September 25, 2019

UW-Superior students compete in the Intermodal Association of North America’s Intermodal EXPO Academic Challenge

University of Wisconsin-Superior Transportation and Logistics Management and Supply Chain Management students, accompanied by Dr. Richard Stewart and Dr. Daniel Rust , traveled to Long Beach, California, to participate in the annual Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) EXPO.While there, a student team comprised of seniors Josh LaFlamme, Jacob Brenholt and junior Sarah Montrose competed in the Collegiate Case Competition. The students competed against six other schools from across the nation, including: University of North Florida, Georgia Southern University, University of Maryland, University of North Texas, College of Charleston and New York Maritime College.

The students from each university presented answers to a case study exploring the past 20 years of intermodal transportation. The students computed the compound annual growth rate for international and domestic intermodal along with long haul trucking. They also did a comparative analysis of each of the transportation networks using performance metrics, economic analysis and historical facts.

The UWS team was one of three teams selected to advance to the final round and finished in second place. UWS has participated in the intercollegiate competition every year since 2014. It is the only university to have its teams always advance to the final round. The 2016 team won the competition and this year’s team continued the tradition of excellence.

“The IANA EXPO offers a wonderful learning experience for students to meet role models, see new innovations and participate in educational sessions led by industry experts," said Dr. Stewart. "The IANA Collegiate Case Competition provides the students with a realistic case study that requires them to research and present their management proposal before a large audience, and to then respond to probing questions from the judging panel of highly qualified IANA professionals. UW-Superior is honored to be an IANA Scholarship university and Dr. Rust and I are very proud to be able to mentor our wonderful students."

The UWS students would like to thank Schneider Trucking, IANA, and Libby Ogard from Prime Focus, LLC for providing data and concepts for their presentation. They also extend their gratitude to the IANA Scholarship Committee, IANA Executive Director Joni Casey, along with the IANA staff, and the UW-Superior Foundation for making the opportunity possible.