Transportation Conference kicks off the grand opening of the Center for Intermodal Freight Transportation Studies at the University of Memphis.

A half day conference, The Future of Intermodal Transportation in  Memphis and the Mid-South Region, launched the Center for Intermodal Freight Transportation Studies (CIFTS) at the University of Memphis on November 9, 2007.  Hosted by Congressman Stephen Cohen (D) of the Tennessee Ninth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, an impressive line up of transportation leaders spoke to the pivotal role Memphis holds in the future of intermodal transportation. 
Congressman Cohen welcomed by phone from Washington175 transportation leaders from government, business, and academia to the FedEx Institute of Technology on the campus at the University of Memphis. Conference speakers included:

• Doug Buttrey, Vice Chairman of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board
• Eric Ervin, Director of Engineering Services, J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.
• Peter Ladoucer, Assistant VP Marketing-Intermodal, Canadian National Railway
• Bill Louge, Executive Vice President for FedEx
• Craig Philip, President of Ingram Barge Company

The powerpoint presentations of Mr. Ervin, Mr. Ladoucer, and Mr. Phillip can be viewed at the following links:

JB Hunt Presentation (Mr. Ervin)

Ingram Barge Company (Mr. Phillip) Presentation

CN (Mr. Ladoucer) Presentation

The Zone auditorium in the FedEx Institute of Technology proved to be an ideal location for the conference.  Speakers were able to deliver meaningful presentations and take insightful questions from the audience.

Bill Louge discussed the commitment FedEx currently has to the city of Memphis, and announced the addition of 13 new bays to be located on the site currently housing the Tennessee National Guard.

Craig Philip spoke about the importance of barge traffic to the City of Memphis and its ability to foster growth for local ports.

Peter Ladoucer excited the crowd with news of the new CN/CSX intermodal rail yard in the Pigeon Industrial Park in Memphis.  The connection with the  Prince Rupert Port in British Columbia will prove valuable to the entire Memphis economy.

Doug Buttrey, a graduate of the University of Memphis, provided insight into Memphis’ role in the national transportation plan.

JB Hunt’s Eric Ervin discussed how freight works efficiently between the rail and trucking lines.

Reviews of the conference praised the speakers and their collective picture of freight and how each method of transportation works together in Memphis.

The Center for Intermodal Freight Transportation Studies hopes to make this conference an annual event.  We look forward to seeing everyone next year.