Ag Shippers to Sound Off

When the Agriculture Transportation Coalition stages its annual meeting in San Francisco today and tomorrow, shippers will again be pleading with ocean carriers to explain why boxes are so hard to find.

Among those slated to speak are representatives from Staple Cotton (a Southern-based cotton exporter); ?Emily Lauzon, of Davisco (a Midwest-based dairy exporter);?Debbie McMillan of Derco (a West Coast-based almond/nut exporter);?Geoff Giovanetti with the Wine and Spirits Shippers Assn. (beverage importers); and Bob Sinner, ?with SB&B Foods Inc. (Midwest soy/specialty grain exporter, rail dependent).

This diverse group of exporters will share other common concerns as well: the impact of ocean carrier consolidation.

LM readers should check in here again for an account of the dialogue regarding this issue and related news about rail and truck service for outbound goods.