How FTR’s Joseph Towers Helps the Rail Industry Decode Supply, Demand, and What’s Next

In this episode, Eric Starks sits down with Joseph Towers, FTR’s Senior Analyst for Rail, to uncover how he transforms complex transportation data into actionable market intelligence. With a background in financial econometrics and experience at Trinity Industries and Oliver Wyman, Joseph brings a sharp, data-first mindset to everything from commodity flow analysis to rail equipment demand. Tune in to hear how his passion for connecting economic theory to real-world freight dynamics shapes his role at FTR—and why he’s excited about the future of rail.

Watch the complete interview here:

Session Highlights:

(click on any session to view that video highlight)

• What led you to FTR? 
• What excites you about your role at FTR?
• What's your answer when someone asks, "What do you do?"
• How are your interactions with clients?
• How difficult do you find it to be the person to supply the unbiased information to the industry?
• What does your typical day, week, month, etc. look like at FTR?
• What projects have you worked on lately that stand out to you?
• Do you see your role as helping people set strategy or make tactical day to day decisions?
• How do you integrate all of these tools to help people make better decisions?
• What are some of the things you like to keep an eye on to help you stay ahead of the curve?
• Do you find it helpful to sit down and talk with other subject matter experts at FTR?
• What have you found helpful with FTR's forecasting tools that other systems might lack?
• What other thoughts do you have to share?

Thank You for Watching

We appreciate you watching this conversation to learn more about Joseph and his role at the FTR. To see Joseph's full bio, please visit Meet The Team - Joseph Towers.

Did you miss any of our Industry Connections Blogs?  You can find them here:

• Avery Vise
• Jonathan Starks
• Eric Starks
• Jami Sargent
• Dan Moyer