Freight Transportation Research (FTR) will host its 2026 commercial vehicle symposium on April 21 in Indianapolis, Ind., bringing together transportation executives for a one-day session focused on market conditions and forecasting.
The event is aimed at leaders responsible for transportation budgeting, capacity planning and margin management in an increasingly complex market environment. This year’s small-group symposiums are built to deliver a focused blend of quantitative analysis, forward-looking forecasts, and discussion, FTR said in a news release.
Sessions will be led by FTR executives: Jonathan Starks, CEO; Eric Starks, chairman of the board; Avery Vise, vice president of trucking; and Dan Moyer, commercial vehicle analyst.
The first session on the agenda will examine the economic and freight data influencing new equipment purchases. Eric Starks will lead a discussion on freight growth, carrier changes, productivity and broader economic indicators shaping equipment demand. He will also lead a discussion on operating in an elevated risk environment, where he will address ongoing economic and policy risks facing the industry.
Moyer will present updated forecasts for Class 8 trucks and trailers, discussing what recent market indicator data suggests about the trajectory of commercial vehicle markets. Later in the day — in a session titled “A Tale of Two Markets” — Moyer will contrast weaker van trailer demand with stronger vocational segments, showing how infrastructure, construction, and trade dynamics are reshaping the trailer market.
A capital deployment session led by Vise will focus on whether fleets are prepared to resume equipment investment after a period marked by trade volatility, tariffs and regulatory uncertainty. The discussion will explore potential impacts of greater clarity around EPA regulations, shifting replacement cycles and pending federal policy measures.
The day concludes with a closing Q&A session led by Jonathan Starks.
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