With increasing market demand for imported and exported perishable goods and the recent slew of food safety incidents, cold chain logistics in China is a hot topic. IRTA Board Member M.K. Wong of O.O.C.L. addressed the challenges faced by the Chinese government and businesses and what the Global Cold Chain Alliance is doing to improve the quality of the cold chain in China at the recent 2007 China Conference in California. See Wong’s full presentation. Look for further coverage in the next IRTA Report.

U.S. Government: More Food Safety Initiatives

There are more food safety initiatives floating around Washington now than at any time in history, and following a series of recent food scares the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appears more willing to seek additional authority to regulate food safety than they have in many years. More.

WFLO Institute: the Industry’s Gold Standard

Every year, hundreds of cold chain employees from around the world come to the WFLO Institute to benefit from premiere training in temperature-controlled logistics. Instructed by the industry’s experts, these students earn continuing education credits (CEUs) in seven different professional tracks ranging from logistics management to human resources to food safety. Employees emerge from this training more competent, more confident, and certified to elevate their job performance and home facility to higher productivity. You and your staff are invited to experience the industry’s gold standard by attending the WFLO Institute on February 10-13, 2008 at the University of Oklahoma. Stay tuned for future updates or contact Bobby Tucker for additional information.

Expand Your Business with a Directory Ad

Ad space is filling up fast for the 2008 Global Cold Chain Directory. Used by over 1,000 warehouse facilities and 5,000 industry executives, advertising through the Directory is the fastest way for IRTA Members to reach their market. Don’t miss the chance to see your company’s ad in this essential resource. E-mail Victoria Lonergan or call +1 703 897 4414 and learn how your company can participate.

Headline News

World Reefer Trade on the Rise

Annual Reefer Shipping Market Review and Forecast 2007/08 reports world reefer trade grown from 72.2 million tons in 1994 to forecast of 108.6 million tons in 2005. See full release.

GE Targets Cold Chain in India

GE Equipment Services plans to enter into logistics businesses such as cold chain transportation, warehousing and port operations. See full story from LiveMint.com.

Mount Airy Cold Storage Closes

Mount Airy has closed its facility, consolidating its operations with a larger unit in Perryville, Maryland. See full story from Business Gazette.

New Pennsylvania Cold Store Facility Slated to Open in May

Lebanon Valley Cold Storage plans 115,000-square-foot cold storage distribution plant to be constructed in Pennsylvania, USA. Opening of facility set for May 1, 2008. See full story from Refrigerated Transporter.

Air News

U.S. and Japan Expand Air Services Pact

U.S. and Japan agreed to expand air services agreement for first time in a decade in a move that provides additional access for cargo flights. See full story from MSNBC.

Maritime News

Port of Los Angeles Releases Air Emissions Inventory

Between 2001 and 2005, overall container-related emissions at Port of Los Angeles grew at rates of less than half the 44-percent increase in container volume according to a 2005 air emissions inventory. See full release.

Shipping Perishables from India to Cost More

Price hike for products shipped from India to UK, Scandinavian, Baltic and Mediterranean ports on October 15^th. See full story from LiveMint.com.

Green Reefers Awards CapRock Multi-Year Contract

Fleet of 25 Vessels to be Equipped with SeaAccess Communications. See full release.

Rail News

CN Railway Purchases U.S. Railway

Canadian National (CN) Railway has purchased the majority of Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company. See full story from Truck News.

Trucking News

Survey Results: Use of Fuel Saving Technologies

American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released results of survey investigating use of fuel saving/emissions reducing technologies (FSERTs) among truck owners. See full release.

ATRI Seeks Trucking Industry Experiences During Emergencies

ATRI is also seeking trucking industry insights and past experiences with trucking operations during regional and national emergencies. See full release.

FMCSA Backs ATA Motion to Stay Hours-of-Service Ruling

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) filed memorandum in support of American Trucking Associations' (ATA) motion for stay regarding recent ruling on truck driver Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations. See full story from Logistics Management.