Turnout for Intermodal Expo shows industry vitality

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by Emily Atkins

More than 2,000 intermodal industry leaders attended the Intermodal Association of North America’s (IANA) 2022 Intermodal Expo.

The event ran from September 12 to 14  in Long Beach, California, and included IANA committee meetings, student tours,  networking events, a product and services showcase, awards and educational presentations. The event’s theme focused on the ongoing supply chain challenges and opportunities that have captured public interest.

Against the backdrop of the Port of Long Beach, Dr. Noel Hacegaba, IANA’s chairman and deputy director of the Port, kicked the Expo off by sharing a Congressional resolution recognizing Sept. 13 as “Intermodal Day” in theUS. The proclamation affirmed the intermodal industry’s contribution to the movement of freight and to a vibrant United States economy.

The first general session, Inside Intermodal, was led by John Larkin of Clarendon Capital, and included Evan Armstrong, president of Armstrong & Associates, Tim Denoyer, vice-president and senior analyst and ACT Research, Larry Gross, president and founder of  Gross Transportation Consulting, and Lars Jensen, CEO partner at Vespucci Maritime. The panel offered thoughts and insights on intermodal’s direction from the perspectives of 3PLs, motor carriers, rail and marine.

This piece of the program also included the presentation of the Association’s three industry awards. The Silver Kingpin Award went to Ted Prince, chief strategy officer and co-founder of Tiger Cool Express. The Chairman’s Award was presented to Jim Newsome, executive advisor to the South Carolina Ports Authority. The Intermodal Achievement Award went to Congressman Alan Lowenthal, who represents California’s 47th District.

The second general session, What’s Next for the Independent Contractor Model in California?”, examined the impact of AB5 legislation in California and its potential ramifications across the country. The moderator was Marc Blubaugh of Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff. He was joined by Matt Schrap, CEO, Harbor Trucking Association, Chris Shimoda, senior vice-president, government affairs, California Trucking Association, and Peter Schneider, president, TGS Transportation, Inc.

The final general session addressed recent shortages of key intermodal equipment in Intermodal Chassis Provisioning — Where are We Now and What’s Next? The conversation featured C-suite decision-makers and senior executives, including moderator Bill Hamlin of Gray Wolf Group LLC.

The sold-out exhibit hall brought together 110 companies offering products and services.