2025 RFC & FTR Forum

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.

Enjoy our special $195/night discounted rate! Don’t wait—our room block closes on October 17th.

Reserve Your Room Today

Here's a look at the agenda:

7:30 AM - Breakfast & Networking

8:30 AM - Welcome & Introductions

Speakers: Jonathan Starks, CEO, FTR; and David Nahass, President, Railroad Financial Corporation

Introduction and overview of the forum agenda.

8:45 AM - Chemicals Keynote - Katie Hower

Speaker: Katie Hower, Group Vice President, Industrial Products, Economic Development, BNSF

Moderator: Eric Starks, Chairman, FTR

Description: Get a perspective on the shifts in the chemical and petroleum industries from a railroader’s point of view. Hear what rail customers are saying, what trends in chemical volumes are indicating, and how the rail industry is evolving over the next few years.

9:30 AM - Rail Outlook

Speakers: Eric Starks, Chairman, FTR; and Joseph Towers, Senior Analyst, Rail, FTR

Description: Starting with the big picture, this session will provide a baseline on the current state of rail freight, including an overview of key economic indicators as well as current and anticipated levels of rail volumes. We’ll then tie this to our overall expectations of rail equipment demand, before diving into specific equipment types in later sessions.

10:00 AM - Networking Break

10:15 AM - A Rail Closer Look - Tank Cars

Speaker: Joseph Towers, Senior Analyst, Rail, FTR

Description: The future of tank cars is uncertain, given trade tensions, a weak industrial environment, and declining backlogs. To better understand what lies ahead for this car type, we will examine each of these factors in detail—along with regulatory changes and equipment-specific trends—to provide a clearer picture of what to expect in 2026 and beyond.

10:45 AM - A Rail Closer Look - Covered Hoppers

Speaker: Joseph Towers, Senior Analyst, Rail, FTR

Description: Covered hoppers have been the cornerstone of recent new-car activity, but can that trend continue? By examining recent trends in volumes, backlogs, builds, and retirements, we aim to provide a clearer picture of the current state of covered hopper demand and share our perspective on the future of this car type.

11:15 AM - Hot Topic - Evolving Freight and Shifting Demand

Speaker: Joseph Towers, Senior Analyst, Rail, FTR

Description: Agriculture and chemicals have long been considered steady drivers of rail demand. Is that still true, and do growth opportunities remain? To answer these questions, we will examine shifts in domestic and global freight flows, including changes in domestic production, shifts in international demand, and the potential implications of a transcontinental railroad.

11:45 AM - Lunch & Networking

1:00 PM - Railcar Finance Roundtable

Speakers: Roger Jimenez, CFO, Tokai Carbon CB; David Nahass, President, Railroad Financial Corporation; and Will Geiger, Senior VP, Railroad Financial Corporation

Description: Engaging in conversation about the impact of the current state of the economy on capital investment, railcar financing, the future of railcar markets and emerging trends.

2:00 PM - Leasing

Speakers: David Nahass, President, Railroad Financial Corporation, and Will Geiger, Senior VP, Railroad Financial Corporation

Description: Leasing Market Update from Railroad Financial Corporation

2:45 PM - Networking Break

3:15 PM - Railcar Executive Q&A

Speakers: Eric Marchetto, CFO, Trinity Industries, David Nahass, President, Railroad Financial Corporation and Will Geiger, Senior VP, Railroad Financial Corporation

Description: Eric Marchetto will join Will Geiger and David Nahass for a question-and-answer session on the railcar manufacturing and leasing market.