Insights - September 2017 - 4

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
Dear IANA members and EXPO attendees,
Thanks to stronger international trade activity,
a modestly better economy, and a focus on
customer service, intermodal appears to be
regaining its growth momentum. This is a very
good message to spread throughout the supply
chain as we gather for the 2017 Intermodal EXPO
in Long Beach.
Along with the macro overview, there are other
positive trends to note.
Intermodal freight volumes rose 4.5 percent
in the second quarter, and continue in a strong,
upward direction as the third quarter draws to a
close. Cargo moving through ports throughout
North America continues to rise, with record levels
of activity reported. Domestic intermodal activity
is improving as well.
When we gathered a year ago in Houston,
uncertainty and dislocation were industry
watchwords. Both the global and U.S. economies
were not as strong. And network stress was being
experienced after an ocean carrier bankruptcy.
Fortunately, intermodal was able to adjust

to the shifting market trends quickly in 2016,
displaying, once again, its resiliency. The devotion
by companies and their workers alike to reliable
and cost-effective service continues.
As the busy fall freight season commences,
there is every indication that intermodal
shipments, both international and domestic,
will maintain the momentum from the last several
months. And it is under this backdrop that I
personally welcome you to the 2017 Intermodal
EXPO.
I hope that you find value in the education
program and the largest intermodal marketplace
in North America. I also encourage you to visit
with the many supply chain students that will
be attending the event - these are tomorrow's
industry leaders.
As always, we welcome your feedback and
suggestions for making the EXPO even more
productive and valuable to you and your company.
The IANA staff and I are thankful for your support
and participation.

Joni Casey

"Intermodal
freight volumes
rose 4.5 percent
in the second
quarter, and
continue in a
strong, upward
direction."

IANA NEWS
Williams Joins IANA Board
IANA is pleased to announce that
Thomas G. Williams, group vice president,
consumer products at BNSF, is joining the
Board of Directors to fill a Rail Division
vacancy created with the departure of
Katie Farmer
as a director.
Katie recently
transitioned to
a new position
in Operations at
BNSF.
Tom was
named to his
current position
in July 2017
Williams
and is responsible for BNSF's domestic and international
intermodal marketing and sales, as well
as the automotive business. He previously
served as vice president, industrial products, since November 2016. In this role, he
was responsible for marketing and sales
for chemicals, plastics and petroleum
products.
Tom joined the former Santa Fe
Railway Company in 1993 in Schaumburg,
4 Intermodal Insights | September 2017

Ill. He held various positions in Intermodal
Marketing, Automotive Marketing and
Industrial Products Marketing prior to assuming the role of assistant vice president, intermodal/automotive operations
in the Service Design and Performance
group at BNSF. In February of 2014, he
was promoted to vice president, industrial
products sales.

IANA Webinar
Spotlights BLTs
In the M&R Committee's review of
roadside inspection data for intermodal
equipment, the most often cited violations
include brakes, lights and tires. An Oct.
3 webinar, Intermodal Data Analytics for
Brakes, Lights & Tires Optimization, will
look at what data is available and different
methods of analysis. Participants should
come away with an understanding of how
to use the analysis to enhance safety and
maintenance & repair operations.
Cliff Creech, group manager, intermodal maintenance & contracts at Norfolk
Southern will moderate the session. For
more information, visit www.intermodal.
org/events/webinars/upcoming.php.

EXPO Mobile App
Link Up at Intermodal EXPO
Organized networking combined with
technology make connecting and reconnecting easier at Intermodal EXPO. Here is
a preview of all the opportunities to swap
physical or virtual business cards.
Intermodal EXPO 2017 officially kicks
off with drinks and hors d'oeuvres on Sunday, Sept. 17. Co-sponsored by BNSF and
C.H. Robinson, the Welcome Reception
will take place at the Hyatt Regency Long
Beach, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Download the
EXPO Mobile App in advance to meet up
with other attendees. Monday and Tuesday winners of the
EXPO Connections
mobile app game
will be announced
the afternoon of
each day.
Need a place to
sit down between
sessions? Drop by
the Media Lounge
sponsored by CN.
Simulcasts of the
Opening General

http://www.intermodal.org/events/webinars/upcoming.php http://www.intermodal.org/events/webinars/upcoming.php

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Insights - September 2017