Introduction

The manuscripts in the Fall 2013 issue of the Transportation Journal have an underlying global theme. In the first article by Xue, Maltz, and Villalobos, the researchers evaluated and validated a freight forecasting model on an important trade corridor between the United States and Mexico. The study helps to fill the need for better forecasting of freight movement in cross-border ports of entry, and the study's findings can aid planners in making infrastructure investment decisions.

In the second article by Leon, Szmerekovsky, and Tolliver, the researchers explored a new approach to airline seat allocation to global markets. While the research focused on passenger seat allocation, improving the financial strength of the global airline industry is critical in maintaining a viable global air cargo network as well.

Manuj, Omar, and Yazdanparast developed a conceptual framework for interorganizational learning (IOL) in the third article of this issue. They reviewed literature and theories in logistics, supply chain management, operations, and strategic management. Given the participation of multiple organizations in supply chains, IOL has much potential for application in supply chain management.

In the fourth article, Jang, Marlow, and Mitroussi explored the role of logistics service quality in generating shipper loyalty in the container shipping industry. The researchers utilize structural equation modeling to analyze the relationships among key variables. This article is the first of a series of articles from the 2012 International Association of Marine Economists Conference that will be published in the Transportation Journal.

The 2012 International Association of Maritime Economists Conference (IAME), which was held in Taipei, Taiwan, September 5-8, 2012, provided a unique global conference for academics, key industry practitioners, and policymakers from diverse backgrounds and interests to meet, discuss, and debate critical and challenging issues. The conference theme of "Clustering Logistics with Ports and Shipping Services in the Time of Free Trade Era" underscores the critical interface between ocean and inland surface transportation, a theme reiterated in the selected articles. The cohosts and co-organizers of the conference, Shipping, Port, and Logistics Research Center of Kainan University, Jungseok Research Institute of International Logistics and Trade of Inha University in Korea, and Chinese Maritime Research Institute in Taiwan, attracted more than 240 delegates from 35 countries. Professor Paul T.-W. Lee at Soochow University in Taiwan was the conference chairman and administered the review that led to the three best papers being selected for publication in the Transportation Journal.

In the book review section, two books were reviewed. Ralph Sees reviewed Guide to Supply Chain Management: How Getting It Right Boosts Corporate Performance, which was authored by David Jacoby, and John Spychalski reviewed Territorial Implications of High-Speed Rail—A Spanish Perspective, which was edited by José M. de Ureña.

Respectfully,
Evelyn Thomchick and Tom Goldsby