All too often cargo interests and carriers fail to consider what will happen if the goods are lost or damaged—until it occurs. At that point, it is too late to protect themselves. Careful consideration must be given to the terms of all transportation, storage, and insurance contracts. Attend this convention focus session to hear what IRTA member Stephen Galati with Mattioni, Ltd. has to say about allocation of responsibilities and the limitations on liabilities for all parties—and protect yourself from loss.

Check out the developing lineup of feature presentations and focus sessions for this year’s event.

Make Your Nominations Now for IRTA Executive of the Year!

IRTA members are encouraged to nominate candidates for the IRTA Executive of the Year Award to be presented at the IRTA Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. This award recognizes an individual in the refrigerated transportation industry who has made a significant contribution by fostering innovation, looking beyond the boundaries of his/her company, resolving industry issues, or improving the industry’s image and efficiency. IRTA members and nonmembers are eligible to be nominated for the award, and you may nominate more than one person. All nominees will be submitted to the IRTA Board for a final vote. Please complete the nomination form and return to Susan Shores by February 27, 2007.

Government & Legislative Affairs

Proposed Legislation Could Relieve Land Congestion

Majority Democrats have given clear signals that they were ready to go beyond testimony and initiate legislation that would help develop the nascent U.S. short-sea shipping industry. See full story from the Journal of Commerce.

Agri Border Fee Postponed Again

A controversial new levy for cross-border truckers has been delayed once again, according to the Canadian Trucking Alliance. See full story from Today’s Trucking.

Lockheed Martin Wins TWIC Contract

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) selected a team led by Lockheed Martin to provide services for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Phase IV program under a task order-based contracting vehicle. See full story from Epicos.

Industry News

IRTA members are encouraged to submit company news or articles of interest for publication in Cool Moves and/or the IRTA Report. Please e-mail all items to Lorien Onderdonk at Cold Chain Headquarters.

MTC International Buys Stake in Chilean Logistics Company

Bay Area-headquartered logistics service company MTC International has acquired a stake in Transtainer SA, a logistics company based in San Antonio Port, Chile, and its terminal operating subsidiary, Seaport SA. See full story from the Cal Trade Report.

Logistics Study Highlights use of Technology in Food Sector

Food and beverage companies are increasing their use of cross-docking, are continuing to rely on paper-based order-pick methods, and most are outsourcing some or all of their transportation, according to a survey of logistics practices in the industry. See full story from NutraIngredients.com.

Liability Questioned in Intermodal Shipments

Issues related to liability for the loss of or damage to goods for intermodal movements arriving in the United States by sea and then moving by motor or rail carrier are once again in a confused state. See full story from Logistics Today.

Port of Rotterdam Says “No” to Empty Containers

The Port of Rotterdam, Europe's largest, said Tuesday that the company operating its main terminal has imposed restrictions on the return of empty shipping containers in order to head off a backlog problem before it becomes unmanageable. See full story from Forbes.

Port Klang to Implement USD$142.8 Expansion

Northport, one of Port Klang's two terminal operators, is to spend USD$142.8 million on its next phase of port expansion this year with a major portion of the funding going towards the building of a 350m berth to handle larger vessels and increasing traffic. See full story from Cargo Asia News.

Panama Canal Authority Proposes Changes to Pricing System

On January 25, 2007, the Panama Canal Authority's (ACP) Board of Directors gave authorization to proceed with a formal proposal to restructure the Canal's pricing system and certain regulations. The proposal was officially published February 2 and can be accessed at http://www.pancanal.com. See full release.

Labor Dispute Cuts Port of Vancouver Cargo Volumes

As a result of the CN and United Transportation Union (UTU) dispute, the Port of Vancouver estimates cargo volumes are down by 50%. See full story from Truck News.

Port of Long Beach Pursues Aggressive ’07 Plan

While it's been nearly five years since the Port of Long Beach approved any new terminals or shipyard expansions, the lull doesn't mean all new projects are off. Judging by the aggressive schedule for proposed expansion this year, it may just be that port authorities were waiting for 2007. See full story from the Press Telegram.

Air France-KLM Cargo Takes ’06 Third Quarter Hit

AIR France-KLM Cargo has posted a fall in operating income for the third quarter of 2006. See full story from Air Cargo News.

Air Cargo Traffic Increases in ’06, Trend Slows

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released full-year traffic results for 2006 showing slower but more profitable growth. The cargo growth rate increased from 3.2% in 2005 to 4.6% in 2006; however, it remains below the historical growth trend of 5.6%. See full story from IATA.