Insights - March/April 2018 - 12

help. They are willing to repair the chassis. If we can determine
what needs to be fixed that will make their lives easier."
There are several tools available for download on IANA's
website to facilitate the DVIR process, including a 5-minute video
that has been viewed more than 500 times. Printable information
cards/posters and a discussion guide are also available.

Communications Materials' Value
"If utilized consistently, the communications materials
created by the task force should help drivers understand how
DVIR reporting benefits them - safer road-worthy equipment,
more efficient turn times and a better overall experience," said
Ring, stating a view shared by others interviewed by Insights.
Greg Moore, executive
vice president at FlexiVan, said
technology and standard operating
procedures for its workers enhance
equipment condition to aid terminal
operations. That includes a pool
maintenance and repair program,
on-site inspectors to expedite
inspections, more use of off-terminal
depots and repositioning teams to
expedite chassis relocations.
Moore
Those actions have helped
tremendously, Moore said, though
challenges remain, including the fact that each terminal has its
own rules, operations and maintenance practices.
Specific steps were identified to enhance throughput via

12 Intermodal Insights | March/April 2018

improved equipment condition.
Jose Canales Jr., general manager-Chicago for Integrated
Industries, outlined effective terminal operations steps from a
container yard perspective. The steps include using more cranes
and equipment, as well as locating CYs near major rail and road
hubs to support intermodal operations. Acquiring additional land
when possible adds important flexibility, he added.
"We maintain our gates with qualified inspectors, managers
and data entry [systems] to quickly input the ins and outs which
is essential to the operation and allows us to have an open line of
communication with the shipping lines and equipment providers
we serve," Canales said. "Having an open line of communication
with our clients helps us to properly plan for the day or days
ahead," particularly with respect to yard planning and daily
inventory control.
Quick identification of bad order equipment helps to speed
the repair process and provide roadworthy equipment sooner
from the CY when IEPs require it, he added.

Investment Facilitates Smooth Operations
Tom Perdue, chief commercial officer for Ports America,
stressed the importance of investment in berthing activity, such
as water draft and raising bridges, in assuring that terminals have
adequate space for operational fluidity.
"We have continued to invest with trading partners, port
authorities and vessel operators," he said. "As the [ocean carrier]
alliances mature and the concentration of freight become more
intense, the infrastructure challenge becomes obvious. It is an
interesting time, to say the least."
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