Leaders to Discuss International Trade Realities

To examine international trade trends, viewpoints and perspectives from a truly intermodal perspective, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and the Transportation Research Board (TRB) will co-sponsor a special conference on January 29-30 in Tampa. 

Hosted by Port Tampa Bay and presented in cooperation with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), AAPA’s “Shifting International Trade Routes” conference will address changes in international shipping routes and explore how the various freight transportation players…ranging from ocean carrier and trucking lines to railroads and ports…view the progress from the recent economic recovery.

During the 1.5-day program, economists, maritime transportation officials and government experts will also focus on how trade patterns and infrastructure needs will affect the future movement of goods and support the development of major transportation project investments, such as the Panama Canal expansion. Others, such as warehouse and distribution center owners/operators, will also weigh in with their unique perspectives.

“This is the eighth year that AAPA has co-sponsored this conference in Tampa, and it has proven to be one of the most meaningful and insightful programs our association has ever produced,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO. “Its value really is found in the degree to which the various freight transportation interests participate and engage, ranging from cargo owners, ocean and surface transportation carriers, ports and terminal operators, to experts in supply chain logistics, economics and forecasting.”

Mr. Nagle noted that, as the recognized, authoritative and coordinated voice of the seaport industry in the Americas, AAPA’s goal with this conference is to strengthen the ability of its member seaports to serve their global customers and create economic and social value for their communities.

Shortly after the program’s opening remarks on January 29, officials with AAPA and Port Tampa Bay will lead a 30-minute press conference to discuss recent trade and transportation initiatives and challenges, including efforts to urge U.S. policymakers to address critical funding issues related to underinvestment in America’s faltering freight transportation infrastructure. Participants will include AAPA’s Kurt Nagle, AAPA Chairman of the Board Kristin Decas (who is CEO of Southern California’s Port of Hueneme), and Port Tampa Bay’s president and CEO, Paul Anderson.

Regarding the Tampa workshop, Mr. Anderson said: “Port Tampa Bay is very pleased to host this successful AAPA conference. Not only does it bring together top transportation and logistics minds from across the globe to share a collective wealth of their knowledge, but we also get to highlight the great things we are doing here in Tampa Bay. We’re in an exciting, dynamic era in international trade, and this forum is a perfect opportunity to share ideas that will lead to prosperity, strong relationships and actions that will be critical to our economy.”

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Press Release