Businesses should prepare now for the reformed system. Professional and trade organizations are scheduling educational seminars about the Reform Act and its perceived effects. The trade press contains countless articles and analyses of the legislation. However, a specific approach that is appropriate for a particular company will depend on a variety of facts and circumstances, commercial and legal. These factors should be evaluated carefully and an action plan should be developed.
Generic approaches are only a starting point.
Shippers should critically examine the transportation service providers utilized for their shipments, consider potential service options and develop their strategic objectives and priorities, including any customized requirements. Shippers that have not joined shippers' associations should consider the advantages and limitations of doing so. It should be assumed that carrier mergers, buyouts and alliances will continue to alter shippers' range of choices. In view of reduced information about competitors' transport costs available in a deregulated environment, consultant services may be in demand to develop such information. Some groups are considering new structures in response to Reform Act changes.