The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), which meets this month in Dallas, will likely adopt a new set of business practices that could smooth relations between the group's broker members and motor carriers. The proposal outlining those practices urges brokers and carriers to use written contracts. It also includes several suggested contract models for consideration.

Robert Voltmann, TIA executive director, says adoption of the proposed practices should take relationships between brokers and carriers to a new level. "This should drive business to the best players—those who agree to live by a higher set of standards and agree to the TIA code of ethics," he says. Adoption of the standards also would increase trust and decrease risk among parties who agree to it, he adds. "What it is, essentially, is a seal of approval."

Once the TIA membership has approved the plan, Voltmann says, the group will ask trucking associations, private fleets, and Canadian and Mexican brokers and carriers for their endorsements.

TIA is also launching online training for its members and their employees, beginning with three courses next month. Voltmann says the goal is to offer between 15 and 20 training courses within three years.