Transportation Officer’s Responsibilities

Bill Bardwell, Traffic Manager, Department of Veterans AffairsBill.bardwell@va.gov

(202) 461-5511

People, Training, Equipment, Communications, Funding

• Hire the right people.• Conduct frequent training.• Provide appropriate equipment & supplies.• Maintain effective communications.• Provide adequate funding.• Cater to your customers.

Modes of Transportation

ModeProduct Options

Speed Accessibility Cost CapacityIntermodal Capability

% of US Product

Movement

Truck V Broad Moderate High Moderate Low V High 28%

Railroad Broad Slow Moderate Low Moderate V High 41%

Air Narrow Fast Low V High V Low Moderate <1%

Water Broad V Slow Moderate V Low V High V High 13%

Pipeline V Narrow V Slow Low Low V High V Low 17%

Are you Customer Centric?Where is your focus?

• Who are your customers?• Where are they located?• What types of shipments are inbound and

outbound?• What are their service requirements?

Scope of Expertise 1Small Package Shipping

• You have been asked– Which to use: USPS or small package carrier?– What would be the optimum package size?– What is the tipping point from small package to freight?– What will be the annual transportation cost?– develop a policy for the use of USPS and small package

carriers.

Do you have the necessary information and analytical skills to make sound decisions, define issues and communicate solutions or recommendations?

Scope of Expertise 2Freight and Household Goods

• You have been asked to– develop a policy for the use of motor, air, and ocean

carriers and freight forwarders.– develop a comprehensive claims processing

procedure.– manage all shipping rates, charges, documentation.– manage customer issues and concerns and evaluate a

program.

Do you have the necessary information and analytical skills to perform these tasks?

Scope of Expertise 3Freight and Household Goods

• You have been asked to– determine if a contract for transportation services or

the use of a rate tender is appropriate.– evaluate pricing schedules in a tariff.– review current transportation policies & regulations.– maintain a pre-payment audit program.– manage the carrier qualifications documentation.– assure proper payments are made and are timely.

Do you have the necessary information and organization skills to perform these tasks?

Types of VA Shipments• Small packages• Hazardous materials• Biological Hazards• Construction Equipment• Medical Equipment• Office & Laboratory

Moves• Records to Archives• Motor Vehicles • Furniture

• Construction Materials• Grave Markers• Conference Displays• Satellite Comm Units• Motor Homes• House Boats• Medical Supplies• Medications & Pharm• Laundry Equipment• Cryogenic Freezers

Questions – Comments

Thank you