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| IRTA Mobilizes for FREE Knowledge Forum |
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.gif) IRTA Members are quickly signing up for the free registration at the 2008 "World-Wide, World-Class" Global Cold Chain Alliance Assembly of Committees taking place from July 26-29 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC, USA. Known as the cold chain industry's "Knowledge Forum," this is where transportation players learn vital trends, exchange bottom-line strategies, and build relationships that span the cold chain. Read on to find out more about just two of the exciting events IRTA Members can look forward to. Registration is now open! |
| Reefer Container Crisis: How Long Will It Last? |
Few businesses in the cold chain industry are untouched by the worldwide reefer container shortage. The capacity of shippers, warehouses, and other logistics providers to serve customers is dramatically compromised by the unavailability of quality reefers. M.K. Wong of OOCL will take up this crisis and issue a prognosis during his presentation Trends in Reefer Containers, part of the Marine Transportation Forum at the 2008 Global Cold Chain Alliance Assembly of Committees, taking place from July 26-29 in the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC, USA. Additionally, Forum participants will listen to presentations and engage in discussions on trends in Break Bulk Containers vs. Vessels as well as Issues In Port Security. The Assembly of Committees is where IRTA members align themselves with the trends and movements of the industry. Register for free today to give your company a "World-Class" edge. |
| Get the Latest in Trucking and Rail |
| At this year's Assembly of Committees, truck carriers, rail companies, and 3PLs will enjoy a content-rich Forum dedicated to harnessing the trends and mastering the strategies that impact their businesses today and into the future. Opening the Forum will be Tavio Headley of the American Trucking Association, whose Trucking Industry Q & A will address questions on the condition and outlook of the temperature-controlled trucking industry. The Rail Relations Panel, moderated by Forum Chairman Andy Janson of Hanson Logistics, will then bring together top rail and warehouse executives to foster discussion about opportunities and challenges in rail partnerships. Also, Timothy Wiseman will discuss Transportation Legal Matters of which every IRTA member should stay abreast. Join us for this indepth Forum on Tuesday, July 29, 8:30-11:30 am. |
| How Many Members Offer Rail Services? |
| As part of the Rail Relations Panel, IRTA is collecting data on rail partnerships to help us better understand how our members are using and arranging rail services. Please take a moment to complete our very brief survey. All respondents will receive complimentary results of the survey. Take the survey. | |
| Pharma Company in Search of Air 3PL Service Provider |
| Eastpro Technology Inc., a Sino-American joint venture with Huddong Pharmaceutical Group in China, is looking for professional cold chain air forwarders to transport pharmaceuticals. Eastpro would like to find a 3PL provider to deliver their products and help them deal with custom clearance. They would like to ship up to 100 kilos of pharmaceutical products on a regular basis to overseas by air. Currently, they are using a normal freight forwarder, but would like to switch to a professional cold chain logistic provider. They are also currently using dry ice, which will no longer be a feasible solution when dry ice is listed as a hazardous material on July 1. Ideal temperature for transit for their product is 2-8 Celsius. The first shipment would be from Shanghai to Toronto. Interested parties should contact Mabel Zhuang at mzhuang@gcca.org. |
| EU Takes Cabotage Plans a Step Further |
 The European Council of Ministers has voted on the proposal to free up the rules on cabotage and has taken the plans even a step further. The original proposal was to allow foreign truckers to make three trips in seven days in the country of delivery, instead of almost none under most current national rules. This rule would come into force on January 1, 2014, but parliament now wants it introduced on January 1, 2009. Cabotage restrictions would then be gradually lifted to a maximum of seven journeys in seven days from 2011, with full liberalization from January 1, 2014. This amended proposal will be met with a mixed reception. While big trucking nations like Germany and the Netherlands are in favor of liberalization, the UK transport sector feels it could destroy their sector. Cabotage is defined as "temporary" or "occasional" work which is "ad hoc, casual and circumstantial." |
| 100 Percent Container Scanning Debate Rages On |
| This month's conference on 100 percent container scanning held by the World Customs Organization (WCO) rekindled a fierce debate. The U.S. Congress passed the law requiring 100 percent electronic screening of all cargo coming to the U.S. at port of origin by 2012 last year. Since then the law has sparked strong opposition from agencies responsible for implementing the policy and the global supply chain industry. Following the conferece, the WCO released a report that concluded 100 percent screening rule would cost $100 per container and US. Global port screening costs would rise from approximately $400 million this year to $1 billion in 2012. Several solutions/compromises were recommended at the WCO conference from reducing the requirement to scanning only 30 percent of containers to setting up Advanced Spectroscopic Portals at ports to scan for nuclear devices. It is clear that while securing the supply chain is a priority for all, any solution to the mandate must avoid any disruption of logistics flow without adding innoridate costs to garner the support of the global trade community. More information from The Journal of Commerce. |
| California's Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Reduction Measure |
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There is a new state regulation in California, USA requiring long-haul tractors and 53-foot box-type trailers to be equipped with technologies to reduce aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance may want to find out more about this proposed measure. The Smartway Truck Efficiency Regulation will require long-haul tractors and box-type trailers to be equipped with technologies that reduce aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance to help improve transportation efficiency within our state. This measure will impact those who are involved in the transportation of freight within California including motor carriers, truck owner/operators, shippers, consignees, and brokers. The rule was developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Members in Califronia should contact IRTA with comments and questions. We are in the process of determining the next steps, which might include a conference call, a meeting with CARB, joining or organizing a coalition, hiring a lobbyist, or filing a law suit. |
| Transportation Tally: A Monthly Look at Industry Statistics |
 The Global Enabling Trade Report 2008, released by the World Economic Forum this month "measures the factors, policies and services facilitating the free flow of goods over borders and to destination." Countries are ranked based on their market access, border administration, transport and communications infrastructure and the business environment. These are the top ten countries:
Hong Kong (1), Singapore (2), Sweden (3), Norway (4), Canada (5),
Denmark (6), Finland (7), Germany (8), Switzerland (9), New Zealand (10). |
| Quote of the Month |
 The Grocery Manufacturers Association 2008 Logistics Survey shows how logistics professionals are "improving efficiency in the face of mounting logistics costs." Interestingly, results of the survey show that "outsourcing is seen as being very effective, with transportation and warehousing still the most popular." See full report. |
| Join the Fight to Improve U.S. Roadways |
| Roadways in the U.S. are crumbling under the pressure of increased freight and an ever-growing population. The existing transportation system is overworked, underfunded, increasingly unsafe, and without a long-term plan. On a recent conference call, one expert cited a report that claimed that $225 billion is needed per year to actually address the surface transportation problems in the U.S.
This past week a broad coalition of business, labor, and transportation groups challenged U.S. presidential and congressional candidates to make investments in highways, bridges, and public transportation a priority for their campaigns and for the nation's future. The call to action on the state of the nation's transportation infrastructure was issued as part of the official launch of the Americans for Transportation Mobility Coalition's FasterBetterSafer Campaign. U.S. IRTA Members are encouraged to support this vital initiative. Join the campaign, draft a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, write your congressman and ask them to fix the highway trust fund. More information. |
| We Need IRTA Member News |
Share your news! Send your press releases, photos, and other news items to Tori Miller for inclusion in Cool Moves and IRTA Report. Running your news in one of the association's publications is a terrific way to get free publicity and build your brand. | |
