[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 27, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6986-S6987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            TIMOTHY J. RHEIN

 Mr. BREAUX. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Timothy J. Rhein, who recently retired after 34 years with American 
President Lines, Ltd. APL is today one of the world's largest shipping 
and intermodal lines, and a globally recognized brand, thanks in large 
part to Tim Rhein's leadership.
  I came to know Tim through his appearances before the Subcommittee on 
Merchant Marine, and I can personally attest to his commitment to 
merchant shipping and his leadership in the U.S. shipping industry. His 
rise to president and chief executive officer of APL from 1995 to 1999, 
and then to chairman, was marked by key decisions in a difficult 
business.

[[Page S6987]]

  He was instrumental in expanding APL from primarily an Asia-America 
business into a truly global operation. He gained a decisive edge on 
his competitors by embracing information technology earlier than anyone 
else in his business. He knew the numbers and metrics of his business 
better than anyone. He was rarely at a loss for an answer before our 
committee, and always worth listening to.
  And he worked very hard at developing one particular line of 
business--the U.S. military--to the point where our government is today 
APL's largest customer. One of the reasons for that success was his 
understanding of logistics, of managing supply lines, a critical skill 
to the military as well as to APL's multinational corporate customers.
  But without doubt his toughest decision was to negotiate the sale of 
APL to a non-U.S. buyer, in order to protect all of APL's stakeholders 
and to preserve the APL presence and brand. APL was the oldest 
continuously operating shipping company in America, and a premier US-
flag shipping company. He stuck his neck out on that one, put his 
reputation on the line, and negotiated the sale personally--and 
successfully.
  Tim Rhein understood his business. He was a nimble and gutsy 
decision-maker, and we in Washington will miss his understanding and 
knowledge as we continue our pursuit of a policy to promote a strong 
U.S. flag maritime shipping presence. I hope he will continue to avail 
us of his knowledge and wise counsel.
  Good luck in your retirement, Tim Rhein.

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