TPM22 Panel Discussion Recap:
“Intermodal Rail: What Went Wrong in 2021 and How Do We Fix It?” with Val Noel, TRAC’s COO
March 22, 2022
TRAC COO Val Noel (far right) was joined by specialists in freight transportation, drayage and chassis management at JOC’s #TPM22 event earlier this month during a panel on intermodal rail challenges and areas for improvement. Val described 2021 as a tale of two halves, with manageable 1,500-foot trains suddenly ballooning to 9,000-foot trains. Significant increases in IPI cargo led to longer street dwells which challenged equipment fluidity in Midwest cities.
TRAC was able to collaborate with the railroad lines and reposition chassis across its network to help address what he terms a “perfect storm” phenomenon. In terms of how to address a similar scenario from occurring in 2022 as IPI numbers rise again, Val stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration with the railroads. He also noted that TRAC continues to invest in equipment, new and refurbished, to provide end users with what they need as Midwest inland markets heat up again.
About TRAC Intermodal
TRAC Intermodal (tracintermodal.com) is North America’s leading marine chassis pool manager and equipment provider with 11 pools under management across the U.S. TRAC has the largest fleet of marine and specialty chassis in North America and operates an extensive network of facilities. TRAC’s subsidiaries offer emergency fleet roadside assistance through FYX, and maintenance and repair services as well as storage and parking solutions through TRAC Services.
TRAC Intermodal (tracintermodal.com) is North America’s leading marine chassis pool manager and equipment provider with 11 pools under management across the U.S. TRAC has the largest fleet of marine and specialty chassis in North America and operates an extensive network of facilities. TRAC’s subsidiaries offer emergency fleet roadside assistance through FYX, and maintenance and repair services as well as storage and parking solutions through TRAC Services.