The nation's largest shipper organization is another step closer to inviting carriers and third-party logistics service providers (3PLs) to join as full members. The National Industrial Transportation League's board of directors voted last month to change its bylaws to extend full membership to carriers and 3PLs.

The amendment would make companies that are "engaged in the business of shipping, receiving, transportation or facilitating the movement of freight; and commercial, trade, and transportation organizations" eligible for membership.

That proposal was first aired in November at the group's annual meeting in Charlotte, N.C. Last month, the league mailed ballots to its nearly 1,000 members asking them to approve the proposal, called "Vision 2020." Balloting will be completed this month.

In a letter accompanying the ballot, officers argue that the changes would position the league in the top ranks of transportation organizations and let shippers take a leadership position in the development of transportation policies in the United States and worldwide.

The proposal drew some criticism, particularly from rail shippers, who argued against bringing the railroads into the organization while contentious issues continue to divide shippers and carriers. That concern led the league to allow committee chairs to establish separate shipper and carrier subcommittees for addressing disputes.

Opinion on the proposal has been divided so far, says Kathy Luhn, the league's vice president of public affairs. "Some board members expressed concern about the railroads. Just as many said, What better forum is there to sort out issues than in an atmosphere like joint membership? Why not bring them into the committee structure?"

Luhn adds that there appears to be some support for the change in Congress. "Several people from the Hill contacted me to say this was a wonderful turn of events," she notes. "They hope it succeeds. The Hill hates to get involved in a dispute within an industry."