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LaHood touts Obama administration freight council
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is touting a new council devoted to developing a national freight policy that was launched recently by the Obama administration.
In a blog post on the Department of Transportation's website this week, LaHood said the panel would help the administration to develop a policy for freight shipments that will allow the United States "to stay competitive in today's global economy.
"America has one of the best freight systems in the world," LaHood wrote on his "Fast Lane" blog on the DOT's website. That’s important, because freight movement is the lifeblood of the American economy. No economy can grow faster than its ability to move the raw materials and parts its businesses use and the goods its businesses produce."
"This group represents DOT leadership across the modes, from highways and railways to ports and pipelines," LaHood said of the panel. "We also have economic, policy and legal experts from throughout the Department. Led by our Deputy Secretary, John Porcari, the council will help us coordinate the implementation of MAP-21 freight provisions, develop a national plan for improving freight movement, and meet the President’s goal of doubling U.S. exports by 2015."
LaHood said the freight council was starting off "by listening to the people who know freight — the states, the freight and logistics industry, businesses, consumers, and other stakeholders."
His blog post did not mention a possible work stoppage that has threatened several East Coast ports. Negotiations between the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which is representing the ports, and the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) are expected to resume on Monday.
