AECOM jumps on intermodal infrastructure bandwagon

AECOM jumps on intermodal infrastructure bandwagon AECOM, a major engineering and project management firm, has created a goods movement/intermodal group to take advantage of recent public and private interest in developing new freight transportation infrastructure.
   The Los Angeles-based firm has its roots in port planning and coastal engineering and three years ago acquired JWD Group, an architectural and engineering firm that specializes in port development.
   The company created the new market sector offering by combining its marine practice and freight rail group, which was previously grouped with transit planners, and some of its logistics experts, Vahid Ownjazayeri, senior vice president and national director of the Goods Movement group, said during a break at the North American Port and Intermodal Finance and Investment Summit in Miami.
   AECOM had all the in-house expertise to plan, design and manage large freight transportation projects, but combining that expertise in one shop makes it easier for global customers to see its capabilities, Ownjazayeri said.
   The company can approach clients on a global basis but offer local expertise through offices around the world, he said. Growth in global trade has led governments to upgrade and expand supporting infrastructure.
   An official announcement about the goods movement/intermodal group is expected within several weeks.
   Last summer, former Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, joined the AECOM board of directors. He is vice chairman of communications consulting firm Hill & Knowlton.
   AECOM Enterprises is another business unit that specializes in public-private partnership and can work on concession teaming arrangements or directly as a government contractor to operate an asset. ' Eric Kulisch