The IANA Intermodal Expo in Long Beach, California, sparked conversations about whether freight can move when the supply chain says it should. This question was explored in the context of container clearance, rail merger debates, and discussions about AI, cyber risk, cargo theft, asset intelligence, and automation. The conversations highlighted the importance of operational readiness, data sharing, and preventative measures in the freight industry. Takeaways Operational readiness is crucial for the movement of freightData sharing and preventative measures are essential for smoother supply chain flow Chapters 00:00 — IANA Intermodal Expo recap: the big question facing freight01:09 — What IANA is and why intermodal matters02:14 — How terminals, drayage, rail, and chassis availability connect03:18 — Cleared vs. movable: why paperwork is not operational readiness03:50 — Using trusted data to improve container placement and access05:32 — Preventable truck safety issues and inspection culture07:18 — Day two: the rail-merger debate begins08:22 — Katie Farmer’s case for shipper choice and responsiveness09:24 — Rail pricing, commercial responsiveness, and truck-to-rail conversion11:06 — Union Pacific’s case for fewer handoffs and single-line service12:09 — The cost of lifts, drayage, dwell, and missed rail connections13:22 — What “optionality” means for shippers and railroads13:59 — Exhibit hall themes: AI, cargo theft, asset intelligence, and automation15:03 — Freight technology stack: connected equipment and asset visibility16:04 — BlackBerry Radar on tracking chassis, containers, trailers, and railcars18:44 — Asset intelligence: turning location data into action19:18 — Field AI and autonomous robots in ports, yards, and warehouses21:59 — Which freight tasks should become autonomous first?23:01 — Pedigree Technologies on equipment tracking and cargo-theft recovery24:48 — How technology and rail-network structure connect25:50 — What the Surface Transportation Board should evaluate27:33 — Final takeaways: reducing friction in intermodal freight28:40 — Where to find Freight Flow Advisor analysis and subscribe
