Shipping and Logistics

Logistics: By Land & By Water

Written by Ray Culley


Everyone in the steel business has had their own experience with moving steel from one place to another, and not always a positive one. The logistics of steel are always a challenge, and this year Steel Market Update has assembled experts from trucking, barge and the ports, to share their thoughts regarding the challenges of moving steel in 2016 and beyond. This group will also speak to what everyone in the industry should be considering to minimize disruptions and improve their company’s ability to deliver to the right place at the right time in the right condition.

Rebecca Brewster is President and Chief Operating Officer of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). ATRI conducts transportation research with an emphasis on the trucking industry’s essential role in a safe, efficient and viable transportation system. Recent studies have included: “For-Hire motor carriers operational cost survey”, a list of the top truck freight congestion locations, and a white paper that highlights a driver shortage brought on by the dramatic shift in the age of the industry’s driver workforce. Rebecca spoke at our 4th Steel Summit Conference and was well received by those attendees.

Brian Rafferty, Vice President Customer Service – Dry Cargo for Ingram Barge, believes that Transportation by Barge is the best growth option for steel, and will explain why in his address to conference attendees. Brian, Vice President, Dry Cargo Customer Service and Logistics, is responsible for coordination of logistics for over 4,500 barges with 150 towboats. He has also been an appointed member of the Governor of Louisiana’s Maritime Executive Task Force, on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Association of Waterway Operators and Shipyards (LAWS) including two annual terms as Chairman.

John Moseley, Senior Director – Trade Development for the Port of Houston Authority is globally responsible for increasing revenue, vessel calls, cargo volume and overall commerce through Port of Houston Authority facilities. He has experience abroad with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, International Development and Energy Associates, Kolbe GmbH, Eurostar (L.A. Gear), COSCO and CMA CGM.  The Port of Houston has access to all of the U.S, Canada and Mexico and is America’s premier deep-water container and general cargo gateway connecting cities across North America to markets around the world.

These three logistics experts, with diverse views, will join in an open panel discussion of the challenges and future for moving steel.  So, start thinking about the questions you would like answered, and come join steel producers, manufacturing companies, end-users, service centers, and traders in metals, for two days of discussions of current issues and actions at the 2015 Steel Summit Conference.

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