Preparedness, Adaptability Key for Logistics Stakeholders
This story appears in the June 26 & July 3 print edition of Transport Topics.
WASHINGTON Panelists at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals presentation touted preparedness in issues ranging from NAFTA to uncertainty about infrastructure spending.
Miguel Gonzalez, global logistics director with DuPont & Co., said that while it is difficult to say what will be the next important issue, on a daily basis泭the company spends a lot of time with internal government affairs.
Gonzalez said its part of risk management and theyve done deep analysis around the North American Free Trade Agreement, what [proposed changes] could mean for us, for supply chain logistics costs, for cross-border concerns. Its big.
Gonzalez and others spoke here June 20 at CSCMPs annual State of Logistics event.
Beth Whited, chief marketing officer for Union Pacific Railroad, said the company is concerned about whats happening with NAFTA, which President Donald Trump has said he wants to alter.
Weve been significant in the Mexico market for many years, and so we are engaging with the administration, with the Department of Commerce and others, and talking about risks to the U.S. economy and other economies. Its an opportunity, and important that decisions are made in the presence of as much data and knowledge as possible, she said.
Its such an integrated world economy now that any major disruption to that would have a lot of unintended consequences, she added.
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Eugene Seroka said he prepares for what he hopes will be positive news on the infrastructure front. He spends about a week each month in Washington, and while there infrastructure spending is a top concern.
Im with career department folks, the Department of Commerce [and others], and infrastructure intrigues me a lot, he said. We have a 10-year, $2.6 billion plan, and Id be happy if it were doubled.
The Port of L.A. is early into its infrastructure development plan, and the money comes from the port and its prime customers, including railroads and terminal operators.
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