ST. PAUL — December was host to a number of transportation events relevant to Minnesota shippers. The Agricultural Shipper Workshop, held in Minneapolis on December 1, offered a round table discussion of pressing challenges facing exporters and importers. Topics included access to competitive container rates for shippers, innovative partnerships with rail – including Duluth Cargo Connect and Canadian National Railroad’s plans for new intermodal container service – and understanding the new world of ocean carrier alliances.
The Center for Transportation Studies’ 19th Annual Freight and Logistics Symposium on December 2 featured a panel discussion exploring Minnesota’s freight competitiveness in the region, including how Minnesota-based companies are responding to supply-chain challenges and opportunities.
The Governor’s Council on Freight Rail met the following week at BNSF’s Northtown Yard. The Council received updates on working group meetings related to three key issues: safety and incident response, economic development, and community engagement. The Council seeks to study, educate, and develop recommendations for best practices supporting freight rail and economic development that promote safety and minimize impacts to Minnesota communities.
— Minnesota Department of Agriculture
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