Electrification and hybrid propulsion
What electrification and hybrid propulsion means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The MARS Winter Meeting is set to take place from January 12-14, 2027 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Chicago, USA. This event is organized by the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers and aims to gather rail industry professionals to discuss key topics in rail shipping and logistics.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network, share insights, and learn from industry leaders. MARS Winter Meeting takes place in Chicago, USA.
TL;DR
- 1Scale and Focus: This event is a key gathering for rail industry professionals, focusing on rail shipping and logistics.
- 2Organiser: Hosted by the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers, more details available at mwrailshippers.com.
- 3Buyer Authority: Attendees include rail shippers, logistics managers, and industry stakeholders.
- 4Entry: Registration details can be found on the official website.
Why visit
Attending the MARS Winter Meeting provides valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers. Participants will gain insights into the latest trends and challenges in rail shipping, enhancing their knowledge and business strategies. The event also features presentations from key speakers in the rail industry.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the MARS Winter Meeting allows companies to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of rail industry professionals. Exhibitors can connect with potential clients, generate leads, and enhance their brand visibility within the rail shipping sector. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Rail equipment manufacturers, Logistics and supply chain solution providers, Railroad service companies. Position your offer across rail shipping.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Rail shippers moving carload freight in chemicals, plastics, agricultural products, forest products, minerals, aggregates and automotive parts
Transportation and logistics managers who own rail procurement, rate negotiation and service performance for individual plants
Supply chain and distribution leaders comparing rail, truck and intermodal economics on long-haul lanes
Class I and short line railroad marketing and commercial teams meeting current and prospective shipping customers
Railcar fleet managers, lessors and equipment service buyers
Transload, terminal and switching operators working with shipper facilities
Third-party logistics providers, rail brokers and shipment visibility vendors
Industrial development, port and inland terminal representatives marketing rail-served sites
Trade association and regulatory specialists tracking Surface Transportation Board and AAR dockets
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Class I, regional and short line railroads presenting carload, intermodal and industrial development programs
Railcar builders, lessors, repair shops and component suppliers
Transloading, terminal, switching and warehousing operators
Rail logistics software, EDI and waybill or shipment visibility providers
Third-party logistics firms, rail rate consultants and marketing agents
Track, signal and rail infrastructure contractors
Ports, inland terminals and economic development groups with rail-served industrial sites
Bulk commodity handlers, loading equipment and packaging suppliers serving rail shippers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Carload rate programs and single-car through unit-train services
Intermodal and cross-border rail services
Railcar leasing, purchase and fleet management programs
Railcar repair, coatings, bearings and replacement components
Transloading, terminal handling and switching services
Rail logistics software, EDI and shipment tracking tools
Short line and regional railroad services
Industrial site development and rail-served facility planning
Track maintenance, engineering and rail infrastructure services
Bulk loading, packaging and material handling equipment
Location & Facilities
Venue
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173, USA
Facilities
Parking
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Chicago typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Chicago typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Midwest Association of Rail Shippers
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Chicago, USA
Why it matters
Attending MARS Winter Meeting on 2027-01-12 to 2027-01-12 in Chicago lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Connected helm and telematics
What connected helm and telematics means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainable materials and refit
What sustainable materials and refit means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Experience-led watersports demand
What experience-led watersports demand means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Supply-chain regionalisation
What supply-chain regionalisation means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
The practical gateway for this venue: ORD sits on the same northwest side as Schaumburg, so rideshare or taxi is a short suburban transfer rather than a cross-city run. Confirm the fare band in the app on arrival; rideshare pickup is at the designated terminal zones
Approx. 15-20 miles northwest to Schaumburg via I-190 and I-90
to venue
Approx. 25-40 min in normal traffic; allow 50-60 min in a snow event or at rush hour
by car
Chicago Midway International Airport
Use MDW only when the fare saving is material, since the road transfer crosses the metro area. Rideshare and taxi both serve the terminals; a Metra and Pace combination is possible but slow with luggage
Approx. 35-40 miles from the city's southwest side to Schaumburg via I-55, I-294 and I-90
to venue
Approx. 50-70 min in normal traffic; longer at rush hour
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
on-site / upscale
Schaumburg, attached to the convention centerAttached to the meeting space, so you walk to sessions. Approximate January midweek night band in USD, based on typical suburban Chicago upscale pricing for this tier; confirm the live rate and cancellation terms when booking.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Schaumburg Woodfield
3-star, all-suite
Schaumburg WoodfieldFree breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, pool and fitness center per the hotel listing. Approximate January night band in USD, a short rideshare from the convention center; confirm rate and shuttle arrangements directly.
Hyatt Place Chicago/Schaumburg
select-service
SchaumburgGuest rating 4.1 in the captured hotel results, with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking and an indoor pool. Approximate January night band in USD; good value if you do not need to sleep in the convention center building.
Wyndham Garden Schaumburg Chicago Northwest
4-star per Google classification
SchaumburgBreakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub and fitness center per the listing, and flagged as a great-price option. Outdoor pool is not a January draw; the free parking and breakfast are. Approximate night band in USD.
Baymont By Wyndham Schaumburg Chicago Northwest
3-star
SchaumburgGuest rating 4.1 with breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking and fitness center per the listing. The budget option in the cluster; expect a basic room and a short drive to the convention center. Approximate January night band in USD.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rideshare / taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forChicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
The default transfer for this venue. Pickup is at the terminal rideshare zones; allow 25 to 40 minutes in normal traffic and considerably longer in a snow event.
rideshare / taxi
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forChicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Longer and more expensive than ORD because MDW sits on the southwest side of the city. Choose it only for a material fare saving or a direct route from your origin.
commuter rail
Estimated costApprox. USD 6-8 for the Metra zone fare, plus a short rideshare; confirm current fares with Metra
Best forMetra Union Pacific Northwest line, Chicago Union Station to Schaumburg station, then rideshare to the convention center
Cheap and reliable into the northwest suburbs, but the Schaumburg station is not walkable to the convention center in January with luggage, so plan a short rideshare at the far end.
local bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2 per single ride; confirm current Pace fare policy
Best forPace suburban bus routes serving Schaumburg and the Woodfield corridor
Pace is the suburban bus operator in this part of the Chicago region. Routes and frequencies are limited in the evening, so treat the bus as a daytime backup rather than the main plan.
walk
Estimated costUSD 0
Best forRenaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel to the meeting and exhibit space
Guests at the attached hotel reach sessions indoors on foot, which is the main reason to book it in January.
parking
Estimated costRates not published in the capture; confirm with the venue on arrival
Best for1551 Thoreau Dr N and 1550 McConnor Parkway surface lots, Schaumburg
Surface parking serves the convention center complex and most nearby hotels advertise free guest parking. Do not budget from a fixed figure, and allow extra time to clear snow from the car after a storm.
Weather
January in Schaumburg and the wider Chicago metro is deep winter. Expect daytime highs close to freezing, overnight lows around -8 C (18 F), and episodes of snow, sleet or freezing rain that can slow the I-90 corridor and force delays at ORD and MDW. Wind chill on open parking lots is the main comfort issue, and untreated pavements freeze overnight. Check a short-range National Weather Service forecast 48 hours before travel, keep one buffer day before any meeting you cannot miss, and confirm your airline's change policy at booking.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The venue hotel and the surrounding Schaumburg properties generally provide guest Wi-Fi; confirm whether meeting-room internet is included in your registration or must be ordered separately, and bring a mobile hotspot as a backup for live demos. US mobile networks run on bands that most current phones support, but check your handset before relying on a roaming plan, and consider a prepaid US eSIM for data. Power is 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A and Type B plugs, so European and Asian visitors need a plug adapter and, for some devices, a voltage converter. Carry a power bank for long days on the floor, since charging points in busy exhibit areas are contested.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress on the meeting floor
Midwest rail and shipping meetings run business casual to business formal: jacket and collared shirt without a tie is the norm in the day sessions, with a slightly dressier look at evening receptions. Bring warm layers, because the walk between the hotel and the meeting space is outdoors in January.
Tipping and card payment
Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Schaumburg, including taxis and rideshare through the app. Tipping 15 to 20 percent at table-service restaurants is expected, a dollar or two per drink at the bar, and a few dollars per bag for hotel bell staff.
Local currency and costs
Everything on site is priced in US dollars (USD). Budget for the hotel night plus tax, a rideshare transfer from ORD, and parking if you drive; sales tax in the Schaumburg area is added at checkout rather than shown in the shelf price.
Meeting etiquette with carriers
Railroad commercial teams expect shippers to arrive with volumes, lanes and service data rather than general relationship talk. Opening with your annual carloads, transit concerns and demurrage record is considered efficient, not aggressive, and decisions are usually followed up after the meeting rather than agreed on the floor.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ORD
Price Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) first, because the transfer to Schaumburg is short and the airport carries the widest choice of nonstop routes from Europe, the Middle East and Asia as well as US domestic hubs. Compare Chicago Midway (MDW) only if the saving is large enough to justify a cross-metro road transfer. A captured sample round-trip economy fare from New York JFK to ORD for a mid-January 2027 departure came in around USD 297 including taxes, so use roughly USD 300 to 600 as a realistic domestic booking band and price long-haul routes separately. Book the earliest practical arrival, keep one buffer day before the first meeting you must attend, and check the airline's winter change policy, since January storm systems at ORD routinely trigger delays.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): Approx. 25-40 min in normal traffic; allow 50-60 min in a snow event or at rush hour; Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW): Approx. 50-70 min in normal traffic; longer at rush hour. Allow road or rail time to Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel: Schaumburg, attached to the convention center: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel; Schaumburg Woodfield: Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Schaumburg Woodfield; Schaumburg: Hyatt Place Chicago/Schaumburg.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate across Chicago and the Schaumburg suburbs, and rideshare is the most practical way to reach the convention center from ORD or from a Woodfield-area hotel. Use the designated pickup zones at the airport terminals, expect an approximate USD 35 to 75 one-way band from ORD depending on surge and vehicle class, and confirm the fare in the app before requesting. Vehicles are usually plentiful in the morning and late afternoon, but availability thins during a snow event, so allow extra wait time or pre-book a scheduled ride on the morning of an important session.
Public transit: The practical rail option is Metra's Union Pacific Northwest line from Chicago Union Station to Schaumburg station, roughly a 40 to 50 minute ride depending on service pattern, followed by a short rideshare to the convention center because the station is not walkable with luggage in winter. Pace suburban buses cover parts of the Schaumburg and Woodfield corridor at an approximate USD 2 single fare, but frequencies are limited and evening service is sparse. For most delegates arriving at ORD, rideshare is faster and simpler than a CTA and Pace combination with bags. Confirm current timetables and fares with Metra and Pace before relying on transit for a fixed meeting time.
Parking: The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel and the adjacent convention complex are served by surface parking, with mapped lots at 1551 Thoreau Drive North and 1550 McConnor Parkway. Most Schaumburg hotels in the Woodfield cluster, including the Embassy Suites, Hyatt Place, Wyndham Garden and Baymont, advertise free guest parking, which makes driving in from a nearby hotel viable if you arrive early. Rates and gate access for day visitors at the convention center are set by the venue and were not published in the available capture, so confirm current charges with the hotel or organiser. Allow extra time in January to clear snow and ice from the car, and keep a scraper and gloves in the vehicle.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January 2027
Temperature: Approx. -8 C to 1 C (about 18 F to 34 F) across a typical January day in the Chicago metro, with colder wind-chill values on open ground; confirm the actual forecast close to travel
Seasonality: Precipitation in January falls mainly as snow or sleet rather than rain, with occasional freezing rain that ices pavements and airport aprons. Snow depth varies year to year and a single storm can drop several inches in a day, so treat the transfer day as weather-dependent rather than fixed.
Packing: Pack for deep winter: an insulated, wind-resistant coat that covers the hip, gloves or mittens, a hat, a scarf and waterproof boots with grip for the parking lots and hotel forecourts. Bring a warm layer for the meeting rooms, which are heated but can feel cool near the loading doors, plus a compact umbrella for sleet and a power bank for long days on the floor. Carry any prescription medicine in your hand luggage with a spare day's supply in case ORD closes, and add a small snow brush if you are driving in from a regional origin.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at MARS Winter Meeting usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Day 14 - Confirm your registration and badge details on mwrailshippers.com, and check whether your company routes attendance through a trade-registration or member approval step.
T-2
Day 14 - Book the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel or a Woodfield-area property, and read the cancellation policy carefully because a January storm can force a re-plan.
T-3
Day 12 - Price ORD first from your origin, compare MDW only if the saving is large, and keep the flight arrival at least one day before your first confirmed meeting.
T-4
Day 12 - Map your transfer: rideshare or taxi from ORD to Schaumburg is roughly USD 35 to 75; confirm the fare band in the app at the time you land.
T-5
Day 10 - Pull your 2026 rail performance file: transit times by lane, car supply shortfalls, demurrage and detention charges, and any rate changes you want to contest or lock in.
T-6
Day 10 - Build a meeting list from the carrier and supplier attendees, and email for 20-minute slots with the railroads that serve your origin plants and destination markets.
T-7
Day 8 - Draft a one-page lane sheet with annual carloads, equipment type, origin siding capacity and the alternative truck or transload cost you are benchmarking against.
T-8
Day 8 - Check which colleagues or plants have decisions pending, so you bring authority on equipment leases, siding investment or carrier selection rather than notes only.
T-9
Day 6 - Download the schedule from mwrailshippers.com/schedule and block the sessions that touch your commodity or regulatory exposure.
T-10
Day 6 - Prepare your winter travel kit: insulated coat, gloves, boots with grip, and a spare day of medication in case ORD closes.
T-11
Day 4 - Set up a US data or roaming plan, and confirm your phone supports US bands and that your bank card will work for USD payments.
T-12
Day 3 - Print or save your hotel and transfer confirmations offline, since a winter delay may leave you re-booking from the airport curb.
T-13
Day 2 - Check the National Weather Service forecast for the Chicago metro area and adjust your arrival time if a storm is forecast.
T-14
Day 1 - Charge devices, pack business cards and your lane sheet, and confirm the first morning's room assignment at the hotel so you can walk straight into sessions.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2MARS Winter Meeting registration concourse
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$250.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$400.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether MARS Winter Meeting fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the Midwest Rail Shippers conference and who is it for?
It is a rail freight meeting built around shippers rather than the general public: traffic and logistics managers from plants that load railcars, plus the railroads, short lines, lessors and service providers that move and support that freight. If your job includes rail rate negotiation, car supply, transit reliability or deciding whether a lane belongs on rail, this is the audience you want in the room.
Where and when does the next edition take place?
The meeting is listed at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, 1551 Thoreau Drive North in Schaumburg, Illinois, a northwest Chicago suburb, with the upcoming edition in January 2027. Confirm the exact session days on the official schedule page at mwrailshippers.com/schedule before you book travel, since winter weather in Chicago can affect arrival plans.
Is registration open to anyone, or is it restricted to member companies?
Registration terms sit with the organiser, so check the current registration page on mwrailshippers.com before you travel. In practice, attendees are shippers, carriers and supplier companies doing rail freight business, and press or student access is not the norm for this kind of working meeting.
Which airport should I fly into for Schaumburg?
Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) is the shorter transfer, roughly 25 to 40 minutes by road in normal traffic, and is the first airport to price from most origins. Chicago Midway (MDW) sits on the city's south side and adds significant road time, so use it mainly when the fare saving is material. Approximate rideshare or taxi cost from either airport is USD 35 to 75; confirm live fares in the app.
Do I need a car during the conference?
Not if you stay at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, which is attached to the meeting space. The Woodfield-area hotels are a short rideshare or shuttle hop away, and Schaumburg's commercial district is spread along freeway interchanges, so walking between properties is not realistic in January.
What is the weather like in Schaumburg in January?
Deep winter: daytime highs often hover near freezing, overnight lows commonly fall to about -8 C (18 F), and snow, sleet or freezing rain can arrive with little notice. Wind chill on the open parking lots is the real discomfort, so plan an insulated coat, gloves and boots, and check the National Weather Service forecast 48 hours before departure.
Can winter weather disrupt flights into Chicago?
Yes. January storm systems regularly cause delays and cancellations at ORD and MDW. Book the earliest practical arrival, build a buffer day before the first session if your role includes presenting or hosting meetings, and keep your airline app notifications on for the inbound leg.
Is parking available at the convention center?
Surface parking lots serve the Schaumburg convention center complex, and most nearby hotels advertise free parking for guests. Rates and gate access for day visitors are set by the venue, so confirm current charges with the hotel or organiser rather than budgeting from a fixed figure.
What should I bring to meetings with the railroads?
Bring your own traffic data: annual carload volumes by lane, current transit times against the carrier's published commitments, demurrage and car supply incidents from the past year, and any planned plant expansion or volume shift. Carrier commercial teams respond to specific numbers, and the working sessions here are built for that level of detail.
What is the dress code and the usual meeting tone?
Business casual to business formal. Most shipper and railroad attendees wear a jacket with no tie during the day and keep evening receptions business casual. Bring layers, because hotel meeting rooms and the exhibit floor are heated but the transfer between buildings is not.
How do I arrange a booth or sponsorship?
Supplier participation runs through the organiser's exhibit and sponsorship process rather than a public ticket desk. Contact details and current participation options are published on mwrailshippers.com; treat booth pricing as a direct quote from the organiser, since nothing is published in the public capture for this edition.
Are sessions recorded or are proceedings published?
No public statement on recordings is captured for this edition. Assume you need to attend in person and take your own notes on rate, service and regulatory updates, and ask the organiser about post-meeting materials when you register.
Glossary
- Shipper
- The company that owns the freight and buys rail transportation, typically a plant, mill, mine, refinery or distribution operation loading at a private siding or a public team track.
- Class I railroad
- A large North American freight railroad above the revenue threshold set by the Surface Transportation Board; the US Class I carriers are the primary line-haul partners most shippers at this conference negotiate with.
- Short line / regional railroad
- A smaller carrier, often operating former Class I branch lines, that originates or delivers cars between a shipper facility and a Class I interchange.
- Carload
- Rail freight measured in whole cars rather than intermodal containers, covering commodities such as chemicals, plastics, grain, forest products and aggregates.
- Intermodal
- Freight moving in containers or trailers on flatcars, usually double-stacked on long-haul lanes and combined with truck drayage at each end.
- Unit train
- A train dedicated to a single commodity and origin-destination pair, typically 100 or more cars, that avoids classification in yards and usually earns a lower rate.
- Demurrage and detention
- Charges billed when loaded or empty cars sit beyond the free time allowed at a shipper facility, one of the recurring cost issues shippers raise with carriers.
- Free time
- The clock period, usually counted in hours or days, during which a shipper may load or unload a car before demurrage or storage charges begin.
- Private railcar fleet
- Cars owned or leased by the shipper rather than supplied by the railroad; the owner handles maintenance and pays mileage or usage charges to the serving carriers.
- Transload
- A facility that transfers freight between railcars and trucks, letting shippers without a rail siding access carload or unit-train economics.
- Switching
- Moving and sorting cars within a yard or industrial area, including placement and pulling at a shipper's siding.
- Reciprocal switching
- A regulatory and commercial arrangement letting one railroad move cars to or from an industry served by another carrier, giving the shipper a choice of line-haul railroad.
- Waybill
- The shipment record that carries origin, destination, commodity, weight and rate data and drives billing and car tracing.
- AAR
- The Association of American Railroads, which sets interchange rules and car standards that shape equipment and loading practice for shippers.
- Surface Transportation Board (STB)
- The US federal economic regulator for freight rail, handling rate, service and reciprocal switching proceedings that shipper traffic managers track.
- Embargo
- A carrier notice that temporarily stops accepting certain traffic to a destination, often because of weather, congestion or track work, and a common source of disruption in winter.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- MARS Winter Meeting 2027
- rail shipping conference
- Midwest Association of Rail Shippers
- Chicago rail conference
- rail industry events 2027
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.