Frequently Asked Questions

What does N.F.T.A. do?
Who are members?
How can N.F.T.A. add value to my company?
When and where are meetings?
What goes on at meetings?
How can I join?
Who are the current officers?

What does N.F.T.A. do?

For almost a century, N.F.T.A. has provided a forum for transportation executives of industrial firms and transportation companies to consider and discuss developments affecting the quality of transportation service; methods of enhancing transportation service; and government activity affecting the transportation industry and its customers.

Who are members?

There are over 400 industrial and transportation company members (60% industrial users, 40% transportation providers). Industrial members are senior executives responsible for transportation/distribution for corporations that are major users of transportation services. Transportation members are senior executives of railroads, motor carriers, water carriers, and rail car leasing companies. Industrial member companies include most manufacturers of agricultural products, chemicals, paper, metals, automobiles, forest products, food, and consumer products.

View a complete listing of members in the NFTA Year Book.

How can N.F.T.A. add value to my company?

Because of the relatively small size of the organization, N.F.T.A. offers unique access to the top executives of the North American transportation industry. Meetings are well attended by transportation CEOs, COOs and top level executives as well as senior transportation and distribution professionals from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

N.F.T.A. has been established to facilitate communication and relationships. Members find it easy to make new contacts and renew past relationships; develop friendships; and create new levels of interaction. As such, doing business becomes easier.

Education and Professional Development are key goals of the Association. In addition to providing speakers on current business topics, seminars are conducted on specific transportation issues.

It has long been the intent of the Association to involve spouses at meetings. Spouses are encouraged to attend and participate in business meetings and seminars. This allows them to become more involved with the member's business and career. Additionally, they too develop friendships with both members and members spouses, which further strengthen relationships.

N.F.T.A. offers unique opportunities for Problem Solving. Issues can be quickly resolved during meetings because the decision-makers are there. Members usually arrive with specific agendas for discussion and an attitude to "get it done". Both providers and users arrive well prepared to bring pending matters to resolution. Operating people are often included to expedite implementation.

When and where are the meetings?

The Association's meetings are held in the spring and fall of each year. Meetings are rotated between venues, such as, The Breakers, The Arizona Biltmore and the Westin La Cantera. At each of these facilities, N.F.T.A. uses the Modified American Plan.

What goes on at meetings?

The Association provides several "get acquainted" activities to allow new members to fit in quickly and take advantage of the forum. In addition to speakers and seminars, ample time is provided for individual or group shipper-carrier conferences, which may be scheduled in advance of arrival or are spontaneously set up during the meeting. Recreation including tennis, golf, and volleyball is provided to facilitate relationship and team building and to assist new members in meeting current members. Social activities are also arranged to encourage husband and wife participation and to allow them to get to know other members and their spouses. New members are quickly encouraged to join committees that coordinate the various events as a way of meeting new people.

How can I join?

Membership in NFTA is by invitation only and there are two steps. First, companies proposed for membership must be sponsored by a current member and will be asked to provide an annual report and an overview of their transportation expenses. Secondly, provided the minimum criteria is met, the company's nominee will be recommended to the membership committee by the original sponsoring members. Nominees will be notified of their acceptance promptly. Any current member can sponsor a candidate for membership.

The initiation fee is $50 and currently the annual dues for each member is $475.00 Meeting fees are currently $200.00 and are billed with the hotel charges at each meeting.