Former MTC/Ports America executive adds extensive experience in EDI and terminal operations to team building the TrucFlo System ' a new nationwide, paperless system to help equipment providers meet new chassis roadability rules

Steve Longbotham has been appointed as the EDI Technical Leader to join the growing team of intermodal experts working with TrucFlo' -- a company formed in May to develop a system, by the same name, to help'meet the new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) chassis inspection ('roadability') requirements. The new requirements affect Intermodal Equipment Providers (IEPs), terminal operators, railroads, motor carriers and drivers operating intermodal equipment who must have a compliance system in place by December 17, 2009.

Prior to the recent establishment of his port and maritime consulting practice, Steve was vice president, customer technology for Marine Terminals Corporation, now known as Ports America Group, one of the largest terminal operators in the US'Steve led a variety of EDI initiatives while in the position, including the development of an EDI process for expediting container loads between marine terminals and Class 1 rail locations. Steve has held a variety of positions in increasing responsibility with MTC since 1974 after graduating from Stanford University.

'Steve is an essential addition to our technical team as we tackle the unique EDI challenges presented to transport companies integrating systems to meet chassis inspection rules,' said Joe Palazzolo, TrucFlo partner.

Steve has also served as representative to key industry EDI committees such as the Terminal Operator & Port Authority Sub-Committee for EDI standards development (TOPAS) and the Customs Electronic Systems Action Committee (CESAC). During the creation of the landmark PierPASS system to reduce highway congestion and pollution in the largest port complex in the US, Steve was instrumental in developing the complex EDI network among the 13 marine terminals in the system.