Innovations in Freight Demand Modeling and Data Improvement (2014)

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DAY 2 Introductory Remarks Anne Strauss-Wieder A. Strauss-Wieder (ASW), Inc. Engaging Freight and Supply-Chain Representatives in Public Sector Projects MAP-21 encourages each state to establish a freight advisory committee, which must consist of public- and private-sector stakeholders. However, from these meetings, the private sector must be able to obtain value that will be meaningful to them. These private-sector players can be shippers and receivers, carriers, service providers, terminal facility providers, and warehouse and industrial developers. Personnel from the public sector must ask themselves before they engage the private sector, what do we really need to know from them? Are they directly affected by a project or study? It’s important to keep in mind that the private-sector planning timeline is much shorter than the public sector’s, typically three to five years. They are also more responsive to supply chain drivers and considerations, which include • The bottom line • Market pressures • Globalization and localization of the supply chain • Shocks to the system (e.g., disasters, labor issues) • Product proliferation • Sustainability and profitability • Governmental policy There are several ways to engage the private sector—networking, educational seminars, regional business coalitions, and roundtables—but public-sector planners must get out into the field. When planners do engage, keep it project-specific and see if others are doing the same data collection first, so more time is not utilized sharing data already readily available. Perform outreach with outcome: understand the objectives, their priorities and motivations; consider when to involve the private sector, when to inform them, or when to involve them; and allow opportunity for feedback. Lastly, it is important to understand the current freight context. Is it peak holiday shipping season, which is earlier than the shopping season, is there a strike, or are toll increases being considered? These may significantly impact the availability for the private sector, so timing is important as well. 50