Richard Mikes spoke at two Iowa Motor Truck Association (IMTA) meetings on March 24 and 26th on the topic “Where Do We Go From Here? Capturing the Value of Change.” He discussed three primary areas: (1) Supply chain implications, involving trends toward more plant and distribution centers, closer national and international sourcing, and a modal mix shift favoring trucking; (2) Global and international recessions, with consumer confidence at its lowest levels, the resultant “fear factor,” and the likelihood that this recession will mirror the early ‘80s; and (3) Impact upon trucking, including results from the recent TCP survey that indicated the severity of rate pressures, high number of carriers considering buying or selling, carrier cost adjustments, the likelihood of capacity restraints with volumes rising in late 2009 or early 2010, and strategies being set for future prosperity and growth by carriers who seize opportunity now.