The next 12 months will be a year of change and transition. Voters have spoken and the 112th Congress will look very different, with new Republican majority leadership in the House. And although it’s too early to tell the specific impact on transportation-related legislation, we should expect a change in the environment under which legislation will be introduced and debated.
Presumed incoming chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., who has said he will focus on “doing more with less.”
Our economy continues its recovery from one of the worst slides since the Great Depression. Intermodal transportation, from both domestic and international perspectives, is leading the way, based on current and anticipated growth trends. Overall volumes are 15 to 17 percent higher than a year ago and are projected to maintain moderate growth of 3 to 4 percent through 2011.
Policy debates will evolve over attempts to change traditional intermodal business models in terms of chassis provisioning and drayage industry drivers.
From a legislative and regulatory viewpoint, the industry’s focus must remain on establishing a sustainable program for freight infrastructure investment. At the same time, constant diligence will be necessary to address issues such as the new hours of service rules and CSA 2010 that could affect intermodal driver availability and productivity. Rail and ocean carrier operations also are likely to remain under scrutiny by Congress and regulatory agencies.
With change and transition come challenges and opportunities. The adaptability of the intermodal transportation industry is well suited to thrive in this environment.