Industry News

FRA 9-08
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Contact: Warren Flatau and Rob Kulat
Tel.: (202) 493-6024

Statement of Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph H. Boardman on Restricting Improper Use of Electronic Devices by Railroad Workers

“Today’s announcement by the National Transportation Safety Board regarding the tragic Metrolink crash has made it clear that the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices must be immediately addressed. The bottom line is railroad operating employees cannot focus on their critical safety functions while engaging in phone conversations, texting or any other form of unessential electronic communication, often in violation of railroad operating rules.

“The consequences of inattentiveness and distraction are simply too catastrophic to be addressed at the operator or state level alone. As a result, we will issue an emergency order explicitly prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices by railroad employees while operating trains and in other settings. Everyone involved with rail travel deserves the full attention and focus of train operators, without exception and without excuse.”

Onboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75)

TCH Immediate Past President Danny Schnautz recently did a short tour aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) out in the Atlantic in July.

Danny, a trucker, experienced very little of the highway mode but much of the water and air, as he flew onto and off of the carrier in a Grumman C-2A Greyhound and stayed afloat when not in the air.

The Navy's operations are enough to impress anyone, and make you proud that they are defending our nation.

Click on a picture to enlarge

Senator Dole

The Transportation Club of Houston was present at a small reception for Senator Bob Dole on April 22, 2008, represented by TCH President and First Lady Danny & Celessa Schnautz.

Senator Dole spoke about his past experiences, our nation's current situations, and future prospects.

Top of Page

TCH was represented by President Danny Schnautz on Monday, March 17 at a luncheon event honoring former Secretary of Transportation and current Senator Elizabeth Dole. The Senator was able to convey to the small group present her views for our nation into the future, including CAFTA and other transportation events. Also present were Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and President George HW Bush.

The Transportation Club of Houston was represented at the 2007 Journal of Commerce Breakbulk Conference in New Orleans on October 28 - 30 by President Danny Schnautz.

The annual event was attended by thousands, representing all aspects of the industry from companies around the world. The speakers presented valuable topics and shared information to help strengthen our supply chains. Liz Megginson, Chief Counsel, U.S. Dept Transportation, Maritime Administration, was the luncheon speaker on Monday and assured listeners that MARAD is the advocate in the government for the industry, such as helping cut through EPA red tape for port expansion, for example.

TCH Past President Ernest Bezdek (Port of Beaumont) was present, as well as TCH Member Rodney Petrie of the Port of Houston, each staffing their respective exhibit booths. New members Roy Moffitt Jr. and Justus Pounds, both of Roy Moffitt Customized Heavy Haul, were in the crowd as well, in addition to dozens of other TCH members, like Jorgen Jorgensen of Biehl and Company.

The 3 day event was even better than advertised and something to look forward to next year!

2007 TCI Convention, Seattle, WA

September 13-15, 2007

Recap, by TCH Treasurer and Past President Bob Clark

Thanks to you and the club for giving me the opportunity to represent TCH at this year’s TCI Annual Conference held in Seattle.

The following are highlights of the activities and events of the Conference:

The Traffic Clubs of Seattle and Tacoma hosted this year’s conference and they did an excellent job on the speaker agenda, meals, Seattle Port Cruise and hotel accommodations.
There were 41 registrants and 4 students in attendance during the conference as well as other members of the local clubs in attendance at the Scholarship Luncheon held on Friday.
Tay Yoshitani, CEO, Port of Seattle, TCI speaker for one of the Friday sessions, was also presented the TCI Person Of The Year Award.
The theme of the Conference this year was “Promoting Global Partnerships and Dynamic Sustainability” with an excellent group of speakers that covered an array of subjects such as Trade Policy Leadership, Trade Security, Emerging Technologies of Trade Infrastructure, and Market Forces of Changes & Intermodal Supply.
Three proclamations were received by TCI for the convention as well as a special visit from a representative from Washington Senator Patty Murray’s office.
A total of 7 Scholarship Awards were given out with one of the awardees being a fifth year Texas A&M student.
A surprise birthday cake was given to Mr. Jose Teufer from Mexico City in celebration of his 101^st birthday. Jose has also attended 37 past conferences and travels from Mexico by himself. Quite impressive at his age!!!
Other highlights that need mention was the fun Dinner Cruise on Elliott Bay, the awarding of the “TCI Lifetime Achievement Award” to Denny Lydic from Atlanta, the successful silent auction (with great contributions from the Houston area), as well as the opportunity to see old friends and meet new ones at the conference.
Newly installed officers are President, Mack Leonard, Chairman of the Board, Dennis Tam, Past Presidents advisory, Henri Duhot and EVP Education, Gay Fielding.

Overall, this was a great educational event and the 2008 TCI Conference will be held in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, and it promises to be another good event.

Donovan Smith, the official photographer of TCI, has posted some great pictures from this event on the TCI website (www.transportationclubsinternational.com) and it is my understanding from Dennis Tam that the majority of the material presented will also be available on this website in the near future.

Bob Clark

Top of Page

SDTC TWIC/AWARDS LUNCHEON JUNE 12, 2007

The Transportation Club of Houston was represented at the Sabine District Transportation Club's June 12 meeting by TCH President Danny Schnautz and his wife, Celessa. The program was the US Coast Guard's thorough coverage of the TWIC card, which is a long time coming and is sure to impact us all soon. Specifics of the card were covered, such as issuance, fees, and revocation. Presentations for SDTC service were also made at the luncheon, including a surprise to TCH President Danny Schnautz who received the "2007 Transportation Man of the Year" award.

The luncheon was filled with the attendees' engagement with the TWIC issue and many questions were asked and answered. While TWIC is not settled, it is certainly underway.

SDTC can be found at /www.txsdtc.org.

Pictures from the Event

TCH was represented at the ITMA luncheon on May 9, 2007. TCH President Danny Schnautz mixed with a crowd that included ITMA President Jolie Cosman and TCI President Dennis Tam.

The Transportation Club of Houston was represented at numerous events of the week-long 2007 International Association of Ports and Harbors convention hosted by the Port of Houston as TCH President Danny Schnautz and his wife Celessa were invited to attend. The theme of the conference was "Simply the Best" and POHA Executive Director Tom Kornegay and POHA Director of Public Affairs Argentina James certainly delivered the best to the attendees.