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IRTA Headquarters
1500 King Street, Suite 201
Alexandria, VA 22314 USA
tel +1 703 373 4300
fax +1 703 373 4301
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| Impact of Rising Cost of Diesel |
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It may be April Fools' Day, but the social, economic, and political wake caused by steep diesel prices is no laughing matter. With the U.S. Energy Information Administration reporting record diesel prices at $3.96 a gallon and independent truckers across the country stopping work to protest the skyrocketing costs, one can't help but think of the energy shortage the U.S. faced in the 1970s.
Today, the five biggest American oil companies were called before Congress to answer questions regarding their profits - estimated at $123 billion last year - and the $18 billion in tax breaks they have received over the last decade. The big oil executives steadfastly defended the increased prices as their only means to remain competitive with their global competitors.
However, should the price of diesel continue to increase, the impact on the transportation industry would be monumental. Ultimately, the costs would be passed onto the consumer, which is something the average U.S. shopper can ill afford amidst rising food costs. |
| IRTA Responds to Skyrocketing Fuel Prices |
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In response to this concerning matter, IRTA has sent a letter to these members of the U.S. Congress: Hon. John Dingell, Hon. Bart Stupack, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Minority Leader John Boehner. In the letters, we petition Congress to continue to investigate means to halt the rising price of fuel and alleviate industry and consumer burden. For more information, please contact headquarters at +1 703 373 4300.
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Opportunity Knocks at 2008 Convention & Expo |
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In today's global marketplace, China is a major opportunity center. The country's cold chain capacity is only 20 to 30 percent of current demand, and spoilage losses range from 16 to 33 percent, leaving the door open for enormous growth in the nation's cold chain infrastructure. Of particular note is that many analysts consider the weakest link in China's cold chain to be its transportation. IRTA members will have a chance to learn more and learn how to capitalize on these conditions at the 2008 IARW-WFLO-IRTA Convention & Expo. Mabel Zhuang, IRTA's China Representative based out of Shanghai, will present the statistics and draw out the implications for businesses with an interest in China or any other logistics professionals who want to remain informed on the global market. Zhuang will share data and analysis on China's food production, imports/exports, regional market segments, obstacles, and above all, opportunities. Join us April 19-24, 2008 in Marco Island, Florida, USA. Register today! |
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Be Green, Save Green |
By Rod Ellsworth, Vice President, Infor
In the past few years, environmental awareness has gone mainstream and the implications are reverberating throughout the value chain, from the manufacturing floor to the retail shelf. For the refrigerated transportation industry, the green trend means that operators must reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency. The good news is that profitability and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.
Efficient supply chain practices are essential in reducing carbon emissions from distribution activities. A more overlooked contributor to carbon emissions comes from the electricity it takes to power facilities, especially power hungry refrigerated warehouses. According tothe EPA, facilities maintenance programs that account for energy efficiency can result in savings of up to 20 percent, which correlates in a 20 percent reduction in carbon emissions.
The old cliché is true: what you can measure, you can manage. By sub-metering assets and using software to monitor their energy consumption, operators can identify assets that are underperforming and remediate them before the power bill goes through the roof. This approach can also help determine if there's a business case to replace an existing asset with a more energy efficient model.
The refrigerated transport industry is well positioned to become a leader in the fight against global warming because it already understands the value of preventive maintenance. Integrating energy management into your maintenance practices is a simple next step that will benefit the Earth and the bottom line. | |
| India Cold Chain Stirs Foreign Interest |
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 In early March 2008, the Financial Minister of India exempted refrigeration equipment above two tons refrigeration utilizing power of 50 kilowatts and above from all excise duties. The tax break is an indication of the Indian government's eagerness to improve the country's underdeveloped cold chain infrastructure. In a subsequent article by The Economic Times (India), Daljit Mirchandaney, Chairman of Ingersoll Rand, noted that "transportation of fruit and vegetables through cold chain is almost negligible in India compared with 80-85 percent in the U.S. or 30-40 percent in Thailand." The article went on to report that the primary beneficiaries of the new legislation will be 3PL companies that are currently investing in India's cold chain. While the government's move will likely encourage more international players to invest in building India's cold chain, it will only cover initial costs of setting up a cold chain facility. Government subsidies and financial support may be needed to win over more foreign companies. |
| Check Your Mailboxes! |
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The latest IRTA Report will be delivered this month. In this issue, you will find a comprehensive look at dropped trailer use, cold chain opportunities in Angola, an interview with the Executive Vice President of the National Industrial Transportation League, an explanation of California's carbon emission legislation, and Chairman John LaRue's thoughts on sustainable operations. |
| 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. | |
