By Mark Edward Nero
Cargo growth should continue through 2016 even though uncertainty remains as the economy and industry continue to evolve, panelists said during an industry event this week in Long Beach.
The seven panelists made their remarks during the 12th annual “Pulse of the Ports Peak Season Forecast” March 30, an event that attracted an audience of about 550 people.
One panelist, senior economist Mario Moreno of IHS Maritime & Trade, projected that containerized imports from Asia would grow at about 5.5 percent this year and that the overall US economy should grow by about 2.3 percent.
In addition to Moreno, speakers included Lori Smith, Sourcing Lead, Ocean, CLS Regional Transportation Organization, Johnson & Johnson; Revis Stephenson, Senior Manager, Export Container Trade, the Scoular Company; Phillip Wright, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Total Terminals International; Seana L. Fairchild, Senior Director, International Intermodal Sales, Union Pacific Railroad; Vic La Rosa, CEO and President, Total Transportation Services Inc.; and Fran Inman, Senior Vice President, Majestic Realty Company and member of the California Transportation Commission.
The Q&A portion was moderated by Phil Ramsdale, President, Transport Solution LLC. Ramsdale is also Past President and current officer of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals of Southern California.
Each spring, the Port of Long Beach brings supply chain industry leaders together to discuss their forecasts for the year ahead. The event helps to provide fellow industry members with the information they need to plan.
At this year’s event, held at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, the seven speakers from across all segments of the supply chain offered their thoughts on megaships, congestion, cargo volumes and the future of the transportation industry.
“Pulse of the Ports is a truly unique opportunity for us to hear from top experts throughout the supply chain,” Port of Long Beach Harbor Commissioner Tracy Egoscue said. “Forecasting is not an exact science, but piecing together information from various segments of the industry helps us look at the big picture and plan more accurately for the months ahead.”
The complete Pulse of the Port webcast is available at www.polb.com/PulsePorts.
