Shippers and software vendors have formed a new association to champion the cause of electronic trade. The Global Electronic Trade Alliance (GETA), based in Washington, D.C., will promote those interests before federal lawmakers and regulators.

The new trade association was started by international trade lawyer Robert J. Pisani, a partner in the law firm of Katten, Muchin and Zavis. "A lot of software vendors were facing the same [regulatory] issues, but they were so busy hustling for customers that very few realized [it]," says Pisani. "That was a natural basis for forming a trade association."

More than 40 software providers and shippers have joined the fledgling organization to date. The group recently chose George Weise, vice president of global trade strategy at software maker Vastera and a former customs commissioner, as its interim chairman. Donald P. Luther, a trade specialist who works for the same law firm as Pisani, will serve as the interim managing director, handling its day-to-day activities. Pisani plans to serve as the group's legal counsel.

Weise says the new association will provide much-needed advocacy for the new industry. "When you look at a number of issues, there isn't any united voice speaking on the behalf [of electronic commerce]," he observes. "Our government is starting to promulgate rules on electronic commerce," adds Steve Kott, director of customs operations and regulatory compliance for Thomson Multimedia (Americas) and a shipper member of the group. "These people are directly involved in this space. They will provide a platform for e-logistics."

At present, the group is writing its bylaws. Six months after the bylaws are established, the association will elect its first officers and board members.

Initially, the trade alliance plans to set up message boards on its Web site (www.getalliance.org) to discuss such topics as logistics, air freight, trucking, and international trade impediments. "Once the shipping community and service providers get going," says Pisani, "this will turn into a lobbying organization."

Shippers or service providers that want more information about the organization may contact Luther at (202) 625-3532.