Last year at this time, I addressed the need for a robust supply chain network that would allow trade to continue even through a major disruption somewhere in the chain. I said this industry needed to do a better job at connecting the dots in the supply chain and in build failsafes so the important business of trade could continue.
My position hasn’t changed, but in that writing, I failed to mention that all projects have to have a start. As I look at the issue today we have to begin to impart to our elected leaders the importance of government’s role — federal and state — in our industry: A focused dialogue is the start. As an industry, we have to engage in a serious, continual conversation with our leaders and tell them efficient and economical movement of goods across the nation is good for the economy. We have to say that sacrificing transportation infrastructure to balance budgets is not a good option for strengthening the economy because this nation’s economy is dependent on the movement of goods.
The nation’s transportation infrastructue is the foundation of our industry, and the government must do its part in prioritizing, maintaining and expanding infrastructure that is critical to the development of a more robust supply chain, one that keeps cargo moving in the event of a disruption. In short, we need continued and greater investment in maintaining shipping channels and deep harbors, expansion of highways and rail connections and congestion mitigation in and around freight corridors.
Admittedly, the conversation isn’t terribly sexy, but when you illustrate what this industry means to our economy, people will listen and that is the start.