The economy has seen a series of shocks and whipsaws in the past three-and-a-half years, and even as indicators suggest a broad settling, we continue to see echoes and consequences of the pandemic disruption. Will 2024 finally bring an economy we can anticipate? Or is the new normal just waiting for the next unseen shoe to drop?

Following the craziness of late 2020 through early 2022, the trucking market has been favorable for shippers for a unusually long period – at least by the standards of the past decade. We will review current conditions and the latest forecast and discuss markers we watching for signs of trucking's next upswing.

Carload and intermodal have been on starkly different trajectories in the last few years, and that has only intensified in the last 12 months. This session examines the fundamentals and outlooks for each side of the rail freight market and whether carload and intermodal will start to come closer together in 2024. 

A leading chemical and petroleum shipper speaks about the threats and opportunities they see for the market moving forward. This conversation will allow attendees to ask questions and hear answers about what they are watching to determine business outcomes in the year ahead.

Regulations at the federal and state levels and corporate drives for sustainability are pushing toward electric propulsion for commercial vehicles faster than we might have envisioned a decade ago. This session will address the technology paths, timelines and current and expected challenges to battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and whether diesel has a role in freight transportation of the future.

In today's ever-evolving global marketplace, leading shippers face an array of complex and constantly changing regulatory challenges. To maintain a competitive edge while ensuring adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, shippers must chart a course for compliance.
This session is designed to provide shippers with invaluable insights into the regulatory landscape and equip them with practical strategies to navigate the intricate web of compliance concerns.

Uncertainty in the broader economy continues to shape truck freight demand and commercial vehicle markets. This session will provide a data-driven look at key economic indicators, truck freight trends, and market forces influencing Class 8 and Medium-Duty demand in 2025 and beyond. 

With shifting truck freight conditions and evolving supply chain dynamics, understanding the state of the Class 8 and Medium-Duty markets is more critical than ever. This session will break down the latest trends in build rates, orders, and retail sales—highlighting what they mean for inventory levels, backlogs, and future production. 

Trade policy and geopolitical shifts are reshaping supply chains, creating challenges for sourcing critical components and maintaining stable production levels. This session will explore how tariffs, import restrictions, and global disruptions are affecting Class 8 and Medium-Duty truck manufacturing, with insights into potential risks and adjustments within the supply chain. 

Market uncertainty continues to complicate Class 8 equipment demand forecasting, making expert analysis more critical than ever. In this session, FTR provides unique insights into the key forces shaping the market, offering a data-driven perspective on what lies ahead. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities influencing the Class 8 landscape, guided by FTR’s unparalleled expertise in freight transportation intelligence. 

The 2024 election sharply reversed momentum toward battery-electric and alternative powertrains, raising doubts about the future of U.S. EPA’s GHG-3 and 2027 NOx rules as well as CARB’s aggressive emissions targets. With regulatory mandates no longer a certain driver, fleets and manufacturers may reconsider their approach to adopting alternative technologies. This session explores how market forces and industry strategies will shape the transition to new powertrains in an era of uncertainty.

As the industry approaches another potential pre-buy cycle, suppliers face increased uncertainty surrounding the 2027 NOx emissions regulations, now under review by the U.S. EPA. This session will address critical questions facing the supply chain—will fleets accelerate purchases anticipating tighter regulations, or will the EPA's ongoing review and shifting economic conditions temper demand? Our experts will provide insight into the risks, challenges, and strategic considerations for suppliers navigating the evolving landscape ahead.

With evolving emissions regulations and market dynamics shaping the Medium-Duty truck sector, understanding future demand is more important than ever. This session will provide a data-driven outlook on production trends and key industry forces, bringing together insights from the day to help attendees anticipate and adapt to upcoming changes. 

Wrap up the day with an interactive Q&A session where you can ask FTR experts your most pressing questions about the Heavy- and Medium-Duty truck industry. This open discussion provides a unique opportunity to gain insights, clarify key takeaways, and engage directly with industry thought leaders.