GICA® Process
Global Intermodal Council editors and subject matter experts create short lists of potential honorees based on input from entries, independent research, and feedback from industry analysts, corporate executives and users of related services. These potential winners are scored based on a proprietary algorithm. Final decisions are made by the Editorial Board of Global Intermodal Council.
Factors considered range from the quantitatively objective to the informed subjective. Among nominally objective criteria considered are such factors as growth in operations, profitability, geographic reach, strategic relationships, new business development and innovation in services. Subjective criteria include the opinions of analysts, consultants, customers and others involved in the industry. The mix of these factors yields winners that may not be the largest, the oldest or the most diversified in a given country or sector, but rather the best – the provider with which most companies around the world are most likely to want to do business.
It is not necessary to enter in order to win in most cases, but entry submissions increase the chance of success. In many cases, entrants are able to present information and perspectives that may not be readily available to the editors of Global Intermodal Council. All submissions are strictly confidential.
Who Can Nominate
Nominations may be submitted by industry peers, member organizations, partners, professional bodies, or through self-nomination. Corporate nominations may be submitted by senior executives or authorized representatives of an organization. Individual nominations may be submitted by employers, peers, industry leaders, or by the candidates themselves. All nominators must provide verifiable information and supporting evidence demonstrating the nominee’s qualifications, achievements, and impact.
Nomination Submission
Nominations are submitted through the official GICA® nomination online form. Each nomination must clearly identify the award category, outline the basis for nomination, and include supporting documentation such as performance metrics, project summaries, leadership outcomes, innovation milestones, or evidence of industry impact. For corporate awards, submissions should reflect organizational performance, governance, innovation, brand reputation, and contribution to the intermodal ecosystem. For individual awards, submissions should demonstrate leadership, professional influence, innovation, and long-term contribution to the industry.
Review and Shortlisting
All short listings, by research or nominations undergo an initial eligibility and completeness review by the GICA® Secretariat to ensure alignment with award criteria. Eligible nominations are then evaluated by an independent assessment panel appointed by the Global Intermodal Council. Shortlisting is based on predefined assessment criteria relevant to each award category. During this stage, additional clarification or supporting information may be requested from nominees.
Final Validation and Approval
Final award decisions are validated by the GICA® Awards Jury and ratified under the Council’s governance framework. All assessments are conducted confidentially, and conflicts of interest are actively managed to preserve integrity. Successful nominees are formally notified prior to public announcement and provided with guidelines on award usage, communications, and brand representation.
Announcement and Recognition
Award recipients are announced at designated national, continental, or global award ceremonies, typically held alongside Global or Regional Intermodal Conferences. Recipients receive formal recognition, a formal award citation, and authorization to use the GICA® award designation in accordance with Council brand and designation rules.
Integrity of the Process
The Council reserves the right to decline, reclassify, or withhold awards where nominations do not meet required standards, ensuring that all recognition reflects genuine excellence and leadership in global intermodal logistics.