The first ever Cool Cargoes track at the 2012 TPM conference March 5-6 in Long Beach, Calif., will focus on the growth and capacity issues of the global cold chain.


The full-day program will feature panel discussions examining the major issues in refrigerated ocean transportation and the cold chain, including challenges in importing and exporting food products.

An opening keynote speech by Ulises Carrillo, vice president of logistics for Dole Food Company, will provide an in-depth look at the state of reefer transportation from the perspectives of a shipper and a carrier.

His speech will be followed by an overview of the U.S. reefer market, provided by Mario Moreno, economist for JOC/Piers. Moreno's look at the global market will include an analysis of opportunities arising from recently signed U.S. trade agreements and other factors to give attendees an insight into 2012 supply and demand dynamics as shippers, carriers and non-vessel-operating common carriers prepare for annual service contract negotiations.

Speakers from Maersk, Seatrade USA and Naturipe will discuss temperature-controlled ocean service and the challenges shippers of perishable products face.

The reefer track will also include sessions on:

- Planning an FDA-proof refrigerated container supply chain
- Will there be a genset or reefer container shortage in 2012?
- How to manage growing environmental or "green mile" customer expectations