.jpg "2025 FTR Symposium: Chemicals & Petroleum")
Here's a look at the agenda:
8:30 AM - Welcome & Introductions
Speaker: Jonathan Starks, CEO
An overview of the day’s agenda and a brief introduction to the speakers and topics.
8:45 AM - Chasing Demand in the U.S. Economy
Speakers: Jonathan Starks, CEO, and Eric Starks, Chairman
Join in a discussion of how economic pressures are affecting the transportation markets and what the path forward looks like. FTR will highlight the critical economic and freight market outlooks that will drive decision-making in the coming year.
10:00 AM - Networking Break
10:15 AM -Deep Dive into Chemicals and Petroleum Demand
Speakers: Avery Vise, VP of Trucking; Joseph Towers, Senior Analyst, Rail
Get a fuller understanding of FTR’s outlook for production of petroleum and chemicals, including crude oil, plastics, fertilizers, petrochemicals, and organics. We will discuss how demand might translate into freight volumes for rail and truck in the years to come.
11:45 AM - Lunch & Networking
Thank you to Hempel for sponsoring our breakfast and lunch today!
1:00 PM - Industry Keynote – Dan Ujczo
Speaker: Dan Ujczo, Associate General Counsel, U.S. Legal Operations for Cenovus Energy
Moderator: Jonathan Starks, CEO
We will explore the evolving landscape of tariffs and how businesses are adapting to ongoing changes. We’ll examine the broader implications for supply chains with a particular focus on the downstream effects for both shippers and carriers.
1:45 PM - Changes in International Trade and the Impacts on Domestic Freight
Speakers: Avery Vise, VP of Trucking; Eric Starks, Chairman; Joseph Towers, Senior Analyst, Rail
This session will examine changes in import and export levels so far in 2025 and discuss what trends are likely to emerge in 2026. We’ll also explore the quantitative impacts of tariff policies, shifts in freight flows by key commodities and regions, and the resulting effects on transportation demand.
2:45 PM - Networking Break
3:00 PM - Assessing Equipment Populations for Chemicals and Petroleum Freight
Speakers: Avery Vise, VP of Trucking; Joseph Towers, Senior Analyst, Rail
Get additional insights into how FTR assesses the population of equipment for these specialized sectors. From tank and covered hopper railcars to dry and liquid tank trailers, we will highlight current expectations for scrappage and new equipment demand.
3:30 PM - Open Discussion with FTR Experts
Speakers: Avery Vise, VP of Trucking; Eric Starks, Chairman; Joseph Towers, Senior Analyst, Rail
Moderator: Jonathan Starks, CEO
An open-format session where attendees can engage directly with FTR analysts, ask questions, and discuss key topics shaping the future of chemical and petroleum freight transportation.
