SSGA leads transportation panel

On July 13, SSGA Executive Director Eric Wenberg led a panel, “Teamwork Approach to Logistics & Transportation,” at the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Coalition’s (USAEDC) Attaché Seminar. Panelists, which included Port of Los Angeles CEO Gene Seroka, Brig Skoy of Savage Services and Jaeson Dandalides from CMA-CGM, discussed better approaches to moving equipment and making strategy.

Addressing USDA foreign attachés from U.S. embassies worldwide and leaders from U.S. agricultural associations, the panel stressed the need for better data and transparency between rail and ocean carriers to help reposition equipment. Often, carriers must overbook their vessels 150 percent so they can get a 90 percent fill rate.

The panelists detailed cases whereby working together has facilitated better outcomes in ag shipping. Seroka led the panelists saying he was ready to lead whatever discussion was needed to facilitate plans to get equipment where it was needed. Wenberg emphasized the need for USDA officials to keep logistics in mind when making plans for overseas market development and market access. It doesn’t make any sense to promote goods against logistical hurdles that are too great for companies to overcome.