U.S. DOT Secretary LaHood Leads NITL Policy Forum

The National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) is pleased to announce that U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood will be the opening keynote speaker at its Washington Freight Transportation Policy Forum on June 10, 2010 in Arlington, VA.

Secretary LaHood became the agency’s 16th Secretary on January 23, 2009. In nominating him to the post, President Obama said, “Few understand our infrastructure challenge better than the outstanding public servant that I’m asking to lead the Department of Transportation.”

Before leading the U.S. DOT, the Secretary served 14 years in the House of Representatives from the 18th District of Illinois (from 1995-2009). During that time he served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and, after that on the House Appropriations Committee. Prior to his election to the House, he served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman Robert Michel when he succeeded him in representing the 18th District.

NITL President Bruce Carlton said he was particularly looking forward to hearing Secretary LaHood’s remarks, “as his insights and perspectives will provide an integral understanding of the likely course and future direction of freight transportation.”

Produced in cooperation with the Journal of Commerce, the Forum’s theme is “The Future Course for Freight Transport” and is designed to showcase key policy makers from government and industry to discuss and examine how the freight transportation industry will be impacted in the months and years ahead. Currently joining Secretary LaHood on the Forum’s program are:

Chairman, U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), Daniel Elliott III;

Chairman, U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), Richard A. Lidinsky, Jr.;

Administrator, U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Anne S. Ferro;

Secretary of Transportation for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Sean Connaughton;

Administrator, Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) ,Cynthia Quarterman;

President, World Shipping Council, Christopher Koch,;

Business Development. Rez-1, Jeff Brashares; and

FTR Associates, Larry Gross and Noel Perry.

For a look at the program’s preliminary schedule and agenda, including panel discussions, click here: http://www.nitl.org/NITLWashPolicyForumAgendaJune_2010.pdf

The Forum will be held at the Sheraton National Hotel 900 South Orme Street, Arlington, VA 22204 which is conveniently located near Ronald Reagan National Airport. Free shuttle service to the hotel is available from the airport and from the Pentagon City Metro station. The Forum’s meeting registration includes a reception on the evening of June 9.

As part of the business program on June 10 a full breakfast, luncheon and refreshments during breaks will be provided.

For Online registration, click here: http://www.nitl.org

Founded in 1907, the NITL is the nation’s oldest and largest association of companies interested in transportation. The League’s more than 600 members range from some of the largest companies in the nation to much smaller enterprises. The League’s members primarily include companies that move their products through our country’s transportation network and are engaged in the movement of goods both domestically and internationally. These members ship their products via all modes of transportation.