PIBL Appointed Official Freight Forwarder for World Congress on High-Speed Rail

Phoenix International Business Logistics, Inc. (PIBL) today announced that it has been selected as the official freight forwarder and U.S. Customs broker for the 8th World Congress on High-Speed Rail, a three-day event and international trade exhibition being held for the first time in the United States. The event, scheduled for July 10-13th at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, is organized by the International Union of Railways (UIC) and American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

The World Congress convenes every two years to exchange views on the development and achievements of high-speed rail. It is the world’s most eminent gathering to discuss high-speed rail, with this year’s event predicted to draw 1,500 attendees from more than 25 countries. In addition to featuring experts on transportation and technology, the World Congress also mounts the largest international trade exhibition dedicated to high-speed rail equipment, infrastructure products and services. This year’s exhibition is expected to attract 4,000 visitors.

PIBL, a recognized trade show transportation specialist and Customs broker, will work in conjunction with its agents and partners throughout the world to consult with exhibitors on the shipping logistics for this event. Show organizers anticipate approximately 100 exhibitors, including those that showcase their state-of-the-art “rolling stock” exhibits - rail cars that will be displayed at platforms of AMTRAK’s 30th Street Station.

According to PIBL President, Phil Hobson, “We look forward to serving this important gathering of leaders in the industry of high-speed rail, often described as the transport mode of the future. We bring two decades of trade show transportation experience to this event. Whether it’s a technology exhibit or rolling stock, PIBL can assist exhibitors with their freight and customs clearance needs. The United States will host this event for the first time in the history of the World Congress on High-Speed Rail, and the event’s Philadelphia venue is ideally situated with excellent, nearby ports to facilitate the movement of cargo.”

The event organizers are hoping that the experiences of its members can contribute to the progress of high-speed rail development in America. This year’s theme is: “High-Speed Rail: Connecting People, Building Sustainable Prosperity.” Organizers emphasize that high-speed rail can create jobs, spur economic growth and mobility, and be good to the environment.

Established in 1995, PIBL is a licensed U.S. Customs broker and international freight forwarder, specializing in trade show logistics, general cargo, customs clearance, and freight management. From exhibits containing life-size windmills and 80,000 lb. solar homes, to shipments of yoga mats and molasses, companies throughout the world have relied on PIBL to transport the everyday, as well as the extreme cargo, with care and precise timing.

PIBL serves as an appointed freight forwarder to many international and domestic trade fairs, competitions and events – approximately 50 shows annually, some of which are among the country’s largest international freight shows. PIBL uses state-of-the-art systems to increase efficiencies and expedite customs clearances. Its online tracking system, the first such web-based system designed for the trade show industry, permits exhibitors to monitor the details of shipments at their convenience.

PIBL operates three offices in the United States (a headquarters in Elizabeth, NJ and branches in Las Vegas and Chicago), and works with an international network of partners and agents. Exhibitors can choose from a comprehensive array of services that include: door-to-booth transportation arrangements; export documentation and customs clearance; transportation cost and routing analysis; logistics consultation; insurance coverage; secure warehouse and storage facilities; as well as return air and sea transport.

UIC and APTA are organizing the 8th World Congress on High-Speed Rail with the cooperation of UIC North American members, AMTRAK, the Association of American Railroads (AAR), the Federal Railroad Administration, and VIA Rail.