The Intermodal Freight Transportation Institute (IFTI) hosted the 5th Annual Intermodal Conference with the Memphis Area Chamber on November 10, 2011. This year’s conference had record participation from Memphis area business and transportation industry professionals.

The conference featured presentations by world-class speakers.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn. serves on the Judiciary Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  He gave an update of the current freight policy within the federal government.

Dr. Gene Huang, Chief Economist and a Vice President for FedEx provided a global economic update.   He and his team focus on corporate economics, enterprise risks, strategic affairs, and the tracking and monitoring of all industries and countries FedEx serves. Dr. Huang is recognized as one of the leading business economists in the world. He is president of the National Association for Business Economics, chairman of the Economic Advisory Committee of the Council on Competitiveness. Dr. Huang is viewed as one of the foremost economic forecasters, he was profiled in BusinessWeek as its “Most Accurate Forecaster” in 2002. In 2006, The Wall Street Journal ranked him as second among the nation’s top forecasters.

Jeff Rott, Commercial Operations Manager for Cargill Corn Milling Plant, manages and oversees the commercial, logistics and production planning aspects of the facility. Jeff understands intermodal transportation needs: he’s developed innovative ways to ship sweeteners in barges from Memphis to various US terminals. He’s managed the construction of a $3.5 million dollar distribution terminal. He’s managed a network of 3rd party distribution locations. Currently, it is his team’s responsibility to ensure the plant’s products are produced on time and delivered flawlessly to customers. Jeff shared plans for rail expansion on president’s island and Cargill’s role in supporting transportation linkages: rail, barge and truck…they use it all.

University of Memphis professors participated in a research round table where each IFTI researcher shared information about his/her project and the impact on the transportation community. 

Several students were recognized for excelling in transportation research and contributions to the transportation industry. Stephen Edwards received the Trucking Industry Defense Association scholarship. Ethan Skaggs was named IFTI student of the year and received the Traffic Club of Memphis scholarship.