Toward A New Horizon: A Vision of the Region's Economic Future - An Overview of the Region's Economy
Jerry Nagel, Northern Great Plains, Inc., noted that the transportation sector will always be considered a private sector, not government sector. He noted that the global nature of the economy, the need for efficient corridor systems and environmental concerns would shape transportation in the future. He noted that the goal of the transportation sector should be to build the most efficient transportation system to improve the regional economy.

Western Uniformity Scenario
Mark Berwick, UGPTI, outlined previous studies (TRB & US DOT) on increased truck size and weight limits (main themes are increased productivity, reduced shipper costs, reduced congestion, higher infrastructure costs, safety concerns, and rail impacts. Conclusions of the study: The administration did not recommend any changes in truck size and weight limits; and before any changes are considered, there should be strong support from Governors and State DOTs.

An Overview of State & Provincial Truck Regulations and Permitting - Commonalities and Differences
Mark Lofgren, UGPTI, reviewed regulations in the region on truck maximum weight and dimension and showed maps depicting travel allowed under various permitting schemes and truck configurations. He also cited research on large truck efficiency, truck-related road damage and the influence of local regulations on regional payloads. He said cooperation among states, provinces, and private and public sector leaders is needed to bring about a plan for uniform regulations and a seamless truck freight transportation system that enhances commerce.

Issues and Developments for Truck Transportation in the Prairie Region
Alan Clayton and Jeannette Montufar, University of Manitoba, outlined the status of the trucking industry in the Canadian prairie region. They noted that international truck movement growing at about 6 percent per year in the region and about 1,400 trucks per day enter United States through prairie region border crossings with a relative shift in traffic from east-west to north-south. They also discussed trends in truck types, safety, economies, regulations and the use of intelligent transportation systems.

A Law Enforcement Perspective
Doyle Schultz and Leanna Emmer, ND Highway Patrol, outlined the three missions of the N.D. Highway Patrol, safety, protection of infrastructure, and enforcement, and discussed how those missions impact the trucking industry. They also discussed automated permitting and policy changes including longer combination vehicles, signing, and changes to spring load restrictions.

Transportation Factors Influencing the Competitiveness of Agricultural and Food Products
Richard Beilock, University of Florida, explained that trucking is the dominant mode for freight in North America and its dominance is growing, even in bulk commodities, such as grains. He outlined key problems related to truck transportation in the region. He noted that the Upper Great Plains is and must continue to increase its reliance on trucking.

Transportation Safety
John Woodrooffe, University of Michigan, provided an overview of common truck crashes and their causes, reviewed safety issues related to longer combination vehicle safety and noted that significant benefits could be realized by adopting risk-based safety policies.

Interregional Truck Transportation System: A Vision for the Future
Gene Griffin, Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, outlined the factors prompting the development of the conference, including a changing domestic economy, spreading globalization, increasing traffic congestion and increases in fossil fuel consumption.