July 23, 2025

Intermodal Industry Supports Nomination of Michael Rutherford to Lead Multimodal Freight Office

Statement by IANA President & CEO Anne Reinke

CALVERTON, MD (July 23, 2025) –Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will consider the nomination of Mr. Michael Rutherford to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy as the Assistant Secretary for Multimodal Freight. Mr. Rutherford has an extensive background in the freight rail industry, having previously held leadership roles at various private transportation and logistics service provider companies, including CSX.

Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) President & CEO Anne Reinke offered the following statement in support of the nomination:

“Michael Rutherford has first-hand experience in the freight transportation industry, meaning that he will bring to this role real-world expertise regarding goods movement and the importance of a seamless, interconnected system. The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) is pleased to support his nomination to become the nation’s first Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Multimodal Freight. I know that Mr. Rutherford’s expertise as a long-time industry practitioner will prove valuable as he guides the nation’s freight policy and programming. Mr. Rutherford will steer this relatively new office at a critical time as Congress and the Administration prepare to reauthorize the nation’s surface transportation programs. IANA looks forward to working closely with Mr. Rutherford and we urge Congress to confirm this important nomination.”