The vast majority of businesses that ship and transport packages and freight on a regular basis use the services of 3PL companies. The 3PL aspect stands for third-party logistics, and 3PL companies like Fratogo help businesses optimize their supply chain processes. Without a doubt, there are thousands of 3PL companies from which to choose. But how does a business know which ones are reputable and trustworthy and which ones aren’t? Notably, there are several questions you should ask any potential 3PL partner to assess their level of quality. One way to screen them quickly is to ask if they are accredited by the Transportation Intermediaries Association or TIA. If they’re not, then it’s best to consider someone else.
What Is the Transportation Intermediaries Association?
Established in 1978, the TIA establishes the professional standards and business ethics of the 3PL industry. Its mission and vision are to ensure ethical practices while advancing the industry and profession as a whole. In the process, the TIA strives to educate, guide, encourage, and support quality 3PL companies in their efforts. This includes efforts to help quality 3PL companies grow and become profitable by effectively meeting their customers’ needs. In total, there are over 1,700 TIA members today, and Fratogo is proud to be one of them.
The TIA’s goal is ensuring the credibility of the 3PL industry as a whole. In pursuing this goal, the TIA has an established Code of Ethics as well as a peer-review ethics committee. The TIA also has numerous educational and informational resources for members to help them improve their services. And the TIA also actively pursues advocacy efforts to improve industry performance while enhancing logistics and supply chain operations overall. These are the features of the TIA that attract quality 3PL companies like Fratogo in their commitment to be the best.
How the Transportation Intermediaries Association Helps Clients
Based on the mission and vision of the TIA, it is evident why 3PL companies like Fratogo choose to attain TIA accreditation. But it might not be as clear how the TIA helps businesses in general. The most obvious way the TIA supports such businesses is through defining ethical behaviors and professional standards for 3PL companies. Should a TIA member be accused of unethical or fraudulent practices, the TIA ethics committee investigates this claim fully. While this committee has no enforcement authority, it still defines what is and isn’t acceptable. These efforts serve to better ensure that clients are treated fairly and with respect.
In addition to these advantages for business clients, the TIA also goes to bat for businesses. The TIA appreciates that every company across the supply chain has diverse needs. But, at the same time, there are unifying aspects related to these needs that should be pursued. The TIA therefore lobbies and advocates for regulations and policies that best serve all stakeholders. In doing so, businesses are protected, along with their 3PL partners, in an effort to optimize services. Fratogo shares these perspectives and supports the TIA in its strategies for continual improvement in logistics performance. Because of the TIA’s actions, clients benefit greatly when 3PL companies are able to best fulfill their commitments.
Choosing a Quality 3PL Company
Understanding the oversight provided by the TIA, it’s clear why businesses should choose a 3PL provider that’s a TIA accredited. Accreditation by the TIA entails added consumer protections related to professional and ethical business practices. At the same time, TIA membership demonstrates a higher level of commitment to being the best. This is why Fratogo not only chooses to uphold its TIA accreditation but also is fully licensed, bonded, and insured to ensure clients they are among the most reputable 3PL companies. These are the features any business should seek in a 3PL company to best guarantee their quality and dedication.