August 14, 2017

Intermodal Industry Honors Huffman

CALVERTON, MD, AUGUST 9, 2016 — The Intermodal Association of North America announced today that Robert Huffman, a recognized leader in the intermodal industry, will be honored with the 2017 IANA Silver Kingpin Award at this year’s Intermodal EXPO in Long Beach, California. Huffman will receive the award during the opening general session on Monday, Sept. 18.

Established in 1977, the industry’s most prestigious award, the Silver Kingpin, recognizes an individual’s long-term contributions to intermodalism.

Robert Huffman’s exceptional 41 year career began in 1972 with Conrail, where he worked his way up from Block Operator to Trainmaster to Terminal Superintendent at the Conway Yard in Pennsylvania, before joining Norfolk Southern in 1999. Within a year, he was promoted to vice president of intermodal and served in that position until his retirement in 2013.

Huffman’s career reflects his many contributions to improving productivity and reliability as well as designing new and improved intermodal products for railroads. His work on the R3 initiative – right lane, right car and right unit – while at Norfolk Southern resulted in increasing intermodal traffic efficiently and economically. Beyond his technical expertise and stellar service, Huffman is recognized for mentoring countless young people.

“Bob’s career has been spent advancing the intermodal industry,” said Joni Casey, IANA president and CEO. “His accomplishments in moving the community forward by increasing rail freight capacity, reducing equipment errors, and guiding the next generation of intermodal leaders are all representative of a career and an individual to be admired and honored with this award.”

Throughout his career, Huffman has given back to the intermodal industry including six years serving on the IANA Board of Directors; working on the Finance, Policy and Strategic Planning Committees as well as the Intermodal Interchange Executive Committee. He also regularly participated on industry panels on topics such as terminal design and domestic chassis pools.

IANA’s roster of more than 1,000 corporate members includes railroads, ocean carriers, ports, intermodal truckers and over-the-road highway carriers, intermodal marketing and logistic companies, and suppliers to the industry. This roster gives IANA a unique position within the intermodal community, one which is authoritative, holistic and able to affect change that benefits everyone. IANA consistently supports the shared needs, interests, and goals of its diverse members — regardless of mode or function — with business solutions, education, and networking opportunities.