Which 3PL Associations Should You Join?

Top Insights

Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA): Leading U.S. 3PL group (1,800+ members) offering the TIA Watchdog carrier‑review tool, contract templates, training, and networking events.
National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC): Supports 13,000+ small fleets/owner‑ops with MYSTC management software, fuel‑discount programs, compliance assistance, and road‑use discounts.
Intermodal Association of North America (IANA): Premier intermodal body (1,000+ corporate members) providing data‑product discounts, exclusive partnerships, and specialized education.
Women In Trucking (WIT): Women‑focused logistics network with member discounts, exclusive whitepapers, and job‑posting benefits to promote diversity and inclusion.
Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM): Globally recognized supply‑chain authority offering expert‑led webinars, certification discounts, and mentorship programs.
International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA): Top U.S./Canada warehousing group with live webinars, retained legal support, and directory/listing exposure for 3PLs.
Choosing the right fit: Match an association’s industry focus, membership benefits, cost vs. ROI, reputation, and growth‑support resources to your business goals.

No man is an island, and this holds true in the logistics industry. Freight brokers and other supply chain management professionals benefit from joining associations that offer training, legal support, industry updates, and access to trusted networks.

These groups help you stay compliant, grow your business, and build stronger relationships with shippers and carriers.

But which 3PL associations should you join? This guide breaks down the top options worth considering.

Top Associations Third-Party Logistics Providers and Freight Brokers Should Consider

Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA)

The TIA was founded in 1978 and is the leading organization for third-party logistics companies in the U.S. It serves over 1800 members, with 70% of participants being small businesses.

Becoming a member gives you access to:

The TIA Watchdog for reviewing carriers. It contains data reported by over 3,400 users.
A resource library of courses, contract templates, online courses, and whitepapers.
In-person events and a member directory for easy networking.

National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC)

The NASTC was founded in 1989 to support small fleets and independent owner-operators. It has over 13,000 member companies operating 156,000+ power units.

Membership gives you access to:

MYSTC software, which simplifies logistics management operations.
A Quality Plus Network (QPN) fuel program that can save you around $0.50 per gallon.
Over-the-road discount program in partnership with TravelCenters of America (TA), Petro, and TA Express.
Assistance with driver assessment and drug testing compliance.

Intermodal Association of North America (IANA)

The IANA is a leading organization for the intermodal freight industry. Founded in 1991, it has over 1,000 corporate members, including 3PLs and equipment suppliers.

It has won various industry awards, including the Silver Kingpin and Intermodal Achievement awards.

Membership lets you access:

Discounts on IANA’s data products.
Exclusive partnership opportunities.
Exclusive educational resources.

Women In Trucking (WIT)

WIT was founded in 2007. As the name implies, it is a women-focused association created to support and promote women’s roles in the logistics industry.

Membership gives you access to:

Discounts from partner services.
Exclusive reports and whitepapers.
Discounts on job postings.

Association for Supply Chain Management

The ASCM is a globally respected organization focused on supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, and distribution. It’s a top choice for 3PL providers and brokers who want to enhance operations with advanced frameworks and certifications.

Members can access:

Expert-led webinars and courses.
Discounts on certificate programs and events.
Mentorship opportunities that match you with experienced professionals.

International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA)

The IWLA is North America’s premier trade group for warehouse-based 3PL providers. It supports firms involved in warehousing, fulfillment, and distribution.

Membership lets you access:

Live webinars and certification programs.
Retained legal experts in the U.S. and Canada.
Marketing exposure through IWLA’s Find-a-Warehouse tool and the IWLA Directory of Warehouse Logistics Providers & Partners, helping potential customers discover your services.

How to Choose the Right Association to Join

Not all 3PL associations offer the same value. To get the most out of your membership, choose an organization that fits your business goals and growth stage. Here are the top factors to consider:

Industry focus. There are associations tailored to freight transportation, the procurement and supply profession, warehousing and distribution services, reverse logistics, and other fields in the supply chain. Make sure the association’s focus matches your area of logistics.
Membership benefits. Confirm that the membership has perks that give you a competitive advantage and help you stand out.
Cost and ROI. Evaluate whether the benefits justify the cost. Some associations offer flexible pricing for individuals, small brokerages, or startups.
Reputation and credibility. An association with strong industry recognition can boost your business’s credibility. Look for groups that customers and other professionals trust.
Support for business growth. If you plan to expand or specialize, choose an association that offers resources for those areas.

By focusing on these factors, you can select an association that drives your brokerage forward.

FAQs

1. What are the red flags to watch out for when choosing a 3PL association?

Lack of transparency about membership benefits, costs, or terms.
No visible track record or industry reputation.
A poor or outdated website with limited contact information.
Aggressive upselling of services that aren’t clearly explained.
Unclear privacy policies or how your business information will be used.
Lack of verified testimonials or case studies from current members.

2. What are the benefits of joining a 3PL association?

Access to industry education. Associations offer exclusive training programs packed with expert insights.
Legal and compliance support. Some associations provide access to legal resources and template documents, making compliance easier.
Networking opportunities. These groups make connecting with other logistics professionals easy.
Credibility and trust. Being part of a respected association adds legitimacy to your business and can give shippers and carriers more confidence in working with you.

Final Thoughts

Be strategic when selecting a 3PL association by ensuring it aligns with your business goals, the services you offer, and the type of network you want to build. The right membership can open doors to better partnerships, updated industry knowledge, and long-term growth.

Looking for step-by-step guidance to build or improve your freight brokerage? The 90-Day Freight Broker Course is an e-learning program that offers practical training, expert advice, and real-world tools to help you succeed in this competitive field.

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