About AISA

Founded in 1960, the American Institute for Shippers' Associations (AISA) is the nation's leading trade group representing the interests of the cooperative shipping industry and allied enterprises. AISA has two membership categories, shippers' association members and trade members.  A shippers' association member is any group or association of persons or companies shipping cargo in domestic or international routes or trade lanes for the purpose of securing the benefit of volume rates. A trade member is any individual or company, other than a shippers' association,  that provides services or supplies to a shippers' association. 

AISA's primary goals are to: (a) promote the growth of cooperative shipping; (b) enhance public and governmental awareness of the important role the industry plays in meeting the nation's overall transportation needs; and (c) foster a legislative and regulatory climate conducive to the well-being of shippers' associations. From its Washington, D.C. headquarters, AISA is at work daily to advance those goals. Its location and widely respected status as an authoritative industry spokesman make AISA particularly well positioned to monitor and positively influence the activities of all branches of the federal government bearing upon the operations of its members and cooperative shipping generally. AISA's record of accomplishment in that regard is a long and proud one. AISA has been instrumental in ensuring that shippers' associations continue to receive recognition and protection under the law.

AISA informs members in a weekly newsletter of major developments and items of signicance in Washington and elsewhere to  the association industry. AISA is also always available to respond to individual requests by members for information, advice, and assistance.

AISA offers attractive registration charges at its Annual Conferences. These educational meetings are usually held at   resort sites to facilitate the kind of informal interchange among participants that is often the most productive aspect of such gatherings. Conference programs feature a varied mix of educational sessions designed to give the audience an expert update on the broader economic and transportation context within which shippers' associations must function along with concrete, practical guidance on ways to adapt to and grow with the latest trends while improving operational efficiencies.

Throughout the year, AISA serves as a clearinghouse for the exchange of information and ideas within its membership, as a catalyst for joint ventures and other initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation among associations and their position in the transportation marketplace, and as an agent for stimulating positive media coverage of the cooperative shipping industry. AISA is also ever on the alert for possibilities to translate the many inquiries it receives from outsiders into business development and public relations opportunities for its members. To obtain additional information about AISA and membership,  simply write or call or e-mail Bill Clark, AISA's President, at the Washington DC office.