Inside FTR’s Forecasting Brain: A Conversation with CEO Jonathan Starks

What does it take to transform complex freight data into actionable intelligence?

In our new video series spotlighting the minds behind FTR’s market insights, we sit down with Jonathan Starks, CEO of FTR Transportation Intelligence, for an in-depth look at his journey, methodology, and leadership philosophy. From humble beginnings—literally burning CDs—to spearheading FTR’s Freight•cast forecasting model, Jon offers a candid, behind-the-scenes perspective on what makes FTR’s work both unique and essential. If you’ve ever wondered how transportation data becomes strategy, this conversation is for you..

Watch the complete interview here:

Session Highlights:

(click on any session to view that video highlight)

• What's your background and what led you to FTR? 
• What did you do to help rework the model and how does the model work?
• What do you like about what you are doing?
• What are your thoughts on previous cycles you've seen and what have you learned?
• Can you help put more context on how you go about researching cycles?
• Have there been any memorable times when you've helped a client solve a problem or make a key decision?
• What's your relationship with Ed Graham and what have you learned from him?
• What is your weekly cadence?
• Based on discussions during our subject matter expert meeting, we're able to understand and talk about risk to our clients better.  How do we bring that together?
• What's one of the unique advantages that you see that FTR provides that other forecasting tools might lack?
• Is there something you prefer to do over the other tasks, given the choice?

Thank You for Watching

This conversation with Jonathan Starks is more than a career retrospective—it’s a window into how FTR consistently delivers clarity in a complex market. Whether you're a shipper, carrier, or investor, the value of actionable intelligence lies in the ability to see what's next—and FTR’s work, led by voices like Jon's, helps organizations do just that.

Want to learn more about Jon and read his full bio visit:  Meet the Expert - Jonathan Starks

Did you miss our Industry Connections Blog last week where we talked to Avery Vise?  You can read it here.  Avery Vise

Be sure to follow our channels for more expert interviews, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or insights of your own. Let’s continue the conversation.