The National Shipper's Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC) has named James "Jim" Oberstar as keynote speaker of its 2011 Logistics Conference & Expo, April 17-20 in Orlando, Fla.


NASSTRAC's conference attracts executives and key decision-makers in logistics or supply chain management who want to learn and network with leading experts in the industry. NASSTRAC provides education, advocacy, connections and solutions for professionals involved in all areas of transportation, ranging from full truckload and LTL to containerization and global logistics.

As keynote, Oberstar will discuss transportation topics within the realm of his expertise, including infrastructure. He was chairman of the House of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee from 2007-2011 and served 36 years in Congress. This native of northern Minnesota became Congress' leading expert on transportation policy and chaired the Subcommittee on Aviation from 1989-1995. In January 2007, he was elected chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Under Oberstar, the Committee conducted more than 300 hearings and interviewed more than 2,200 witnesses and approved more than 200 bills and resolutions by both the House and the Senate. He played a vital role in passing H.R.1, The American Recovery and Re-investment Act, which created or sustained thousands of jobs maintaining and improving our nation's transportation infrastructure. He also helped bring new green technologies to federal facilities, and authored the bill to rebuild the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis.

In addition, attendees will gain insight and information to remain competitive and successful through various panel discussions and presentations.

Top motor carrier executives, such as Werner Enterprises COO Derek Leather, Old Dominion Freight Line President & CEO David Congdon, FedEx Freight President & CEO Bill Logue, Arkansas Best President & CEO Judy McReynolds, and UPS Freight President & CEO Jack Holmes will give shippers need-to-know information about capacity and market shifts. OHL Executive Chairman Scott McWilliams, CEVA Logistics CEO Jerry Riordan, and MIQ President &CEO John Carr will explain how 3PLs bring new value in the marketplace.

Other topics include regulation and legislation changes, such Hours of Service, CSA 2010 and clean truck programs, and how the marketplace and operations will be affected. The conference also features an expo of service providers where transportation and supply chain decision-makers can find viable solutions.

More info: www.NASSTRAC.org.