Let Your Membership Work for You

AS WE HURTLE toward the close of another year, it is a good time to sit back and reflect on 2022. I hope that your company was successful this year, and that you and your colleagues learned, grew, and further developed your craft. I hope that your company found TIA tools and resources valuable while solidifying or growing your business. Perhaps you were able to customize a TIA model contract and protect your business. Or maybe you used a sample framework to expand your services and make your company more attractive to clients. The Member Resource Library¹ (login required) continues to grow with excellent information and resources developed by experts in the industry to support your business. Make sure you bookmark TIA’s website and check back regularly for updates and new resources.

We came together as a group this year, many for the first time since March 2020. Nearly 1,500 3PL professionals attended the 2022 TIA Capital Ideas Conference this past April in San Diego. What an uplifting event! The education was topnotch, the networking was phenomenal, and the energy in the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina was palpable. And from what I hear, a fair number of mulligans were purchased at the annual TIA Foundation Golf Tournament! If you were unable to attend, you missed a great meeting, BUT there is still time to register for the 2022 Technovations Conference² later this month. Join us in Phoenix, October 26-28, where innovators and industry analysts will help you implement, understand, and take control of the technology changes affecting your business. If you cannot make it to Phoenix, make sure you start making your plans now for the 2023 Capital Ideas Conference,³ April 19-22, 2023, in sunny Orlando, Florida. I hope to see you there!

As you begin to develop your 2023 annual plan and budget, I encourage you to renew your TIA membership and continue to both lean on and contribute to the association. We feel strongly about our members, and we know they feel strongly about their membership. Many TIA Member companies proudly display the TIA logo on their website and mention their membership in discussions with shippers and carriers. We are happy to provide our members additional exposure in the industry with TIA’s Member designation on major load boards, and inclusion in the TIA Industry Buyers Guide. Many shippers and carries prefer to work with TIA Members because they know TIA Members are the most knowledgeable, ethical, and credible brokers in the industry.

The TIA Watchdog⁴ platform continues to be a crucial tool for carrier vetting. Used alone, or in conjunction with other TMS and software packages, members are avoiding costly headaches by making better decisions on the carriers they use. Several new integration options in 2022 increased the reach and value of the platform, with plans to continue growth in 2023. Make sure that you and all relevant staff members have active Watchdog accounts to monitor and submit reports on carriers and non-member brokers.

In addition to the Member Resource Library, the credibility of the TIA logo, and TIA Watchdog, member companies and their employees also have access to many great resources and opportunities to learn and to connect with others in the industry. Members enjoy a special rate on all in-person meetings and events, online courses, and other professional development opportunities; helping you learn and grow without draining your professional development budget. Members are automatically subscribed to TIA and other industry publications such as 3PL Perspectives magazine, Transport Topics, and various newsletters, all designed to keep you in the know and help you make informed, forward-thinking decisions.

TIA continues to represent the industry and your best interests on Capitol Hill. Members of TIA have ample opportunities to get involved and to help shape the discussion around regulations and policies that affect your bottom line. Be sure to read the weekly On the Hill Newsletter⁵ and consider sharing your feedback with the TIA Government Affairs team. You might also consider getting involved by serving on one of many impactful TIA Committees and Conferences.⁶ Do not let someone else tell your story; you know the industry and its needs better than anyone!

The last few years proved that our dedication and commitment to our members does not ebb and flow with the economy, and that your commitment to TIA is stronger than ever. We are grateful to all our members. We are thankful to those who have renewed their membership for 2023 and encourage those who have not to reach out to us with comments, questions or concerns. How can we support your goals in 2023? If you need help renewing your membership, or have questions or concerns about what membership includes, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at [email protected].

No matter what goals you have set for your business, or where you sit within the company, TIA has the resources to help you succeed. Not sure where to start? Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We will point you in the right direction!

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