2014 will be a big year on the Freight Transport Association (FTA) calendar as the Association celebrates its 125th anniversary.
Boasting a rich heritage, FTA has been supporting the interests of the transport industry since 1889, when it was first established as the Mansion House Association on Railway Rates (MHA). FTA has since undergone changes to become the recognised face of the freight transport industry today.
Ian Veitch, FTA President said:
"It is a fantastic privilege to be the President of FTA whilst we are marking its' 125th anniversary. For any organisation to enjoy such longevity the foundation laid by its' members, its staff and its officers have to be both sound and relevant. I would like to thank the current generation of stakeholders and acknowledge with gratitude the dedication of past generations in leaving us a successful platform upon which to build the next 100 years."
FTA is one of the UK's largest trade associations and represents the transport interests of companies moving goods by road, rail, sea and air.
The freight and logistics sector has evolved considerably throughout the past 125 years, with transport now playing a vital part to the UK economy and beyond; similarly FTA has developed as a trade Association helping members deliver safe, sustainable and efficient logistics through:
• Representing the needs of the logistics sector at local, national and European level.
• Campaigning to raise awareness of the freight and transport industry.
• Informing and preparing FTA members about the latest compliance requirements.
• Training schemes to improve skills and knowledge of drivers and managers
More recently FTA has developed as an Association reaching several milestones including the opening of the FTA Brussels office, acquisition of Freight on Water, creation of the Member Advice Centre (MAC), providing the secretariat for the Global Shippers' Forum, establishing Van Excellence and setting up FTA Ireland. This demonstrates how FTA is as important today to the freight and logistics industry as it was when it was first established.
Mr Veitch added:
"This is also a time to look forward with great optimism and to embrace what I believe will be an exciting future. This has always been a 'can do' industry which will continue to provide the flow of goods that underpins our industry and our society. Happy Birthday FTA."
To commemorate this remarkable achievement FTA will be marking and celebrating the anniversary with a number of special events and activities throughout the year.