In times of economic downturn, people tend to leave creative solutions by the wayside, spend a lot of time hunkering down and (sometimes) pointing fingers at partners up and down the supply chain.
We definitely saw a lot of this behavior in 2010. The short-term anxiety about the economy sapped any energy the transportation sector might have had for dealing with long-term structural issues. Everyone was focused on survival, and business relationships and efficiency took a hit.
As the economy begins its slow climb upward, I hope to see attention refocus on issues that require creative and collaborative solutions.
High on my wish list of things that need doing this year include: a reasonable and collegial discussion about chassis and how to manage them; a renewed effort to improve truck mobility at terminal gates that involve frank discussions about night gates and appointment systems; and an honest conversation at the highest level of government over the issue of infrastructure funding and financing that recognizes we need a national freight policy and will have to accept higher fuel taxes to get the projects we need for the future we envision.
We’ve talked about this issue for years. Maybe 2011 is the year we’ll stop talking and start doing something. I can’t say I’m overly optimistic, but I hope the transportation industry and government will finally recognize these issues can’t be put off any longer.