Presidents Past

Former leaders of the Pacific Transportation Association convened for their annual “Past Presidents” lunch yesterday to renew old ties and share industry anecdotes spanning generations. It’s always a poignant event.

Founded in 1920, this remarkable association flourished in San Francisco when the city still had a major cargo seaport and was home to scores of steamship lines and agents. In those days, the PTA was made up of mostly shippers and intermediaries using ocean carriage. Our annual “Steamship Night” attracted more than a thousand professionals every fall, and was a genuine “can’t miss” social event.

Today, the association is smaller but continues to thrive, reflecting the complexity of the supply chain. There are still ocean carrier reps to be sure, but our membership comprises industries far more diverse, from the air cargo, warehousing and terminal, motor carrier and rail sectors as well. Freight forwarders and Customs brokers, insurance brokers, high-tech solutions providers, and container leasing experts also contribute to this mix.

 It is also important to note that this group gives back a great deal to the larger community every year. Our annual donations provide scholarship monies to the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, and in past years we’ve provided generous support for the Bay Area’s Seafarer’s Service in Oakland.

In a world of mass communication and commoditization, it’s a relief to know that grass roots organizations like the PTA can still provide the needed human element so crucial to doing business on a regional level. The ultimate payoff is more than just receiving exclusive market intelligence. Rather, it’s knowing that shared values and interests are being nurtured to move the industry forward at a stately, refined, and sustainable pace.