In today’s rail equipment market, the biggest challenge isn’t the economy—it’s knowing where, when, and how to invest.

That’s why Railroad Financial Corporation, the leading rail equipment financial advisory firm, and FTR | Transportation Intelligence, the leading commercial freight transportation experts, are joining forces to give you a data-backed, decision-focused view of the chemical tank and covered hopper car landscapes.

Who Should Attend?

This one-day forum is built for supply chain leaders, procurement teams, transportation professionals, and asset managers who need clarity on fleet strategy, leasing structures, and long-term asset value. You’ll walk away with insights to cut through uncertainty and move forward with confidence in your investment decisions.

Location

Hosted at the Hyatt Regency Houston/Galleria, you’ll enjoy upscale amenities and a relaxed atmosphere while stepping away from the daily grind to expand your knowledge and grow your network.

Discounted block room information coming soon.

You're invited to attend the RFC and FTR Equipment Forum!

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

$495

Houston, TX

Railroad Financial Corporation, the leading rail equipment financial advisory firm, and FTR, the leading commercial freight transportation experts, are joining forces to provide the deepest dive into the fundamental demand and investment landscape of Tank and Covered Hopper railcars.

This event is ideal for supply chain, procurement, and transportation professionals as well as asset managers seeking to understand the current demand dynamics of tanks and covered hoppers and to receive an update on the lease market for railcars of all types.

Here's a look at the agenda:

7:30 AM - Breakfast & Networking

8:30 AM - Welcome & Introductions

8:45 AM - Economic Keynote

Join us as Emily Myers Sanchez provides insights into the direction of the carload markets and the underlying manufacturing economy. We'll dive deeper into the key data points and sectors to watch like mortgage rates, lumber prices, and automotive production.

Presenter - Emily Myers Sanchez, American Chemistry Council

9:30 AM - Tank Cars Equipment (deliveries and outlook)

Tank cars are settling into a lower level of order and delivery activity, but also face a higher-than-usual level of uncertainty given potential regulatory changes and requalification activity. We’ll examine these drivers of activity and provide an outlook for where the market goes in 2024.

Presenter - Todd Tranausky

10:30 AM - Networking Break

10:45 AM - Covered Hoppers (deliveries and outlook)

Orders have been strong for covered hoppers, but some participants fear a bubble forming and that covered hoppers will become the next overbuilt railcar type. Expected new production coming online in the next 18 months mitigates those fears somewhat, but this session will address the risks and uncertainties acting on this market.

Presenter - Todd Tranausky

11:45 AM - Lunch

1:00 PM - Fireside Keynote: The Changing Face of Rail Freight in Supply Chains

Hear directly from a supply chain practitioner as we discuss the changing landscape of transportation and its implications for rail freight

Presenters: Francisco Salinas, CEMEX, William Geiger and David Nahass, RFC

1:45 PM - Leasing

Steadying global conflicts have seen commodity costs ease from their 2023 peaks, but uncertainty from potential regulatory changes has tampered with the appetite for tank car demand to a degree. Join the Railroad Financial Corporation team as they examine how this abnormal market is impacting financial indicators such as lease rates, return on investment, and revenue streams.

Presenters - David Nahass and William Geiger

2:30 PM - Networking Break

3:00 PM - Railcar Executive Q&A

Eric Marchetto, Chief Financial Officer of TrinityRail will join William Geiger and David Nahass for a Question and Answer session on the railcar manufacturing and leasing market.

Presenters:
Eric Marchetto, TrinityRail
William Geiger, Railroad Financial Corp.
David Nahass, Railroad Financial Corp.

3:45 PM - Finance

The Covered Hopper market has seen a struggle as of late with market demand being absorbed by the petrochemical space. Join David and Will as they assess what the offsetting commodity growth means for the Covered Hopper market as we trudge through this subdued freight market.

Presenters - David Nahass and William Geiger