Driving Strategic Clarity: How Derek Young Helps Clients Turn Freight Data Into Action

What does it take to turn a mountain of economic and freight data into something a transportation executive can actually use? At FTR, that’s where Derek Young comes in. As Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Derek plays a key role in translating the power of our Freight•cast® model into actionable insights for clients across trucking, rail, intermodal, and equipment sectors.

In this interview by Eric Starks, Derek shares how his journey—from Tier 1 supplier burnout to becoming the voice behind FTR’s market intelligence—has shaped his passion for making data not just accessible, but truly valuable. You'll get a candid look at how he approaches sales strategy, customer empathy, and the challenge of helping industry leaders navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Let’s dive in.

Watch the complete interview here:

Session Highlights:

(click on any session to view that video highlight)

• How did you end up at FTR? 
• What excites you about your role at FTR?
• What do you like about your role?
• How do you approach making data accessible and actionable for better decision-making?
• What examples do you have helping clients make key decisions?
• How do you see FTR's unbiased business model helping with your role and how FTR is viewed by the industry?
• What does a typical day look like for you?
• What do you enjoy about working at FTR?
• What's a unique advantage that FTR's data and insight provide that other forecasting tools might lack?

Thank You for Watching

We appreciate you watching this conversation to learn more about Derek and his role at the FTR. To learn more about Derek, please visit Meet The Team - Derek Young.

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