Celebrating a Year of Achievement: Transportation Intermediaries Association Institute for Research and Education
AS TIA WRAPS up another exciting year, it’s time to reflect on the incredible milestones and accomplishments achieved by TIAIRE in 2024—all designed with you, our TIA members, in mind. From innovative certification programs to impactful training sessions, this year has been a whirlwind of growth aimed at empowering your businesses and enhancing your professional development. Let’s break down these achievements season by season, celebrating each month’s contributions to our collective success.
Spring: Fresh Beginnings and Foundations
January
To kick off 2024, TIAIRE introduced groundbreaking measures to enhance the integrity of the Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) exam – sponsored by Avalon Risk Management. The implementation of new lockdown browser software provided by ProctorFree allows students to take the exam from anywhere, while ensuring strict fraud prevention through facial recognition and activity monitoring. Alongside this, a new weighted grading system was introduced, which includes peer-to-peer learning, attendance at live events, and final exam grades, setting a solid foundation for future examinations.
February
TIAIRE hosted its inaugural Marketing Sprint focused on social media marketing for freight brokerages. Six member companies participated in this innovative pilot program, crafting peer-reviewed social media marketing plans designed to elevate their marketing strategies. The enthusiasm and collaboration showcased during this course highlighted TIAIRE’s commitment to fostering industry growth through practical, hands-on experiences.
March
In March, TIAIRE celebrated a significant milestone with the completion of its first official New Broker Certification (NBC) coursework, successfully certifying numerous students. This certification aligns with the MAP-21 requirements established in 2012, ensuring that freight brokers meet industry standards and expectations. The successful graduation of these students is a testament to TIAIRE’s commitment to quality education and professional development.
April
April was a month of grand gatherings as nearly 1,800 freight brokers and industry professionals converged in Phoenix, for the TIA Capital Ideas Conference. This four-day event featured a wealth of knowledge through preconference seminars, educational sessions and learning labs, fostering a vibrant environment for networking and learning. TIAIRE also hosted its first CTB exam of the year during this month, celebrating 34 new graduates—an impressive start to the year!
Summer: Growth and Expansion
May
May brought a wave of educational initiatives, including Dr. Jim Kenny’s popular Sales Fundamentals VILT course following the Capital Ideas Conference. Over two weeks, participants developed pre-call strategies for prospective shippers, enhancing their sales techniques. Additionally, the TIA Technology Committee outlined nine crucial topics for the upcoming Technovations breakout sessions, demonstrating TIAIRE’s proactive approach to education. The launch of CTB badges through Credly allowed graduates to showcase their achievements on LinkedIn, adding a modern touch to TIAIRE’s professional industry designation.
June
June marked the debut of TIAIRE’s first carrier operations sprint, led by instructor Kristen Klein from GIX Logistics (now of Qued). This meticulously crafted online course equipped aspiring freight brokers with essential skills and knowledge for success in carrier freight brokerage operations. The month also saw TIAIRE beginning its pursuit of National Accreditation with the US Department of Education, setting the stage for enhanced credibility and recognition within the industry.
July
Transformational changes took place in July as the TIAIRE Foundation Board confirmed the transition of 12 courses into member benefits starting in 2025. This strategic move was coupled with the creation of three new certifications: Certified Transportation Sales Professional (CTSP), Certified Transportation Marketing Professional (CTMP), and Certified Leader in Transportation (CLP). Furthermore, TIAIRE was authorized to accept GI Bill funds from the Department of Veterans Affairs, allowing veterans and active-duty military personnel to pursue valuable certification programs, expanding access to education.
August
August saw Dr. Kenny’s Leadership Sprint successfully hosted virtually for the first time, a course traditionally reserved for the Capital Ideas attendees. Participants explored their leadership “why” and how it influences their team dynamics. Additionally, TIAIRE administered its second CTB exam of the year, welcoming 19 new graduates into the fold.
Fall: Innovation and Knowledge Sharing
September
September was another milestone month as TIAIRE completed its third New Broker Certification course, empowering more individuals with this essential industry designation. Many students sought this certification to differentiate themselves and effectively scale their businesses as part of TIA’s New Broker Success Program, which provides a range of resources to support new TIA members.
October
In October, the 2024 Technovations Conference attracted 340 attendees to Jacksonville, Fla., where attendees engaged in dynamic breakout sessions covering nine technology-focused topics. This event underscored TIAIRE’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the freight brokerage industry. Moreover, instructor Kent Britt led the highly sought-after Legal Excellence in Freight Brokerage VILT, equipping students with crucial knowledge on claims management and contract negotiation.
Winter: Reflection and Mastery
November
November brought a groundbreaking course with Dr. Drea’s first-ever Data-Driven Marketing Sprint, which attracted more than 20 companies participating in the course. This course focused on analyzing marketing data to make informed decisions that drive business growth. The innovative format included on-demand video content and personalized group sessions, showcasing TIAIRE’s dedication to modern educational practices.
December
To wrap up the year, Dr. Kenny hosted his traditional Train-the-Trainer Sales coaching course, providing students with the opportunity to role-play and tackle common training challenges seen by most sales managers within the freight brokerage industry. Additionally, the CTB program celebrated a robust enrollment of 61 Trimester 3 students preparing for their exams, with hopes of achieving this prestigious industry designation on Dec. 7.
As we look back on 2024, it’s clear that every initiative and achievement was designed to better support you, our valued TIA members, and your businesses. From pioneering training programs to expanding certification opportunities, this year has been a testament to our commitment to your professional development. We’re excited to carry this momentum into the new year and continue our mission of empowering professionals in the industry. Here’s to an even more impactful 2025!
Jonathan Baker | TRANSPORTATION INTERMEDIARIES ASSOCIATION
