AAR, IANA co-develop educational sessions for Intermodal EXPO 2014

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) and Association of American Railroads (AAR) yesterday announced they've teamed up to develop educational sessions for Intermodal EXPO 2014, IANA's annual conference that will be held Sept. 21-23 in Long Beach, Calif.

The sessions will highlight intermodal’s role in railroads’ transportation mix. Topics will include intermodal leadership insights; how West Coast ports are preparing for larger ships; interior point intermodal growth prospects; how to make a case for short-haul intermodal; information technology solutions for increasing terminal throughput; new markets for intermodal; cargo security; and connecting a third-party logistics provider and shipper to the rail industry.

Intermodal is "an industry game-changer" that recently surpassed coal to become the largest rail commodity by revenue, IANA and AAR officials said in a press release.
 
"The growth of domestic intermodal continues to have a positive impact on the railroad industry's bottom line," said IANA President and Chief Executive Officer Joni Casey. "Partnering with AAR to develop EXPO educational sessions that explore successes and opportunities was a natural fit."
 
Intermodal EXPO 2014 will feature presentations from more than 20 senior rail executives, including opening remarks by Union Pacific Railroad President and Chief Operating Officer Lance Fritz.

"AAR is pleased to be a part of the 2014 Intermodal EXPO. The future of intermodal rail is enormous, both in traditional transcontinental markets and in short- and middle-distance lanes," said AAR President and CEO Ed Hamberger.