There are two months left until its time for CAGTC's 2024 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. RSVP here so you don't miss out on these exciting opportunities:

1. Network with the nation’s leading supply chain stakeholders
2. Engage in timely discussions about freight funding and efficiency as the next surface transportation reauthorization approaches
3. Hear keynote remarks from Deputy Assistant Secretary Allison Dane Camden – who is leading the new Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation
4. Enhance your organization's visibility among supply chain partners through various sponsorship opportunities that begin at just $1,500. For more information, please email centleitner@nessle-blakey.com

By: CAGTC Staff

For decades, the month of March has been dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the vital contributions of women to society. In honor of Women’s History Month, CAGTC is profiling two of its supply chain leaders – Coleen Clementson, CEO for the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), and Fran Inman, Senior Vice President for Majestic Realty – who both serve on our Board of Directors. Both women are recognized as national leaders and generously share their time with CAGTC, providing our organization with their insight and expertise.

As Senior Vice President for Majestic Realty, one of the nation's largest privately held real estate development companies with a real estate portfolio totaling approximately 84 million square feet of commercial properties, Inman directs government relations and external affairs activities. In addition to her role at Majestic Realty, Inman previously served on the California Transportation Commission for twelve years. Inman was also a founding member of the National Freight Advisory Committee and co-chaired the sub-committee on project delivery and operations. She is the chair of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership.

At the beginning of 2024, Clementson was appointed as CEO for SANDAG – the metropolitan planning organization responsible for planning and developing the San Diego region’s multimodal transportation network. The region serves nearly every mode of freight between its two commercial land ports of entry, an international airport, major interstates and arterials, freight rail lines, and a seaport. Clementson has over 20 years of experience in the public sector land use and transportation planning in the San Diego region. She has extensive experience in public involvement through the preparation and implementation of several large-scale long-range planning and policy documents and smaller-scale neighborhood revitalization plans.

Inman and Clementson generously took the time to discuss pivotal moments in their career, share their industry insights, and offer advice for other women in the field. While both Inman and Clementson are based in California, it is evident from their professional journeys that the impact of their work extends beyond the Golden State, reflecting the interconnected network of the transportation industry. In a male-dominated industry, both women are passionate about their careers, the complexity of the work, and the diverse perspectives women bring to the industry. Their experiences and insights are detailed below.

CAGTC: What led you to pursue a career in the transportation and logistics industry?

Inman: It was my job with a large commercial real estate development company that led me to the goods movement sector.  While our portfolio includes a wide variety of all types of commercial real estate, our core competency is in the industrial sector.  When our tenants complained that they could not get their goods out of our San Pedro Bay ports – our chairman sent me down to “fix it.” I think he thought that there was a traffic light malfunctioning. I like to say that I fell in love with our very complex supply chain – our system of systems – and never came home.

Clementson: During my time in college, a pivotal moment occurred when I enrolled in an Urban Studies and Planning class. One assignment required us to create a map, and to my surprise, my submission was selected as an exemplary model. My map prominently featured the U.S.-Mexican Border, included Tijuana (despite a minor spelling error), and highlighted the trolley line. My professor singled out my work, remarking, 'This person gets it; this person is a planner.' This event sparked my interest in planning.

At that time in San Diego, the Blue Line Trolley was under construction, and discussions were underway regarding extending the trolley to UC San Diego, my alma mater. These developments resonated with me, and I began to see the interconnectedness of urban planning. Initially unfamiliar with the profession's scope, I soon realized its multifaceted nature, encompassing planning, logistics, economics, and ultimately, enhancing quality of life.

CAGTC: What aspects of your career do you find the most exciting or rewarding?

Inman: I love the dynamics of the supply chain and the complexity of our work – we have more partners than we ever imagined – lots of co-dependencies – ever-changing dynamics and opportunities abound. I also want to acknowledge the amazing thought leaders – we get to work with some amazingly talented individuals.

Clementson: I believe that working in the transportation industry is fundamentally about facilitating connections between people and the places they need to access, whether it's for employment, accessing goods and services, pursuing education, or fostering social connections. In the context of cross-border travel, this aspect takes on a unique significance in the San Diego region. The daily flow of approximately 90,000 individuals crossing the U.S.-Mexican Border reflects a dynamic interplay of cultures, families reuniting, and the movement of goods and workers.

This border region effectively functions as a medium-sized city that transcends national boundaries, highlighting the intricate web of connections that define our work. It underscores the importance of transportation in enabling these connections and the pivotal role it plays in shaping the daily lives and interactions of countless individuals and communities. How can that not be exciting?

CAGTC: For years the freight and logistics industry has been male dominated. Are there perspectives or skills that you believe women offer the industry that were previously missing?

Inman: Somehow, my entire career has landed me in male dominated fields-commercial real estate, gaming, and supply chain. As a female professional, I think Title IX is a game changer for young women. When I grew up, we stood on the sidelines and cheered. Fine, except when we got to the competitive business environment, we weren’t prepared to deal with the slide tackles. So, for my daughters (and granddaughters) who have all played competitive team sports – I believe they will be better prepared. That said, I have loved being in male-dominated industries. You have to do your homework, be on point, and pick your battles. I think I can safely say that you garner respect and make valuable contributions.

Clementson: I believe that the increasing presence of women in the workplace has contributed to a more holistic approach to decision-making, often incorporating diverse perspectives before reaching a conclusion. There is a heightened awareness among women about how our work affects families, a perspective that may not have been as prominent in the profession just a decade ago. This evolution has enriched the profession, bringing new dimensions and considerations to the forefront that enhance our understanding and impact.

CAGTC: What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?

Inman: I think the biggest challenge for the generations behind me is probably related to the 24/7 presence we have with connectivity today. We do need some “time” out and not everything is always perfect. Work/life balance is important, and we have to enjoy the journey.

Clementson: believe that opportunities are increasingly opening up for women, particularly in our dynamic economy. California, as the 4th largest economy globally, is a hub where diverse ideas and opinions are crucial. The challenge now lies in women stepping forward and seizing these opportunities to play more significant roles. It's about embracing the chance to contribute diverse perspectives and shape the future of our economy and society.

CAGTC: What piece of advice would you give to women considering a career in your field?

Inman: For the generations behind me, I say the sky is no longer the limit. Dream big dreams.

Clementson: In this field, a thorough grasp of available data is paramount for informed decision-making. However, it's equally crucial to trust your instincts and employ common sense when necessary. Seeking input from others, facilitating discussions, and then synthesizing all available information are key aspects of effective decision-making. One of the most valuable pieces of advice I can offer women in this regard is to avoid getting caught in over-analysis. Make a decision, execute it, and believe in your choices.

On March 12, the Biden-Harris Administration reached a major milestone in the decarbonization of transportation with the release of the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy. Developed by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the strategy sets an actionable vision and comprehensive approach to accelerating the deployment of a world-class, zero-emission fright network across the United States by 2040.

The strategy focuses on advancing the deployment of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (ZE-MHDV) fueling infrastructure by targeting public investment to amplify private sector momentum, focus utility and regulatory energy planning, align industry activity, and mobilize communities for clean transportation.

“Communities around the country will benefit from zero-emission freight decarbonizing transportation while continuing to support a vibrant economy,” said Gabe Klein, Executive Director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. “Today’s announcement aligns government, industry, and utilities to support the planning and action needed for a national zero-emission freight fueling network that benefits all Americans.”

To achieve U.S. goals of promoting at least 30% ZE-MHDV sales by 2030 and 100% sales by 2040, the freight industry will need expansive and convenient access to electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling along freight corridors, at intermodal freight facilities, and high-usage ports. The strategy aims to align public policy and investments by prioritizing infrastructure deployment along the National Highway Freight Network and complementary roadways in rapid, smart, and actionable phases to accelerate the adoption of ZE-MHDVs. Initial deployment focuses on locations with the highest need and demonstrated action to leverage federal funds and drive private investment.

Read the full release here and the full strategy here.

On the second anniversary of the launch of the Freight Logistics Optimizations Works (FLOW) initiative, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that the FLOW platform has begun to publish data on inland freight hubs, including rail terminal and warehouse end destination data, that will enable FLOW members to have an enhanced view of future container import volumes and traffic. This data will help inform capacity decisions and avoid supply chain challenges, such as delays, for FLOW participants that will ultimately help lower costs for consumers. FLOW is a first-of-its-kind private-public partnership created and led by DOT that creates a more complete, shared picture of the U.S. supply chain for members, which include the nation’s busiest container ports, major ocean carriers, and some of the largest retail importers.

Through the FLOW initiative, DOT collects, aggregates, and anonymizes key information shared by participants on inbound containerized freight, starting with importer purchase orders, and aligns future demand volumes against current regional capacity to move ocean containers.

Industry members who join FLOW can access secure data through a shared online portal or API hosted by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). DOT actively works with industry members to continue to improve and build use cases with FLOW data. For example, FLOW Members are working with USDOT to utilize FLOW data to better estimate port and inland network congestion and monitor cargo shifts due to the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

Participants are using FLOW data as an input into existing company processes to better inform supply chain planning. These efforts work to smooth out supply chain volatility and support commercial needs. As FLOW continues to grow, DOT will continue to work with its industry partners to further develop and achieve our shared goal of improving America’s supply chain, including at the upcoming FLOW Annual Meeting at DOT Headquarters for FLOW members and interested parties.

Gene Seroka, Executive Director with Port of Los Angeles: “FLOW provides participants with unprecedented access to supply chain data, empowering our port users with the ability to anticipate potential bouts of congestion. FLOW has become an invaluable tool to cargo owners seeking to manage their supply chains, and importantly, FLOW has become a safe and trusted repository of supply chain data, opening up possibilities for additional applications to support supply chain resiliency. As one of the nation’s early pioneers in supply chain digitalization, the Port of Los Angeles has been encouraged by the widespread acceptance of supply chain data sharing that Project FLOW has enabled. We see opportunities to leverage FLOW to make our port community system – the Port Optimizer – become a more powerful tool for our port customers. Under the leadership of Secretary Buttigieg and the staff at USDOT, FLOW has built a unique public-private partnership that addresses one of the core vulnerabilities of our nation’s supply chains – lack of sufficient data sharing.”

Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operating Officer with Port of Long Beach: “FLOW facilitates a secure and seamless process for supply chain stakeholders to share data that provides members with a forward-look on supply chain conditions and the ability to anticipate and adjust to avoid delays.  The Port of Long Beach is proud to be a founding member of FLOW.  It is complementary to our own efforts to enable end-to-end visibility through our Supply Chain Information Highway digital initiative.  We commend USDOT for its vision and thank the staff for their leadership in bringing the supply chain community together to holistically and collaboratively close the gap on one of the industry’s most glaring challenges - the lack of visibility.  FLOW is a game-changer.”

Read the full release here.

As a part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $500 million in Federal Fiscal Year 2024 funding through MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).

Investments made under the PIDP focus on modernizing the Nation’s coastal and inland waterway ports as well as strengthening its supply chains and economic security for generations to come. PIDP funds will also aid in the reduction of carriers’ shipping time, costs and ultimately the price of goods for the American people. The Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $450 million annually, from FY 2022-FY 2026, in funding for the Program.

“Ports are central to our supply chains, and when ports run smoothly, it helps keep prices down, shelves stocked, and American farms and businesses selling their goods around the world,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “After helping our supply chains recover from pandemic disruptions, President Biden is announcing $500 million to further strengthen our ports and keep shipping costs down, now and for generations of Americans.”

MARAD’s PIDP grants help eligible applicants complete critical port and port-related infrastructure projects in urban, rural and tribal communities. Applicants include port authorities, state and local governments, indigenous tribal nations, counties, and other eligible public entities. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to support projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods through ports and intermodal connections to ports.

Read the full release here.