New IANA Task Force Hunts for Roadability Solutions Poor Equipment Condition Said to Hurt Intermodal's Ability to Compete Against Trucking By David L. Sparkman Associate Editor T he Intermodal Association of North America is getting serious about the roadworthiness of intermodal trailers, containers and chassis. IANA recently formed a task force to develop an industrywide approach to the issue. The goal of the task force, which holds its first meeting today, is to make sure intermodal equipment meets the highest standards of safety and service. Intermodal has struggled with the equipment issue for some time, but it has come to the forefront over the past year as the industry struggled to protect slipping market share. Earlier this year, the Intermodal Conference of American Trucking Associations petitioned the Federal Highway Administration for a new rule to make sure legal liability and fines rest with the party tendering the equipment.
Truckers are tired of getting tickets after being stopped by police just outside terminal gates.
Intermodal equipment in poor condition also damages the industry's image with the shipping public. At the same time, it adds costs and lowers productivity. All of this contributes to intermodal's frequently unfavorable competitive position compared with trucking. Many people in the industry believe that it cannot achieve stable, consistent growth unless the equipment issue is addressed and solved. Examine current terminal operating procedures.