The JOC 2024 Annual Review and Outlook Executive Commentary - The Honorable Steven Blust, CII Past President/Second Vice President
The greatest challenge facing US surface transportation in 2024 is preparing for 2025 and beyond. The US transportation volumes will soon be back to COVID peak levels with growth through normal expansion. Additionally, rapid changes in hardware and software technologies plus increased governmental oversight will result in new challenges and opportunities.
Action must be taken now on equipment, infrastructure and workforces to prepare for this expected growth and evolution in the surface and maritime transportation systems.
The broad cross-industry community must collaborate to develop effective processes to maximize the value and effectiveness of tools, services and people to meet the future challenges.
Education will be a key driver to better utilization of information and the development of actionable plans in support of the US surface transportation segment and its stakeholders. Whether in formal or informal settings, and at all levels of the surface transportation industry, it is essential to develop the skills and hone the talents of future and existing participants to optimize success in surface and marine transportation.
CII has long recognized the importance of education, which it supports as a facilitator for industry stakeholders to channel scholarships to deserving students studying logistics and supply chains.
CII’s new Academic Advisory Committee supports education through direct interaction and exchange of views between academia and CII’s board member industry experts. This two-way interaction helps schools adjust their curriculum to prepare students to meet the needs of the industry and help the industry find qualified candidates to fill open positions.
Stakeholders in surface and marine segments are encouraged to support education through direct engagement with relevant educational institutions and the providing of scholarships to individuals who are interested supply chain and intermodal careers. CII stands ready to assist in these efforts.