This year's TIA Convention was held in Washington, D.C.
TIA (Transportation Intermediaries Association) held their annual convention in Washington, DC from April 9-12. As an active member of TIA, Trust Services sent Darryl Duerr, CTB, as a representative of our company. The goal was to learn about new rules and regulations affecting the industry, opportunities for us to expand and improve our business, and to source potential new software possibilities for the company.
The agenda for the convention was very tight, offering a multitude of seminars, business meetings, and Trade Show attendance. TIA had over 600 members in attendance from all over the US and Canada representing transportation brokers, freight forwarders, 3PL's as well as numerous vendors for the industry.
One of the main topics of the seminars was, naturally, the current fuel situation ravaging truckers across the US and Canada. At a Plenary Session held Friday, April 11, two members of the Senate Transportation Committee and two members of the House Transportation Committee were present to offer their assessment of the industry, legislation facing the industry, and where the federal government fits in with the current fuel situation. It was an eye-opening experience, albeit frustrating, to listen to how a bureaucracy works, even from a bi-partisan group of committee members. The Highway Transportation Trust Fund is nearly broke (this is where we get money for highway repairs, improvements, and new roads); legislation the committees have been working on for nearly 3 years was finally passed through, only to be up for renewal in Sept. 2009 - opening the door to start over; new HOS rules should be in effect shortly (we've been hearing that for 5 years); and basically, there is nothing the government can do about the current fuel crisis. I believe the comment was made "truckers will just have to adjust to current conditions." Folks - we're on our own.
There were, however, other worthwhile meetings and the Trade Show offered a terrific opportunity to see new products and services. We feel that we will be able to step forward in our industry and implement some new services and features, while at the same time enhancing our current operations.
We will attempt to update you further concerning ideas and opportunities learned at the TIA convention. Check back here often.
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