FTR to Offer Educational Sessions at IANA Intermodal EXPO

July 30, 2014
FTR has organized program sessions for the “Intermodal Economic Environment,” one of four tracks in this year’s expanded Intermodal EXPO education program to be held Sept. 21-23 in Long Beach, California.  

FTR has organized program sessions for the “Intermodal Economic Environment,” one of four tracks in this year’s expanded Intermodal EXPO education program to be held Sept. 21-23 in Long Beach, California.

Presentations by FTR’s Larry Gross and Noël Perry, along with other key industry leaders, including Bill Strauss, Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, will focus on industry specific trends and forecasts useful to all intermodal supply chain stakeholders.  
 
“We are pleased to be a part of the educational offerings at this year’s Intermodal EXPO,” said Larry Gross, Senior Consultant of FTR.  “The importance of intermodal continues to grow, and the sophistication of businesses to understand and forecast freight and equipment demand needs to continue to improve as well.  The Intermodal EXPO has been the cornerstone event on the intermodal calendar for over 20 years, and, with the expansion of the educational opportunities, this year’s attendees will benefit greatly from the increased content.”   
 
Intermodal Economic Environment sessions include:
 
INTERMODAL FREIGHTCAST:  Supply, Demand, and the Prospects for Higher Rates
An in-depth review of intermodal’s recent performance and future prospects.  Intermodal volume has been growing, but rates have been depressed.  Will growth continue, and will it be enough to allow providers to increase rates?  This session will help participants gain insight into the intermodal environment, including trends in the overall economy and freight demand, along with intermodal prospects, including rate projections and potential risks and opportunities.
 
The End of the Line for IPI?  Trade, Transloading, and the Prospects for IPI Growth
With trade patterns changing, ocean carriers’ strategies uncertain, and investment pouring into both inland logistics parks and coastal transloading facilities, what does the future hold for the torrent of import goods that move on our intermodal system in ISO boxes?  This session will help participants understand the forces promoting changes, the tradeoffs between IPI and transloading, and opportunities for growth in the years to come.
 
Where’s My Driver?  The Driver Shortage and What It Will Mean for Intermodal
Regulatory activity by state and federal governments and the improving economy are combining to create tight supplies of truck drivers for over-the-road and drayage carriers alike.  This session will help participants understand the causes of the driver shortage, the ramifications for intermodal, and recommendations for dealing with the issue.
 
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX:  New Markets for Intermodal
One way to keep intermodal growth on track is to tap into new markets.  New technologies and fresh approaches are allowing intermodal to do just that, but creativity and persistence are requirements for success.  This session presents two real-world examples of non-traditional approaches to expanding the intermodal frontier.
 
Registration is now open. Visit IntermodalEXPO.com for the latest information.