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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

 

Register Now

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

MelissaYounger_20210719_016_cropped
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.  

JonStarks_20210719_016
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.
JamiSargent_20210719_013
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.
MelissaYounger_20210719_016_cropped
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.  

JonStarks_20210719_016
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.
JamiSargent_20210719_013
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.
2024 FTR Conference_Hero image_RE

From sessions to networking, we impact your decision-making

 

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

Receive important 2025 FTR Transportation Conference Updates

From sessions to networking, we impact your decision-making

 

 

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

Register Now - Rail Bundle

Rail Equipment Agenda

Click on the agenda titles below to view 2024'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.

Sponsored by Telegraph.

7:30 AM - 8:45 AM - Breakfast
8:30 AM - Rail Equipment Kick-off

Welcome!

Jonathan Starks - CEO, FTR

8:45 AM - 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.

Presenter:
Paul Titterton - Executive VP & President, Rail North America, GATX Corp.

Moderator:
Eric Starks - Chairman of the Board,  FTR

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.

Presenters: 
Eric Starks - Chairman of the Board, FTR

Joseph Towers - Senior Analyst Rail, FTR 

       

10:00 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: 
David Nahass - President, Railroad Financial Corporation 

Joseph Devoe - Senior Vice President, Helaba

Sean Hankinson - Industry Expert 

 

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.

Presenters:
Brian Smalley - Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales,
National Steel Car N.A.

Kevin Cook - President, Modern Rail Capital, LLC

Moderator: 
Jonathan Starks - CEO, FTR

11:30 AM - The Shippers Decision To Keep or Ditch a Car

From age to design to maintenance, there are many factors that influence a shipper's decision to keep or get rid of a railcar.  Tune in to hear directly from the shippers on what they find important when making these decisions.

Presenter: 
Rob Cook - Sr. Manager Rail Operations, Bunge 

Todd Tranausky - Logistics Procurement Manager, Americas Stryenics

Moderator: 
Joseph Towers - Senior Analyst Rail, FTR

12:00 PM - Lunch Buffet
1:00 PM - Railcar Equipment Keynote

A leader in rail equipment manufacturing addresses the future challenges and opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers, and customers. 

Presenter:
Charley Moore - Chief Commercial Officer, TrinityRail

Moderator:
Eric Starks - Chairman of the Board,  FTR

 

 

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.

Presenters: 
John O'Bryan - Industry Expert

Brad Myers - Executive VP and COO, Amsted Rail /Amsted Digital

Moderator: 
Joseph Towers - Senior Analyst Rail, FTR

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: 
Jay Carter - Strategic Marketing Manager, Greenbrier Companies 

Ben Eplers - Director Portfolio Management, The Andersons, INC

Moderator: 
Eric Starks - Chairman of the Board, FTR

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.

Presenters:

David Nahass - President, Railroad Financial Corporation

Patrick Kurtz - VP Fleet Management, American Industrial Transport

Moderator: 
Jonathan Starks - CEO, FTR

 

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: 
Daniel Windle - Director of Sales Operations, TrinityRail 

David Horwitz - VP & Group Executive, Portfoloio Management & Procurement, GATX

Moderator: 
Joseph Towers - Senior Analyst Rail, FTR

View 2024 Session Details Below

Rail Equipment Agenda

Download the Rail Equipment agenda in PDF.
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Company List

View companies in your industry that have previously attended.
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Rail Equipment Speakers

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

Jonathan Starks CEO, FTR
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Eric Starks Chairman of the Board, FTR
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Paul Titterton Exec. VP & President, Rail North America, GATX, Corp.
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Joseph Towers Senior Analyst, Rail - FTR
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David Nahass President, Railroad Financial Corp
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Joseph Devoe Senior Vice President, Helaba
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Sean Hankinson Industry Expert
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Brian Smalley Executive Vice President, Marketing & Sales, National Steel Car N.A.
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Kevin Cook President, Modern Rail Capital, LLC
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Rob Cook Sr. Manager Rail Operations, Bunge
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Todd Tranausky Logistics Procurement Manager, Americas Stryenics
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Charley Moore CCO, Trinity Rail
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John O'Bryan Industry Expert
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Brad Myers Executive VP and COO, Amsted Rail/Amsted Digital
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Jay Carter Strategic Marketing Manager, Greenbrier Companies
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Ben Eplers Director Portfolio Management, The Andersons, INC
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Patrick Kurtz VP Fleet Portfolio Management, AITX
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David Horwitz VP & Group Executive Portfolio Management & Procurement, GATX
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Daniel Windle Director of Sales Operations, TrinityRail
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