Association Spotlight
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, March 24, 2008
International Furniture Transportation and Logistics Council
Headquarters: Gardner, Mass.
Key contact: Ray Bohman, managing director
Phone: (978) 632-1913 or (508) 945-2272
Website: www.iftlc.org
Background: Founded in 1926 as the National Furniture Traffic Conference, the group changed its name in 2000, and now acts as a professional association for retailers, manufacturers and transportation companies involved in all aspects of logistics and transportation. The group currently has about 150 members, who receive three monthly newsletters dealing with trucking and ocean shipping. The organization also sponsors an annual conference.
Specialized Furniture Carriers Assn.
Headquarters: Athol, Mass.
Key contact: Ken Miller, managing director
Phone: (978) 249-0303
E-mail: kmiller@mass.rr.com
Website: www.furniture-carriers.org
Background: Formed in 1986, SFCA is an organization of more than 50 trucking companies whose furniture business represents a significant portion of their operating revenues. In most cases, all revenues from outbound hauls are furniture-related, but they may transport other commodities on the return trip. Very few are participants in the National Motor Freight Classification, which sets tariffs and packing specifications. The group typically holds its annual meeting each summer in conjunction with the annual meeting of the American Home Furnishings Alliance's transportation and logistics division.
Transpacific Stabilization Agreement
Headquarters: Oakland, Calif.
Key contact: Brian Conrad, executive administrator
Phone: (510) 208-0440
E-mail: info@tsacarriers.org
Website: www.tsacarriers.org
Background: Founded in 1989, TSA is a trade association for major container shipping lines that carry cargo from Asia to the United States. Although the organization no longer is permitted to negotiate prices and terms of service on behalf of its members, it does develop voluntary rate guidelines and standards for certain documentation. The group also represents shipping lines in discussions with government regulatory agencies and conducts market research. The 15 member lines bring cargo from ports in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar and the Russian Far East.
American Home Furnishings Alliance, Transportation & Logistics Council
Key contact: David Purvis, vice president of manufacturing, information technology and human resources
Phone: (336) 884-5000
E-mail: dpurvis@ahfa.us
Website: www.ahfa.us/focus/transportation.asp
Background: AHFA's transportation and logistics council is a key information resource for industry professionals. The group stages a variety of seminars throughout the year, as well as an annual meeting. In addition, it recently developed a set of guidelines to help producers select a motor carrier and published a manual to help members understand procedures for filing loss and damage claims. Additionally, AHFA has partnered with Hanjin Shipping to offer competitive rates on container shipping from Asia to major West Coast and East Coast ports.
