1. There have been an increasing number of editorials in newspapers and magazines about concerns over transport capacity and infrastructure. What is the nature of this issue? Why is it such a problem? How can it be resolved?

2. We have all experienced highway congestion and "bumper-to-bumper" traffic, but congestion is a bigger issue for supply chains and transport service providers. Why?

3. "Don't ship air" and "don't ship water" are the bases of some important supply chain strategies. What do these statements really mean? What are the related strategies? How do these strategies help?

4. Fuel prices have been very volatile during the last five years. What factors have contributed to this volatility? What impact will lower fuel prices have on transportation?

5. What is your view of the use of technology in transportation systems in this future?

6. While we have concerns about transportation service currently, there did not appear to be any special challenges or big problems during the 1980s and 1990s. Why were these two decades so different as far as transportation is concerned?

7. Sustainability and the environment have captured the attention of ordinary citizens and of shippers and carriers. What is the nature of the concern? How can shippers and carriers mitigate their impact on the environment?

8. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has implemented the SmartWay Transport Partnership. Discuss the nature and role of the program. Do you think it will be effective? Why or why not?

9. What is collaboration? How can transportation companies and shippers use collaboration to their advantage?

10. Are you optimistic or pessimistic about transportation services for shippers in the 21^st century? Why?