Next Shipping Industry Meeting Set for January 14–15, 2015

CHICAGO—August 7, 2014 (James Street Media Services)—An in-depth look at the freight rail capacity problems currently gripping the shipping industry drew a huge crowd several weeks ago, when the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) held its semi-annual Summer Meeting. The presentations from that meeting are now available online.

“This topic was a big draw for shippers and rail service providers, and we had record attendance for a Summer Meeting,” said MARS President Tom Tisa. “We want to keep the discussion going with an even wider group, and invite people to visit our website to explore the information that was presented at our meeting.”

The MARS Summer Meeting was attended by more than 400 people representing shipping customers, railroad freight carriers, and other industry leaders. The theme was “Managing Railroad Capacity for Future Success,” and it featured candid discussions about increasing capacity while maintaining high standards of safety and service.

The presentations available online come from:
•    Frank Adcock, TTX Company
•    David Altig, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
•    Susan Arko, CSXT
•    Michael Berg, Deputy Secretary, Wisconsin DOT
•    Glen Courtwright, Georgia Pacific
•    Bob Lease, BNSF
•    Michael McClellan, Norfolk Southern
•    Jerry Rodriguez, KCPL
•    Rick Shearer, Superior Silica Sands
•    Greg Walling, KCS

Program planning is already underway for MARS Winter Meeting that will be held January 14–15, 2015 in Oak Brook, IL. To stay up to date with all activities and become a member of MARS, visit www.mwrailshippers.com or call 630-513-6700.

About The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers
The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) is one of five regional North American associations under the North American Rail Shippers (NARS) national organization. Headquartered in the Chicago area, MARS provides an open forum for discussion and resolution of rail transportation issues by bringing railroads, shippers, receivers, and rail supply companies together twice annually for formal meetings in the Chicago area. To review the most recent meeting presentations, and to inquire about MARS membership, please visit the MARS website at www.mwrailshippers.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Bill Fahrenwald
James Street Associates
bfahrenwald@jamesstreetassoc.com
708-371-0110 Ext. 1-#