Are you searching for a professional organization that fits your business needs, especially in a 3PL capacity? We've rounded up some resources for you to check out below. The organizations are listed in alphabetical order to show that we do not prefer one organization over another. Additionally, we adhered to mission statements and purpose of each organization as displayed on their websites so that we wouldn’t mislead you on each organization’s purpose. If you would like to add a logistic professional association or organization to this list, please contact Russ Ossendryver at contact@labelsontime.com 

3PL Logistics Resources: Industry Associations

Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM): The American Society of Transportation and Logistics integrated with American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) and they had a baby. Their new organization, ASCM, is the new, all-encompassing supply chain organization built on the foundation of APICS. The launch was on 30 September 2018 and the organization was labeled as an all-encompassing supply chain organization that will propel the supply chain industry forward and transform how organizations do business. ASCM will continue to provide the industry-leading APICS certifications and training professionals and organizations have come to trust and more, including:

  • learning and development through a powerful global network of alliances and thought leadership collaborations
  • the first comprehensive corporate designation that enables organizations to assess their supply chains in key areas for maximum sustainability, scalability and competitive advantage
  • the ASCM Supply Chain Learning Center with on-demand resources and education.

Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS): The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is the leading independent global body representing the procurement and supply profession. CIPS has a global community of over 120,000 in 150 countries, including senior business people, high ranking civil servants and leading academics. CIPS offers a "one-stop shop" for procurement and supply excellence in people, processes, and performance. CIPS has local operations in UK, Australia, South Africa, Dubai, and Singapore. As a not-for-profit organization, CIPS is dedicated to promoting best practice, such as action against modern slavery, and is governed by a Global Board of Trustees. There are no shareholders.

Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP): Since 1963, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) has been providing networking, career development, and educational opportunities to the logistics and supply chain management community. CSCMP offers SCPro™ Certification, which is a three-tiered program that assesses progressive knowledge and skills across integrated supply chain activities. As of March 2017, the new and improved SCPro™ Certification features the most up-to-date industry intelligence and virtual learning technology. According to CSCMP, this is the only program developed in partnership with supply chain experts and academics and is recognized by both companies and educational institutions as the most comprehensive certification available in the industry.

Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles, Inc. (COSTHA): COSTHA is a not-for-profit industry association devoted to promoting international and domestic dangerous goods transportation compliance. They provide hazardous materials regulatory support for your company by providing regulatory code books (49 CFR, ADR, UN Orange Book, IATA, ICAO, IMDG), and regulatory compliance information. COSTHA also encourages professional development and high standards through hazardous materials training. Their primary goal is to represent and protect the interests of COSTHA members at international forums such as the UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (UNSCOE / UNTDG), as well as domestic groups and governmental agencies such as Interested Parties Group, PHMSA, DOT, USCG, FRA, FAA, FMCSA, and others.

Institute for Supply Management (ISM): ISM membership provides access to exclusive supply management industry analytics, educational content, publications, and networking opportunities. ISM members and affiliate organizations span the globe, and their flagship live events feature companies on the cutting edge of supply management. Access over 100 years of trusted expertise, e-learning, and ISM certification with this organization. Founded in 1915, ISM has over 50,000 members located in 100 countries.

International Society of Logistics (SOLE): The International Society of Logistics is a non-profit international professional society composed of individuals organized to enhance the art and science of logistics technology, education, and management. SOLE was founded in 1966 as the Society of Logistics Engineers "to engage in educational, scientific, and literary endeavors to advance the art of logistics technology and management." There are over 90 SOLE chapters in more than 50 countries throughout the world. Chapters conduct technical meetings, symposia, and workshops, all designed to provide the SOLE member with opportunities for professional advancement. Chapters and districts also sponsor regional technical meetings.

International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA): Since the late 1800s, IWLA has been serving warehouse logistics organizations. IWLA, founded late in the 19th century, represented warehouse operators' interests primarily in their work with railroads. AWA was a founding member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. As warehouse logistics matured, so did the association, becoming the American Warehouse Association and then the International Warehouse Logistics Association.

IWLA is a result of the 1997 merger between the then nearly 80-year-old Canadian Association of Warehousing and Distribution Services (CAWDS) with the American Warehouse Association (AWA). IWLA headquarters has always been in the Chicago area, now in Des Plaines, Ill. IWLA members include companies that provide many services: warehousing; fulfillment; reverse logistics; transportation; freight-forwarding and brokerage services; inventory and supply chain management; and a broad range of manufacturing and value-added services. Learn more about warehousing, transportation, and third-party logistics.

Material Handling Association of America (MHI): MHI members are the pioneers and leading manufacturers in the field of material handling, supply chain, and logistics. These companies demonstrate their commitment to safety and excellence through their membership in MHI. Membership provides the advantages they need to excel in the $156 billion material handling and logistics industry.

National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC): NASSTRAC began on July 1, 1952, when more than 100 shippers met in Chicago, IL to plan action in connection with the Central States Motor Carriers' $1.50 surcharge on small shipments.  Following this meeting, the need for a national organization to protect the interests of shippers and receivers of minimum charge shipments became apparent. Whether you manage freight moving via truckload, LTL, parcel, rail, ocean or air, you'll find value in belonging to NASSTRAC. Membership offers resources to meet challenges such as rising costs of transportation, regulatory issues, legislative decisions, securing adequate capacity for shipments, senior management education and more.

National Industrial Transportation League (NITL): NITL was established in 1907 to represent shippers in their dealings with various regulatory bodies. Recognizing the changes brought about by deregulation and the growth of the global economy, in 2002, the membership adopted Vision 2020, a sweeping proposal to change the structure of the League. Now all companies involved in freight transportation are eligible for full, voting membership in the League. 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 the needs of shippers, and the entire economy, are best met through the promotion of a safe, efficient freight transportation industry.

Supply Chain 247 (SMC³): SMC³ is the one-stop knowledge hub for less than truckload technology, data, and education. The API-powered SMC³ Platform delivers unrivaled LTL analytical capabilities and shipment visibility data. Best known for its trusted CzarLite®, RateWare®, and CarrierConnect® rating and transit solutions, SMC3 also delivers industry-leading direct-to-carrier LTL APIs. As the single integration point for all carrier rate, transit, and service information, SMC³ solutions empower shippers, 3PLs and carriers to collaborate and optimize decision making throughout the entire LTL lifecycle - from rating through the invoicing process. Thousands of industry trading partners rely on SMC³ solutions to make informed business decisions, achieve higher returns on their transportation investment, and meet ever-changing market demands.

Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC): WERC begins as a grassroots effort in 1977, when a number of individuals from the distribution field came together in search of education, research and networking opportunities in the field of warehousing. WERC is the only professional organization focused on logistics management and its role in the supply chain. Through membership in WERC, seasoned practitioners and those new to the industry master best practices and establish valuable professional relationships. Since being founded in 1977, WERC has maintained a strategic vision to continuously offer resources that help distribution practitioners and suppliers stay on top in our dynamic, variable field. These include national, regional, local and online educational events; performance metrics for benchmarking; practical research; expert insights; and multiple opportunities for peer-to-peer knowledge exchange.