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) and freight movements. With a wide range of perspectives on PSR, this panel will allow you to hear from industry thought leaders regarding the new operating environment enacted by carriers.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Networking Break

Brent Hutto
Jeff Tucker
Jeffrey Leppert
Kevin Abbott
Shelley Simpson
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Intelligent Freight Matching - Views from Established Market Players

Trucking companies of all sizes are embracing technology and connectivity at an accelerating rate. The ground is fertile for the coming digital revolution in the truck market, opening the doors to freight matching that truly optimizes load opportunities for all parties to a transaction. This session focuses on how established brokers and carriers view the opportunities and challenges.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Lunch Buffet

Jay Lau
Mike Cammisa
Morgan Brewster
Paul Schlegel
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Commercializing Autonomous Truck Driving

It could be decades before driverless trucks are common throughout U.S. highways, but some companies already are developing business models for commercializing autonomous driving in the near term. Representatives of several firms involved in commercializing autonomous trucks will discuss their approaches and how they think the market will respond.

Mike Roeth
Peter Gardett
Todd Tranausky
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Fuel Trends and Next Gen Power - Shaking Up the Status Quo

IMO 2020 is threatening to upend the fuel markets relied on by transporters to move goods. A significant rise in diesel prices for truckload and rail carriers would restart discussions of alternative fuel supplies, such as battery, LNG, hydrogen, or electric technology. This panel examines the opportunities for these alternative technologies.

2:30 PM

Conference Closing
Thursday

Rail Equipment

6:00 AM - 7:00 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. Participates also receive a complimentary running shirt.

6:30 AM - 8:15 AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a hot breakfast and omelet station before the conference sessions begin.

6:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Registration Open

Union Station Lobby

Eric Starks
John Drake
Rob Haddock
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

Conference Keynote

Start your day with an engaging discussion led by FTR CEO Eric Starks. He will explore the ever-changing landscape impacting business decisions and how those decisions impact transportation needs. Attendees will have an opportunity to be actively engaged and ask questions.

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Networking Break

Eric Marchetto
Eric Starks
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Keynote - Rail Equipment

Join the conversation as an FTR industry expert leads a one-on-one discussion with a senior executive from an industry-leading railcar manufacturer. They will delve into the important topics surrounding the rail equipment market. Attendees will have an opportunity to be actively engaged and ask questions.

Brad Myers
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Supplier’s Perspective: One-on-One with Amsted Rail’s Brad Myers

Too often we think of rail equipment only from the shipper, lessor, or builder viewpoint. This one-on-one will focus on rail equipment from the supplier perspective, as they are oftentimes the first ones to notice and feel changes in demand. Hear from one of the industry’s leading suppliers and gain insight into the issues surrounding the supplier market.

David Friedman
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Up, Up, and Away - What to Make of Petrochemical Export Movements

Petrochemical market expansions in recent years has been a significant source of growth as both crude and natural gas feedstocks have revitalized domestic production. This increased production capacity is changing how global markets source petrochemicals. This session will examine what can be expected from the sector going forward.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Networking Break

James Link
Ross Corthell
Steve Legge
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Boxcar Panel - Getting More from Less

Boxcar shippers will have to be more efficient with a shrinking fleet in the coming years. This panel will discuss the long-term outlook for boxcars and what shippers, railroads, and railcar lessors can do to maximize the fleet of box cars.

Bill McNally
Greg Schmid
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Gondola Panel - Expectations in Coal and Steel

The gondola market has many sectors with scrap steel, coils, and coal being the primary drivers. This panel will examine the multi-faceted dimensions of this car type with an eye toward the expectations for 2020.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Lunch Buffet

Bob Pickel
Joseph McNeely
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Covered Hopper Panel - Making Sense of Diverging Markets

Frac sand has driven the small cube segment of this market for several years, but that market is quickly going dry with the widespread use of locally-sourced sand. Not only are we seeing changes in frac sand, but global trade is creating pressure in the demand for U.S. sourced grains. This panel will look at those dynamics as well as plastic pellet demand and their impacts on new railcar deliveries.

Jay Carter
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Tank Car Panel - Diversity is a Blessing and a Curse

The tank car market has been blessed with a diversity of demand - from refined product shipments to Mexico, NGL and crude from Canada, and ethanol shipments across the country. That diversity leads to some car types not being able to be used in multiple services, however. This panel will delve into the specifics of this car type, along with all its benefits and pitfalls.

2:30 PM

Conference Closing
Thursday

Truck & Trailer Equipment

6:00 AM - 7:00 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. Participates also receive a complimentary running shirt.

6:30 AM - 8:15 AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a hot breakfast and omelet station before the conference sessions begin.

6:30 AM - 2:30 AM

Registration Open

Union Station Lobby

Eric Starks
John Drake
Rob Haddock
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

Conference Keynote

Start your day with an engaging discussion led by FTR CEO Eric Starks. He will explore the ever-changing landscape impacting business decisions and how those decisions impact transportation needs. Attendees will have an opportunity to be actively engaged and ask questions.

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Networking Break

David Graziosi
Jonathan Starks
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Keynote - Truck & Trailer Equipment

Join the conversation as an FTR industry expert leads a one-on-one discussion with a transportation thought leader into the important topics surrounding the commercial vehicle market. Attendees will have an opportunity to be actively engaged and ask questions.

Bill McKenzie
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Trailer OEM Perspective - Planning for the Future After Record Years

The vocational trailer market is strongly tied to the industrial sector and has benefited from the increased drilling and manufacturing activity. Hear an industry leading trailer OEM delve into the trends within the vocational segments that will influence sales in the future.

Beto Dantas
Eric Starks
Maira Trimble
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Executive Forum - Navigating the Peak - Strategic Planning and Decision Making

Commercial Vehicle suppliers struggled to keep up with with surging demand in 2018 and 2019. At the top of the list is how they dealt with the tremendous increase in orders. Hear from the panel on how their views about strategy have been impacted by recent results and whether their perspectives on adding additional capacity have changed. As global trade continues to reshape the modern supply chain, our participants will address how it has altered global demand and sourcing of materials.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Networking Break

Craig Young
Don Ake
Mark Hall
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Truck & Trailer Dealer Forum - A View From the Sales Front

Dealers have had to deal with surging demand from their customers and limited supply from the manufacturers. As the front line employees, they are the ones dealing with a carrier’s immediate needs. Hear from a panel of dealer reps as to how they are seeing demand shape up for their customer base and what their expectations are for 2020.

Jim Mele
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Advancing Truck Technology

A look at the future of automation and electrification in trucking. Complementing the conference focus on business conditions in the trucking industry, this session will highlight the factors driving adoption of electric vehicle autonomous technology in commercial vehicles. It will provide an overview of the major electric powertrain types and outline likely adoption scenarios for CV users. A similar evolutionary adoption scenario for advanced driver assistance technology would ultimately lead to higher levels of autonomous truck operations.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Lunch Buffet

Chris Visser
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Used Trucks - A Glut of Riches?

With deliveries of new trucks remaining strong through 2019, what will be the impact to used truck values? How close the market is to achieving equilibrium between demand and new supply may give us the answer. After a record-hitting year for new vehicles in 2018, we will find out how truckers have responded to the need for trucks.

Jonathan Starks
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM

Medium Duty Outlook - The FTR Perspective

The ‘slow and steady’ mantra continues to hold true for the medium duty market, unlike its heavy-duty brethren. Those who operate in this diverse market may be happy to see a continuation of this steady demand environment. Since medium duty vehicles are primarily designed to support a business rather than be a business, the broader impacts from a service economy plays into demand fundamentals for this equipment type.

Jonathan Starks
Stephen Latin-Kasper
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Medium-Duty - Demand in a Diverse Market

Nearly everyone views the medium duty market slightly different. Few of us can address all of those viewpoints. Hear from a respected market economist who has focused on the many segments of this diverse market and get an alternate viewpoint of the demand fundamentals impacting growth.

2:30 PM

Conference Closing