MARS: Volume vs. velocity

“Volume vs. Velocity—Managing Change in 2016” will be the theme for the 247th meeting of the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS) to be held 
July 11–12, 2016 at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisc.

This year’s MARS Summer Meeting will feature keynote rail presentations from Allan Shaw, chief marketing officer, Norfolk Southern; Peter Gilbertson, President and CEO, Anacostia Rail Holdings; and John Hellman, President and CEO, Genesee & Wyoming. There will be other speakers addressing specific market conditions, equipment health, safety, and technology.

“The changes we’ve seen in the freight rail situation over the past two years have been remarkable,” said MARS President Mike Jones. “We have gained capacity in the system and delivery speeds have improved significantly. There are great opportunities for growth. Despite the decline in freight rail volume, there are positive trends that promise continued strength for the railroads and their shippers,. With better efficiency and improved rail velocity in the coming quarters, we should begin to see top-line growth and increased volumes when the economy turns the corner.”

More than 650 people attended the MARS Winter Meeting in January. “The semiannual meetings include speakers, presentations, and panels focusing on some of the toughest issues currently facing the freight rail industry,” the Association said. “They also provide a forum to educate and inform in the areas of railroad operating practices, new innovations in transportation, and legislative matters. “

The schedule on Monday, July 11 features the traditional Scholarship Golf Outing and reception. A full-day business meeting will follow on Tuesday, July 12. The cost is $190 for MARS members; $215 for non-members. Advance reservations are required for the conference and golf outing. Click HERE for information or to register, or email [email protected].

The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers is one of five regional North American associations under the North American Rail Shippers (NARS) national organization. Headquartered in the Chicago area, MARS provides an open forum for discussion and resolution of rail transportation issues by bringing railroads, shippers, receivers and rail supply companies together twice annually for formal meetings in the Chicago area. To review the most recent meeting presentations and to inquire about MARS membership, visit the MARS website at www.mwrailshippers.com.