TIA convention sets attendance record

MM&D MAGAZINE, MAY/JUNE 2011:

The Transportation Intermediaries Association’s 33rd Annual Convention and Trade Show saw a record number of attendees with nearly 700 members from the US and Canada at the event, held in Orlando, Florida in April.

Attendees chose from 16 educational sessions in four separately themed tracks ranging from business fundamentals to topics dealing with how to expand.

Former professional baseball player Jim Morris, the convention’s keynote speaker, mixed humour with a more serious message about the power of dreams. His life became the premise for the 2002 film, The Rookie. Also during the event, railway representatives spoke about new intermodal offerings.

The association released its new Carrier Selection Framework, outlining steps in creating a carrier selection process. The document, which was developed in response to the new compliance, safety, accountability (CSA) carrier rating system from the US Department of Transportation, is available to TIA members only.

The TIA also announced enhancements to its Watchdog program, used by members to report carriers or 3PLs that have acted unethically. The TIA also announced Agent Watchdog, which allows members using independent sales agents to tell each other about problems. The convention’s trade show attracted 68 vendors from across North America, who showcased software, services and resources.

TIA will hold its 34th Annual Convention and Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas in March 2012.