Seeking Flexibility and Savings, Retailers Campaign for Increased Intermodal

NEWARK, N.J., Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Tighter truck capacity and higher rates have retailers looking for more options to use intermodal rail-truck options. Even as they try to push goods to the right place at the right time to meet demand, major retailers say they are putting lessons learned during the economic downturn to work by spreading risk out across supply chains and gaining flexibility wherever possible.

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The result, according to this week's Cover Story, in The Journal of Commerce, has the potential to dramatically change the landscape of consumer goods movement.

"The model is changing," said Brian Hancock, vice president of supply chain in North America for $17 billion manufacturer Whirlpool.

"You have to give yourself a lot of options. Intermodal is a critical part of our strategy, because the service has improved to the point that it's a great option if rail is not there or we run out of truck capacity."

As retailers struggle to find the cost-conscious balance between having items on the shelves and shipping too much, faster truck and intermodal transit times are being pushed to compensate for slow-steaming ocean vessels, the fear of port congestion and changing consumer behavior.

An electronic survey conducted at the Transcomp/Intermodal Expo, and reported in this week's Journal of Commerce cover story, indicates 89 percent of the audience intends to increase their intermodal spending in 2011. Senior Editor William B. Cassidy examines the reasoning behind this intermodal push, its potential impact on supply chains across North America as well as industry trends that might upset the very flexibility shippers are seeking.

To view daily news visit www.joc.com. For all media enquires, including article reprints, please contact Editorial Director Paul Page.

Since 1827, The Journal of Commerce has been the most trusted source of intelligence for international logistics executives to help them plan global supply chains and better manage day-to-day transportation of goods and commodities in the United States and internationally.

To become a member of The Journal of Commerce click here. JOC members have access to our weekly print and digital magazine and Web site, as well as a 10% discount on all JOC events and trade shows, UBM Global Trade Directories and select PIERS products. Authoritative editorial content in the form of daily news, weekly analysis and regular features ensure our members have the information and data necessary to understand the issues facing trucking, rail and maritime transportation. Members enjoy access to "By the Numbers," an exclusive weekly compilation of key industry statistics that provides detailed views of current market trends across all modes. Regular market intelligence reports -- utilizing PIERS trade data -- include Top 100 Imports and Exporters, quarterly Top 40 Container lines, Trans-Pacific and Trans-Atlantic Maritime Forecasts and Top Container Ports and Terminals. Market-sector supplements, including Breakbulk, Cool Cargoes, 3PL, JOC Guide to Trucking and others, ensure all modes are comprehensively covered.

About UBM Global Trade - UBM Global Trade is the leading provider of proprietary data, news, business intelligence and analytical content supporting commercial maritime, rail, trucking, warehousing and logistics industries worldwide. The company's portfolio of more than 100 online, print and interactive workflow business solutions includes The Journal of Commerce, Breakbulk, RailResource, PIERS Global Intelligence Solutions and an array of international trade and transportation databases and directories. UBM Global Trade, a subsidiary of United Business Media Limited, is headquartered in Newark, NJ, with offices throughout the United States. For more information, explore www.ubmglobaltrade.com or call 800-223-0243 (+1-973-848-7250 outside the U.S. or Canada).

CONTACT: Paul Page, The Journal of Commerce, Editorial Director, +1-202-355-1170, [email protected].

SOURCE The Journal of Commerce

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