BNSF Archives

September 15 marked the first day of this year’s IANA Intermodal Expo in Long Beach, California. This is no ordinary expo, however. While more than 125 exhibitors and 60 plus intermodal experts in attendance, this conference covers all bases for three days each year, leaving no unfinished business. It’s no wonder why some are referring to the paramount event as “all-encompassing” while addressing all tiers of business.

Whether you’re interested in learning about the latest and greatest in intermodal solutions or seeking the expertise from an industry expert on strategic planning, IANA’s Intermodal Expo undoubtedly provides a clear view of where the industry stands while navigating the current landscape.

Among leading companies in attendance discussing the latest and greatest topics, business strategies, trends, and solutions in intermodal and supply chain include Loadsmart, Armstrong & Associates, SeaIntelligence Consulting, Canadian National Railway (CN), United Parcel Service, BNSF Railway, and many more.

Technology and automation continue leading trends as more companies continue to report increasing demand for the capabilities, efficiencies, and opportunities enabled through innovation

“There’s always a force in this space right now that changes everything and one needs to be cognizant of that force,” explained Jeffrey Leppert, Senior Vice President, Capacity Solutions, Redwood Logistics during the “Growth Strategies for Non-Asset 3PLs session.

Maintaining an advantageous position against competitors in an evergreen business landscape can be tricky. Hunter Yaw, Vice President of Product Management and Business Development, at Loadsmart addressed this topic head-on, leaving all apprehensions aside.

“We focus on what systems our customers are currently using and we integrate a lot with major TMS systems. We could ask folks to come to us one way or another but, the reality is… we’re much better off partnering with the existing players in the industry and teaming with them to add more value within the current system’s framework rather than try to reinvent the wheel across the board.”

As the final day quickly approaches, Intermodal Expo will resume at 8 a.m. sharp on Wednesday with the Intermodal Safety Committee Meeting followed by the Operations Committee Meeting.

Global Trade Magazine will continue participating throughout the remainder of the conference at booth 812 ready to discuss your business goals for growth and expansion. Come by and see us for the final day of Intermodal Expo 2019!

Ft. Worth, TX – BNSF Railway and Mexico’s Ferromex (FXE) are offering a new joint intermodal service between Chicago and Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico.

“Mexico is the United States’ third largest trading partner with a yearly trade of just over $500 billion. This translates into 14,000 trucks crossing between our borders on a daily basis,” said Steve Bobb, BNSF executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

“Our partnership with Ferromex to launch this service from Chicago to Silao means that automakers and manufacturers in the US and Mexico will now have direct access to the advantages of intermodal rail in the Bajio region.”

The joint operation, he said, “offers Mexico’s fast growing manufacturing sector in Bajio a simple way to reduce trucking costs and delays.”

Trains carrying intermodal containers will interchange at El Paso, Texas to and from FXE, Mexico’s largest railroad, which will operate the trains between the border crossing and Silao five days a week.

The new service, said the BNSF, offers advantages en route such as lower cost than over-the-road trucking and faster transit times in comparison to a single truck driver; a centrally located intermodal hub within 100 highway miles of the Bajio’s major manufacturing centers of Leon, Irapuato, Celaya, Salamanca, Queretaro and Aguascalientes; and a dedicated customer support team to track shipments from the in-gate in Mexico to out-gate in the US 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

The service “is better at the border when compared to trucking because there is no cross-border trucking across congested highway bridges. Southbound shipments are moved in-bond (which means shipment documentation is handled at the final destination) to minimize Mexico Customs clearance delays,” the railroad said.

Once the shipments arrive in Silao customers can clear their cargo with the customs broker of their choice through Mexico Customs. Northbound shipments are ‘pre-cleared’ by a customs broker of the customer’s choice with US Customs.

06/12/2014

Intermodal Expo Brings the Best in Business and Expertise

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