VitalRail/Containerized International Freight IntelliConference

Background Statement

Globalization of supply chains is linked to heightened congestion and operational complexities in the movement of containerized freight across North America. Stakeholders engaged in international containerized freight highlight substantial inefficiencies in the present utilization of ISO containers, chassis, trucks, railroads, ships, and supporting infrastructure.

Core Question

What improvements can stakeholders identify for moving containerized international freight through supply chains to improve efficiency, capacity, and commercial benefit with the least impact on the environment and community?

Dialogue Questions

1. What strategies can North American ports and their partners implement to enhance capacity and efficiency in handling the increasing volume of containerized freight, especially from larger vessels?
   1. How can port infrastructure upgrades be expedited and optimized to meet current and future demand?
   2. What measures can be taken to reduce container dwell times at ports and improve the flow of inbound and outbound cargo?
2. How can the effects of peak seasonal demand periods and rapid volume surges (e.g., from e-commerce growth) on port and intermodal network congestion be better managed?
   1. What collaborative planning or technological solutions could smooth out freight flows and prevent bottlenecks?
3. How can the industry collectively address chassis shortages, imbalances, and utilization inefficiencies across North America?
   1. What solutions, including asset pooling, improved tracking, or regulatory adjustments, could ensure chassis are available where and when needed?
4. What operational and technological improvements are needed to enhance the efficiency of drayage operations (trucking to/from ports and rail yards)?
   1. How can truck turn times at terminals be reduced
   2. What role can extended gate hours or appointment systems play?
5. How can rail terminal congestion and bottlenecks be alleviated to improve the seamless transfer of containers between modes?
   1. What investments in rail infrastructure, technology, or operational practices would enhance intermodal rail fluidity?
6. What strategies can improve the overall utilization of intermodal assets (containers, chassis, railcars, trucks) to reduce idle time and repositioning costs?
7. What information-sharing platforms and data standards are necessary to create a unified and transparent view of container movements across the entire supply chain?
   1. How can real-time visibility for all stakeholders (shippers, carriers, terminals, logistics providers) be improved to enable proactive decision-making?
8. What mechanisms can be established to foster greater collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders involved in containerized freight (e.g., shipping lines, ports, railroads, trucking companies, shippers, terminal operators, technology providers)?
   1. How can incentives be aligned to encourage system-wide efficiency rather than mode-specific optimization?
9. How can the industry collectively minimize the incidence of demurrage and detention charges by improving operational efficiency and communication across the supply chain?
10. How can the North American containerized freight system enhance its durability in response to unforeseen disruptions (e.g., pandemics, geopolitical events, climate impacts)?
    1. What contingency planning, diversification of routes, or adaptive strategies are needed to maintain supply chain fluidity during crises?
11. What role can government policies and regulatory frameworks play in supporting investment, collaboration, and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and reliability of containerized freight movement?