Engaging Freight and Supply Chain Representatives in Public Sector Projects

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc Successful Public Involvement from a Public Sector Perspective Have informed stakeholders Gained private sector input and/or data Provided opportunity to contribute to decision making Set stage for potential private sector funding Met project outreach requirements

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc MAP-21: State Freight Advisory Committees US DOT encourages each state to establish a freight advisory committee Committee must consist of representative public and private sector stakeholders, including the state DOT, local governments, freight carriers, shippers, ports, freight industry workforce and freight associations State freight advisory committees must: –Advise state on freight-related priorities, issues, projects, and funding needs –Serve as a forum for state transportation decisions impacting freight mobility –Communicate and coordinate regional priorities with other organizations –Promote information sharing between the public and private sectors on freight issues –Participate in the development of the state freight plan 3

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc Successful Private Sector Involvement from a Private Sector Perspective We obtained value that could be meaningful to the bottom line. They didn’t waste my time. The meeting/interaction was short and targeted. They didn’t ask for confidential business information. Nobody put us on the spot. They understood our business.

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc Who are the Private Freight Stakeholders Shippers and receivers Carriers – all modes Service providers Terminal facility operators Warehouse and industrial developers and operators Considerations for Involvement: Who could be directly affected by this project or study? What do we really need to know from the private sector? The private sector time line is much shorter than public sector time lines – why should they care about a project 20 years in the future?

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc Supply Chain Drivers and Considerations Us, the empowered consumers The bottom line Pressure – one strike and you’re out The globalization and localization of the supply chain Shocks and “never again” situations Product proliferation Sustainability and profitability –How green is my bottom line? Governmental policies 6

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc Public and Private: Common Ground Planning Considerations for Freight: Zoning criteria to provide buffer zones Capacity needs for staging/parking Facility access Traffic mix (passenger vs. truck) Accident hot spots

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc Public and Private: Common Ground Environmental Considerations for Freight: National Environmental Policy Act Private partners might be aware of impacts (i.e., noise complaints, idling trucks) Communities and agencies may not be aware that the private sector is ahead of the public sector in implementing environmental practices.

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc Public and Private: Common Ground Design and Construction for Freight: Urban design issues At-grade crossing clearance Complete streets (livability) Designs and upgrades that consider 53 foot trailers, 286K rail freight freight, sufficient loading docks, truck parking, etc. Complimentary land uses

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc Public and Private: Common Ground Operations and Maintenance Considerations for Freight: Information needs Dredging At-grade railroad crossings Signal timing in truck corridors Shared rail corridors Truck parking Local noise ordinances

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc Public and Private: Common Ground Safety and Oversight Considerations for Freight: Regulatory policies Impacts of regulations on operations Protecting freight infrastructure Safety evaluation and enforcement Cost allocation Permit fee evaluation

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc “Getting to Know the Business” Engagements Build awareness, formally and informally: Networking (conferences, luncheons) Educational seminars Regional business coalitions Roundtables Go to Private Sector Association Meetings Visit Facilities Get out in the Field

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc Project Specific Engagement Seek input through a defined processes for a specific period Interviews / surveys Focus groups Freight forums Social media

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc Collaboration Engagement On-going public/private groups that meet on a regular basis on specific topics and subjects MTS-RUs and Facility Groups Freight advisory groups Freight quality partnerships

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc Outreach with Outcome Understand your objectives Understand private sector priorities and motivations Consider when to involve the private sector Inform or involve stakeholders? Allow opportunity for feedback Build relationships Think beyond the immediate project

© A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc., 2012 © A. Strauss-Wieder, Inc Preparing for Involvement Which private/public sector agencies are you currently working with? Who have you engaged in the past? Who should you be working with? What input and information must you obtain? What happens after the study is over? What resources do you need? What is the current freight context (e.g., is it the peak holiday shipment season, are toll increases under consideration, is a strike pending?)

Anne Strauss-Wieder, Website: Thank you! 17