How Does A Freight Forum IntelliConference Tackle Complex Issues?
An Example: “Reinventing Port Container Logistics”
PROBLEM:
“The alarms are sounding loud and clear. It’s time to discuss and address the growing chaos and systemic inefficiencies associated with the transportation of containerized cargo within the United States.”
– Randy Carpenter, President, Cargo Flow Solutions
As an inquiry-based process, it all starts with asking questions. An IntelliConference formed to advance coordination within the container logistics field would start with the set below. All involved would further contribute by adding more questions or refining those already asked.
Inquiry Questions / Draft #1
CORE QUESTION: What improvements can stakeholders identify for moving containers in and out of ports with the least environmental and community impact, while improving efficiencies that provide growth and sustainability to business?
- What stakeholder groups would need to be included in this dialogue to ensure that all perspectives are considered?
- Who are the most knowledgeable representatives of each stakeholder group that should be invited to participate?
- Around what performance measures do we want to plan an optimal container logistics system on behalf of;
- the businesses involved,
- the communities, and
- the environment?
- What are the comparative benefits and costs of the current model within each freight mode that should be factored in to planning for their optimal use?
- What inefficiencies in chassis positioning need to be addressed?
- From the ocean carrier segment, how does slow steaming/idling, IMO 2020, ocean carrier alliance and vessel sharing, migration to larger vessels (>10,000 TEU’s), etc. impact the supply chain?
- From the port terminal segment, do any of the following, space limitations, hours of access/operations, lack of automation, labor productivity impact the supply chain? If so in what ways?
- From the rail segment, what areas (i.e. turn times at port terminals/CY’s, transit times, communications, lack of automation, limited/difficult booking access, equipment restrictions/requirements, cargo restrictions/requirements, etc.) add to the inefficiencies?
- From the trucking segment, what areas (i.e. congestion, appointment requirements, traditional container drayage moving one way cargo but paying for round trip, turn times at port terminals/CY’s, transit times, inefficient communications, lack of automation, limited/difficult booking access, equipment restrictions/requirements, cargo restrictions/requirements, etc.) add to the inefficiencies?
- From a non-asset-based industry service provider (ocean freight forwarders, domestic freight (truck) brokers, customs brokers, etc.) segment, what specific areas (i.e. timely/accurate and complete communications, automation, access, etc.) within each add to the inefficiencies?
- From the regulators (i.e. CBP/DHS, FDA, USDA, Census Bureau, FMC, USDOT, FMCSA, Etc.) segment, what specific areas (i.e. timely/accurate and complete communications, automation, access, etc.) within each add to the inefficiencies?