Advancing Advocacy: TIA’s Legislative Milestones
Travis Creed | TRANSPORTATION INTERMEDIARIES ASSOCIATION
THE TIA HAS made significant strides this year in advancing initiatives that benefit 3PL providers and our association members. Our commitment to strengthening TIA’s political engagement has led to several notable policy successes, including the expansion of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program, the introduction of new fraud legislation, collaboration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the launch of a state and local lobbying campaign, the growth of the TIA’s Political Action Committee (TIAPAC), and the hosting of a highly successful Policy Forum. TIA continues to be at the forefront of legislative and regulatory advocacy for its members.
Expansion of C-TPAT to Include 3PLs
A key achievement this year was the passage of legislation to expand the C-TPAT program to include third-party logistics providers through a pilot program. Previously, 3PLs were excluded from this voluntary initiative, which allows supply chain entities to work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enhance operational security and efficiency. TIA has long advocated for the inclusion of DOT-licensed property brokers, recognizing their vital role in global supply chain efficiency. With the passage of this legislation, 3PLs will now be able to join C-TPAT, bolstering national security and creating a more secure and streamlined supply chain. We look forward to collaborating with CBP to ensure the successful implementation of this expanded pilot program.
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Introduction of Fraud Legislation
The logistics and transportation industry faces increasing threats from sophisticated fraud schemes. TIA is actively promoting Congressional legislation to address these challenges. One notable achievement includes the introduction of H.R. 8505, the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act, which aims to restore the FMCSA’s ability to enforce civil penalties and enhance scrutiny on registration fraud. This bill passed the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee with strong bipartisan support and is awaiting a full vote. Additionally, cargo theft prevention language was successfully included in the FY25 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill, directing the DOT to coordinate with other agency stakeholders to report cargo theft trends and develop a comprehensive strategy to combat it. The FMCSA has also established a new internal fraud prevention team and is set to implement a registration modernization system in early 2025 to streamline processes and enhance verification tools. TIA is committed to creating an environment where industry can flourish without the devastating effects of supply chain fraud.
Comments to the Federal Register
This year, TIA actively submitted comments on various initiatives, including the inclusion of the 3PL community in the creation of the National Freight Network, addressing predatory towing practices, and modernizing the FMCSA registration system. These efforts aim to safeguard the integrity of the supply chain and assist our members in the creation of sound regulations. By engaging with federal decision-makers, TIA effectively represents our members’ positions.
Growth of TIAPAC
Another significant development has been the growth of the TIA Political Action Committee (TIAPAC). This year, we have seen a notable increase in contributions from new members, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of political engagement. TIAPAC plays a crucial role in supporting candidates who understand the needs of the 3PL industry and advocate for beneficial policies. While PAC contributions do not guarantee specific legislative outcomes, they are essential for ensuring TIA has a seat at the table and our issues are prioritized on Capitol Hill.
THESE ACHIEVEMENTS UNDERSCORE TIA’S COMMITMENT TO REPRESENTING THE INTERESTS OF THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS PROVIDERS AND ENSURING A FAIR REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT.
State and Local Lobbying Campaign
As part of TIA’s strategic plan, we have launched a new initiative to enhance state and local advocacy efforts. By focusing on five distinct regions – Northeast, Southwest, Midwest, Mountain and West – TIA aims to provide greater membership benefits through concentrated advocacy efforts. While TIA has long been a leading voice at the federal level, we aim to build on that success at the state and local levels.
A Successful Policy Forum
We extend our gratitude to our members for contributing to a highly successful Policy Forum that brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss pressing issues in the logistics sector. The forum provided a valuable platform for our members to engage directly with lawmakers, share their experiences and advocate for policies that promote growth and innovation. Topics covered included supply chain security, rate transparency and emerging regulatory challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of the policy landscape and a renewed commitment to advancing our industry’s interests.
Looking Ahead
These achievements underscore TIA’s commitment to representing the interests of third-party logistics providers and ensuring a fair regulatory environment. As we look to the future, TIA will continue to advocate for sensible policies, support legislative initiatives and create opportunities for member engagement. We are proud of the progress we have made this year and remain dedicated to building on these successes.
Thank you to all our members for your continued support and engagement. We encourage you to stay involved as we work together to shape the future of the 3PL industry.
To reach TIA’s Advocacy team, email advocacy@tianet.org.
