ALEXANDRIA, VA – The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA) held a successful February meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Feb. 3–6. This was the first meeting of the NMFTA since the implementation of the new organizational structure and procedures that went into effect Dec. 6, 2007. The new procedures allow for the continued development and maintenance of the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) without the need for antitrust immunity while facilitating continued input from carriers, shippers, and third parties.

In attendance at both the Open Meeting of the Commodity Classification Standards Board (CCSB) and the Open Meeting of the Classification Resource Committee (CRC) was antitrust counsel Charles Buffon, a partner at the law firm of Covington and Burling and chair of the firm’s Antitrust and International Trade Umbrella Group, to ensure that meeting procedures and processes were in compliance with antitrust regulations and requirements.

“This was a very successful meeting in all accounts,” said Larry Kerr, NMFTA’s chairman and president & CEO of Shippers Express, Inc., Jackson, Miss. “The meetings were well attended and represented by carriers, shippers, and third parties. It was also the first meetings of the CCSB and CRC established in full compliance of antitrust regulations to ensure that the classification continues to be meaningful and relevant.”

The CCSB discussed 19 classification proposals of which shipper appearances were present at four proposals being considered. Dispositions are published and available for viewing on NMFTA’s Web site.

Additionally a number of committee and subcommittee meetings took place during the course of the three days allowing for more in-depth discussions to include the Weighing and Research Committee, Interline Procedures Committee, Government Relations Committee, Outreach Subcommittee, and Packaging Subcommittee. Guest speaker at the NMFTA’s open session was Rocky Bleier, NFL running back, Vietnam veteran, and author. Also, John R. Bagileo, NMFTA general counsel, provided members with legislative and regulatory updates affecting the transportation industry.

The next meeting of the NMFTA/CCSB/CRC will take place Jun. 1–3 at the Old Town Crowne Plaza Hotel in Alexandria, Va. For more information on NMFTA and its products/services, visit www.nmfta.org.