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Security, Driver Shortage Hot Topics at Transportation Committee Meeting

Dozens of IRTA members and other interested cold chain professionals gathered Monday, July 24, at IRTA’s second annual Transportation Committee meeting, held in conjunction with the cold chain associations’ Assembly of Committees, to discuss issues affecting their businesses. Hot topics included the Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) and its impact on the driver shortage, as well as the U.S.’s lack of a transportation disaster recovery plan. To read more, check out the full release.

Latin American Cold Chain Summit

Join other professionals in the perishable food industry at WFLO’s premier Latin American Cold Chain Summit, October 16-18, 2006 in Cancun, Mexico. The event will feature a full day of presentations on cold chain-related topics with trade as the focal point.

For more information or to register, please visit www.lacc2006.org.

IRTA and Partners Look to Team in Australia

IRTA President and CEO Bill Hudson made a visit to the Refrigerated Warehouse and Transport Association of Australia Ltd. (RWTA). The visit had two purposes: first, to make a presentation on the four organizations under the Global Cold Chain Alliance, and, second, to discuss with the RWTA board of directors a potential alliance of the organizations. Following Hudson's presentation, the board voted unanimously to proceed with a formal alliance with IRTA, IARW and WFLO. You will be reading much more about this new strategic structure in the near future.

Above: IRTA President Bill Hudson (right) meets with RWTA Chairman Barry Harvey (left).

Chapters Offer Industry Networking

IARW invites IRTA members to participate in its North American chapter meetings. These meetings offer programs that will provide IRTA members a view of the cold chain from a warehouse logistics standpoint. They also afford great opportunity for networking with industry professionals on a regional basis. For more information, visit the IARW chapter pages.

North and South Pacific Chapters

September 13-15, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA

This joint meeting features speakers on logistics, bioterrorism, technology, and energy. Read more and download registration forms online.

North Atlantic Chapter

September 20-22, Quebec City, Canada

Chairman Jerry von Dohlen has outlined the many reasons not to miss this meeting in his letter to chapter members. The North Atlantic webpage includes online registration, the registration list, and a full schedule.

Southeastern and Southwestern Chapters

October 17-19, Cancun, Mexico

This meeting begins immediately following the Latin American Cold Chain Summit and features a logistics facility tour and a location on the newly rebuilt sands of beautiful Cancun. Go online for a schedule of events.

Government Affairs

Rail Infrastructure Legislation Proposed

IRTA will combine efforts with the Association of American Railroads (AAR) to promote the passage of newly proposed legislation designed to expand freight rail capacity and help prepare the United States’ transportation infrastructure for the coming surge in freight traffic, which is expected to rise 67 percent the next 15 years. See full story.

TWIC Update

Homeland Security Department agencies on Monday announced changes to plans for implementing a transportation worker identification card program, reported GovExec.com. See full story.

The Transportation Security Administration’s newly disclosed plan to begin implementation of the Transportation Workers Identification Credential without requiring card readers is running into opposition from a biometric industry representative. See full story from Washington Technology.

Industry News

Maersk Launches World’s Largest Container Ship

Next month, the Emma Maersk, the world’s largest container ship, will enter service between Asia and Europe, hauling toys, electronics, clothing, and whatever else can be packed into steel boxes. See full story from the Virginian-Pilot.

Port of Wilmington Plans Upgrades

The Port of Wilmington plans to spend $11.4 million to reconstruct a berth, enhancing the port's ability to handle larger ships and potentially attracting new business. See full story from the Delaware News Journal.

Corpus Christi Commits to Terminal Development

The Port of Corpus Christi plans to commit $83 million to develop a new container terminal along the Gulf Coast. The Port of Corpus Christi is in negotiations with Dragados-S.P.L. in Madrid, Spain, toward a definitive construction and long-term concession agreement for the La Quinta Trade Gateway Container Terminal. See full story from the San Antonio Business Journal.

Warehousing Hub Planned for Indian Port

The Kandla Port is all set to anchor India’s first warehousing hub, at a cost Rs 200-300 crore. The project will be developed jointly by Kandla SEZ and IL&FS. See full story from The Business Standard.