Transportation Organizations

Transportation organizations offer an array of resources to the busy professional
By Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter Transport organizations are a group of passionate professionals who want to share their experiences and knowledge. They are a source of support, networking and solutions in the transport industry. They provide leadership on trade, transportation and other issues, as well as promote the common interests of the transportation community.

Transportation associations link you to workshops and seminars, which study emerging trends and challenges in the industry. It's a forum for your opinions, where you can exchange ideas with other professionals from all over the transportation industry. As a result, your job performance and professional development are fine-tuned. Consider:

1. Using a logistics organization to develop as a professional in the transportation industry.

2. Comparing different logistics association membership levels.

3. Taking advantage of industry resources and networking opportunities.

Use transportation associations to grow professionally

A logistics association can be a local group or international organization, specialized to a particular field, or an association devoted to the entire transportation field. No matter what kind you choose, the groups are a group of professionals just like you, with one goal in mind: to advance the transportation industry.
Try:  American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is a transit agency for any companies or professionals with an interest in seaports in the Western Hemisphere. Register for seminars online, to increase your networking opportunities. Air Transport Association of America, Inc. (ATA) focuses on the air transport industry and promotes safety, cost effectiveness and technological advancement of its operations. Use the ATA website to access upcoming events, seminars and conferences.

Pay annual dues to belong to transport organizations in the US

Transportation organizations' dues usually range depending on the membership level. Once you find an association you want to join, decide what type of commitment you're willing to give.
Try:  American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) is a transit agency for consultants, providers, manufacturers and public agency personnel from the traffic control industry. There are more than 1,600 ATSSA members. Download membership applications. CALSTART, Inc. is a non-profit group that promotes the use of clean vehicles and transportation fuels. Belonging to CALSTART will give you a broader view of the industry and more contacts. Join the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) if you're associated with forwarders, air and surface carriers, vendors, shippers, manufacturers, financial institutions, airports and consultants. Fill out a membership form online.

Enjoy the benefits from joining a transport organization

When you join a transportation association, you get access to many career development tools such as extensive education and training programs, conferences, conventions, publications, business reports, a career center, courses and seminars. They allow you to advance your skills, increase your knowledge, optimize your performance and position your career.
Try:  National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) is a logistics organization that represents more than 700 companies. Members are customs brokers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs and air cargo agents. NCBFAA provides members with information about industry developments, cost-effective programs, a weekly email highlighting what you need to know about industry issues, hands-on advocacy, an annual conference and a membership directory. Download a position paper to enhance your knowledge. The National Safety Council (NSC) has resources on health topics, safety, training, publications, products and news. NSC educates you on safety issues that affect the logistics industry, through publications, library services, activity groups, training and an annual conference.

• Use the member directory of your transportation association to ask other professionals for advice.