Supply Chain Frontiers issue #7. Read all articles in this issue.
How to address the transportation demand- and supply-side uncertainties that are causing serious supply chain disruptions is the main theme of CTL's second "Innovations in Transportation" symposium, 5-6 April, 2005, at MIT. The symposium will focus on how shippers, carriers, government agencies, and other players in the transportation industry can better interact to develop solutions to these problems.
Last year's conference brought together more than 80 transportation professionals to discuss current and pending innovations in the way that transportation is procured, provided, and managed. A key observation made at the meeting was that uncertainty in transportation demand is the root cause of most of the issues raised. The presentations and discussions centered on methods and approaches to identify, mitigate, and manage this uncertainty. Opinions differed and the debate was lively--with all attendees participating in the discussions.
This year's conference will build off of last year's success. In addition to the level of uncertainty on the demand side, attendees will address the growing uncertainty on the supply side. Capacity is tight in virtually all regions and across all modes. The connectivity between the modes is exacerbating the situation. The impact of the growing inbound container traffic from the Pacific Rim is rippling through the country's transportation infrastructure and operations, impacting truckload, intermodal, and rail alike.
Rather than simply rehashing the current situation, the symposium will focus on identifying solutions, strategies, and approaches to alleviate or mitigate uncertainties on both the supply and demand sides. We will have speakers from the shipper, carrier, government, academic, and infrastructure perspectives.
Throughout the day and a half session, all attendees, not just speakers or panel members, will participate in the debate and discussions. Currently confirmed companies include: AFG Industries, American Presidents Line, BNSF, Boston Scientific, Boyle Transport, CSX, Department of Transportation, Exel Logistics, Frito-Lay, J.B. Hunt, Maersk, Manhattan Associates, Masterfoods, Mohawk Industries, NYK, Owens Corning, PepsiCo, PPG Industries, Procter & Gamble, Reebok, Schneider, Schwan Food, Shaw's, Staples, Target Corporation, Texas Instruments, The Limited, Transplace, Tyco Healthcare, UPS, Volpe/US DOT , Wal-Mart Stores, and Xerox.
For more information on the "Innovations in Transportation" symposium please contact Chris Caplice at: caplice@mit.edu.