TIA’s Standout Year: Empowering the 3PL Community Through Innovation, Advocacy and Technology
Cindy Amos | TRANSPORTATION INTERMEDIARIES ASSOCIATION
THIS YEAR HAS been a standout one for the TIA, marked by a series of successful meetings and initiatives that engaged and empowered the 3PL community. From the dynamic Capital Ideas Conference in April to the impactful lobbying efforts during the annual Policy Forum and culminating in the Technovations Conference in October, TIA has made significant strides in advancing the interests of its members and the broader logistics industry.
These events not only strengthened the association’s influence but also provided vital opportunities for knowledgesharing, advocacy and innovation.
TIA 2024 Capital Ideas Conference: A Game-Changing Event for 3PLs
Held from April 10-13, the TIA Capital Ideas Conference in Phoenix was the ultimate gathering designed exclusively by 3PLs for 3PLs. The event drew more than 1,600 members of the third-party logistics community for 3.5 days of unparalleled networking, education and insights. This flagship conference has long been recognized as a key event in the logistics calendar, and 2024 was no exception.
The event featured a premier trade show, where 90 companies showcased the latest innovations in products and services tailored specifically for 3PL brokers. This provided attendees with handson opportunities to explore cutting-edge technologies and solutions designed to drive operational efficiency and enhance customer service. Whether it was new freight tracking systems, customer management tools or back-office automation, the trade show floor was brimming with solutions poised to redefine the logistics landscape.
In addition to the trade show, attendees were immersed in a rich learning experience through more than 80 educational sessions. These were organized into six dedicated tracks: sales, fundamentals, modes, legal, technology and business operations. Each track catered to different aspects of the 3PL profession, ensuring that every participant could deepen their expertise in the areas most relevant to their role. Whether learning about the latest sales strategies, legal implications or technological advancements, attendees left with actionable insights to apply in their businesses.
General sessions at the conference addressed some of the most pressing issues facing the freight industry today, with a strong focus on fraud prevention in an increasingly digital landscape. Industry experts discussed the evolving role of technology in combating fraudulent activities, highlighting tools like AI-powered systems for real-time fraud detection and enhanced data security measures.
The conference also introduced more than 50 fast-paced, 30-minute sessions in three dedicated learning labs, alongside a new innovation lab. These focused on exploring breakthrough ideas and trends that are shaping the future of the 3PL sector, offering a glimpse into what the industry might look like in the coming years.
To further enhance the learning experience, TIA also offered pre- and postconference seminars aimed at helping attendees elevate their businesses. These seminars covered topics such as recruiting and retaining top talent, mastering freight claims management and optimizing brokerage operations. Attendees also gained valuable insights into building high-performing sales teams, achieving leadership excellence and navigating complex legal contracts.
The 2024 Capital Ideas Conference successfully delivered an engaging and educational experience, providing practical tools and strategies to help 3PL professionals grow, improve operations and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive and evolving marketplace.
TIA 2024 Policy Forum: Advocating for the Future of 3PLs
TIA held a successful Policy Forum in Washington, DC. More than 100 TIA members traveled to our nation’s capital in support of the freight brokerage industry. Key topics like combating the rampant fraud in the supply chain, preserving the independent contractor model and defeating attempts to expand upon outdated regulations from the 1980s were discussed with members of Congress and their staff.
TIA successfully held more than 200 congressional meetings from more than 35 states represented by TIA members. TIA members also had the pleasure to hear directly from representatives from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Federal Maritime Commission on their regulatory outlooks and priorities for the remainder of 2024 and moving into 2025.
The TIA Policy Forum is the premier advocacy event for freight brokers and 3PLs and we continue to grow and expand our presence on Capitol Hill, by ensuring that TIA’s voice is heard and our priorities rise to the top.
Technovations Conference 2024: Shaping the Future of Logistics Technology
TIA’s commitment to innovation was exemplified at the Technovations Conference, which took place from Oct. 15-17 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. The event attracted more than 300 attendees, including leaders in the 3PL sector, eager to explore the latest technological advancements that are transforming the logistics industry.
Day 2 of the conference saw 19 supply chain suppliers introducing innovative products aimed at enhancing brokers’ back-office management, enabling greater efficiency in their operations. A notable session, “Tightening the Belt: Thriving in the Freight Recession,” tackled the challenges facing freight brokers in a tough economic environment. It highlighted strategies for maintaining productivity amid budget cuts and staff reductions, focusing on how to harness technology and optimize resources to navigate these challenges successfully.
For the first time, Technovations featured three breakout sessions in both the morning and afternoon, allowing attendees to delve into technology trends and their impact on the logistics industry. These sessions provided critical insights into how technological innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) are reshaping the way 3PLs operate.
The conference culminated in the highly anticipated Technovations Shark Tank competition, where Drumkit.ai, based in Boston, emerged as the first winner of both the Shark Tank and the People’s Choice Award.
Andrew Smith, senior vice president of Circle Logistics, based in Chicago, was named Technovator of the Year for his role in driving AI and RPA initiatives within the company. (You can read about Circle Logistics technology adoption on page 20) Under his leadership, Circle surpassed 200,000 AI-driven calls, with plans to scale that to 1 million calls next year. This achievement not only improved operational efficiency but also freed up employees to focus on building stronger carrier relationships and reducing risks.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As TIA continues to grow and expand its influence, members can look forward to exciting new initiatives in 2025. With a renewed focus on innovation, advocacy and education, TIA remains committed to providing the tools and resources 3PL professionals need to succeed in an everchanging industry.
This year has truly been a standout for TIA, and the association’s efforts have laid a strong foundation for continued success and growth in the years to come. Whether through top-tier events like the Capital Ideas Conference, impactful advocacy at the Policy Forum, or cutting-edge insights from Technovations, TIA continues to lead the way in supporting and empowering the 3PL community.
