directly imported from Qingdao, Shanghai, and other points of origin throughout Asia for OSP Group. Previously, important containers were typically routed through the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach or Seattle, and then railed directly to Chicago. Once in Chicago, product can sit idle anywhere from 2-7 days depending on the time of year, before being placed on a chassis to be trucked and routed to their facility in Indianapolis. An increasing shortage of truck drivers, as well as equipment, frequently creates delays and subsequently impacts their customer service. Last year, OSP Group began routing all containers through the Ports of Prince Rupert in Canada, and reduced transit times by three days. The INRD/ CN partnership will allow OSP’s product to bypass Chicago beginning July 2013, reducing transit times by a minimum of 2-3 additional days, and considerably more during holiday peak time when congestion is much denser in Chicago. OSP, along with many other intermodal cargo users in Indiana, recognizes the opportunity to take a full week out of the supply chain as the difference between winning customers or losing them. It is clearly a decisive advantage which companies will now be able to leverage in Indiana. OSP believes the possibilities are even more far reaching than indicated above. The direct rail service can now encourage third party logistics providers (i.e. consolidators, trucking companies) to focus more closely on potential business with local importers and exporters translating into increased local jobs. Additionally, the significant congestion issues in Chicago, coupled with the growing service demands of customers, may encourage neighboring states to consider Indiana as a viable option for direct rail in the future. Certainly the elimination in trucking and fuel costs along with detention charges associated with the container moving from Chicago to the destination point is appealing as well. Finally, the direct rail infrastructure improvement allows Indiana to now fully leverage its role both as the “Crossroads of America”, as well as being a low cost state, which could help www.buildingindiana.com
entice companies to relocate to Indiana where they can embrace the best of both worlds. In fact, relocation experts say that one of the leading reasons for lost economic development opportunities to Illinois was companies’ need for direct West Coast intermodal access. CILC believes this service will put that argument to rest and will give the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and local economic development organizations an additional tool that
will help us attract and retain Hoosier businesses. From building the business case for the need for direct West Coast intermodal access, CILC is confident about the significantly positive impact that direct rail will have on Indiana businesses supply chain’s, both large and small, in service, cost and reliability; and furthermore, they are excited about the potential impact this will have in reshaping the future landscape and growth of the state’s logistics sector.
T FOR SOUTHSHORE RAI LCAT NWIBR S JOIN
NWIBRT is pleased to bring Family Safety Days to the Southshore RailCats Stadium. This day will embrace the safety culture we work in every day. This
Splash-tastic
day at the ballpark is perfect for…
Employee Reward Programs
Team Building
Company Picnics
Incentive Plans
Family Outings
And more!
Amazing luxury suites, package deals and sponsorships available! The game takes place Sunday, Aug. 4, at 2:10 p.m., featuring… Postgame water gun fight on the field!
Water balloon fights with mascots during the game
First 500 get free squirt gun!
And much, much more!
Families run the bases after the game
Don’t miss out on all the fun! Get your tickets and/or secure your sponsorship now! Call DMS office at 219-226-0300 or By Fax at 219-226-0303. Register at nwibrt.org/railcats
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