DOT Launches New Freight Policy Council

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood launched the Freight Policy Council, a group tasked with generating a national freight policy, as called for in the new highway funding law.

LaHood was joined by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) at a warehouse owned by PCC Logistics in Seattle on Thursday to officially announce the Freight Policy Council. Cantwell has long been a proponent of the freight group.

The council will hold its first meeting next week, a DOT spokesman said.

“Our freight system is the lifeblood of the American economy, moving goods quickly and efficiently to benefit both businesses and consumers across the country,” LaHood said in a statement.

“With the launch of the Freight Policy Council, we have an opportunity to make not only our freight system but all modes of transportation stronger and better connected.”

Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcari will lead the council, which will also include deputy administrators from highway, rail, port and airport agencies within the Department of Transportation, and economic and policy experts from elsewhere in DOT, the department said.

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Heavy Duty Distributor Council under new management

OTTAWA, Ont. -- The Heavy Duty Distributor Council of Canada (HDDC) has announced it will now be managed by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA).

The agreement took effect July 1. The organization says it shares many synergies with AIA Canada, and engages in common initiatives such as government relations, industry outreach, market research, membership development and the hosting of networking events.

Under the new arrangement, the HDDC board says members will be managed by a group with experience in building a strong voice with government. The group also said it will be building a new business plan around adding member value.

“With HDDC’s potential for growth we are looking forward to working with AIA to fulfill our members’ needs and drive the Council into the next phase of our evolution,” announced Ian Johnston, president of HDDC. “AIA will be entering into this relationship with a strong understanding of the non-profit sector and an understanding of our industry but will allow the HDDC to retain our own Heavy Duty independent identity while utilizing all the synergies the AIA has to offer.”

More information on the groups is available at www.hddc.ca or www.aiacanada.com.

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