NITL - TIA AGREE ON MODAL CONTRACT
11/2004

The National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) and the Transportation Intermediaries Assn. (TIA) have reach agreement on a new model Shipper-Broker contract. Chip Smith (president of Twin Modal and TIA board member) chaired a TIA committee which worked with representatives of the NITL Highway Committee chaired by John Gentle (Global Leader Transportation Affairs - Owens Corning Corp.) in negotiating the contract language and provisions.

The Shipper-Broker contract will be jointly copyrighted by TIA and NITL and will be available free of charge on the associations’ websites for use by all shippers and brokers. It can be used as written in its copyrighted form or it can be used as the basis for a customized agreement between parties. Any changes to the copyright form must be disclosed and approved by both parties. This agreement is intended to dovetail with the model Shipper-Carrier contract terms agreed to between NITL and the American Trucking Association (ATA) earlier this year and the model Broker-Carrier contract being developed by NITL & ATA.

“This effort points out the importance of collaboration in the transportation industry. Dealing with the challenging issues facing our industry will take all parties working together,” said John Ficker, NITL president and chief executive officer.

“The Shipper-3PL Model Contract is an outstanding step forward in adding efficiency to the marketplace. TIA and its members are very excited about the Shipper-3PL Model Contract. Working with NITL on this issue shows the power of the two associations to improve the U.S. logistics industry,” said Bob Voltmann, TIA president and chief executive officer.

About NITL
The National Industrial Transportation League, headquartered in Arlington, VA was formed in 1907 to represent the interests of shippers before government regulatory agencies. Over almost the past century, the League came to be known as the “shippers’ voice.” With the advent of deregulation and globalization, the League has evolved into a broad-based advocacy organization for freight transportation. The roles of carriers, shippers, and intermediaries are increasingly blurred and intertwined, so the League membership has been expanded to allow for more cooperative efforts, because through the promotion of a safe, efficient freight transportation industry, the needs of shippers are best met. For more information about the League call 703-524-5011 or go to www.nitl.org.

About TIA
The Transportation Intermediaries Association, headquartered in Alexandria, VA was formed in 1978. TIA is the leading trade association for third party logistics companies. TIA is the only organization exclusively representing 3PLs of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce. TIA is the voice of transportation intermediaries to shippers, carriers, government officials, and international organizations. For more information about TIA call 703-299-5700 or go to www.tianet.org.