"The Rhythm Of Change".(PRESIDENT'S CORNER)

Nashville is fast approaching. Have you visited our web site and the Forum pages? If not, check it out--outstanding speakers, professional program, off-site learning tours, networking opportunities, and a post-forum tour of the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Our theme is "The Rhythm of Change." Many of us have experienced change throughout our careers and personal lives. We understand that there is a certain rhythm to change.

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As we think about changes in our industry over the last 12 to 18 months, think about how they have impacted us personally and professionally as we travel.

Airline schedules have been significantly changed--fewer non-stop flights, fewer choices, more crowed planes, the ubiquitous security checkpoints, and many additional fees--ticket changes, curb-side check in, checked bags.

Rental car rates are increasing, and much of the increase is caused by additional fees: concession fees and vehicle licensing costs recovery, MVL taxes and Customer Facility Charge (CFC), energy surcharge costs recovery, various taxes. I recently traveled to Chicago to visit an NDTA Corporate member. The base cost for the rental car was $53. The total rental cost was $80.03--34% of the total price was for additional fees. But it was less than round trip cab fare from the airport to my destination.

The hotel industry is changing also--more boutique hotels, multiple brands under the Corporate Logo, buffet style breakfast and internet access as part of the room rate at the family oriented brands. The brands catering to the corporate traveler and upper middle class couples add a resort fee (for use of their pool, exercise room, etc., whether you use these facilities or not), internet access fees, parking fees, and provide room service and on-site restaurants.

Those in the travel industry saw the impact of changes early in the process--reduced or eliminated commissions. Now there are booking fees, transaction fees for automated systems like GDS, fees for changing your travel itinerary, and more aggressive marketing of insurance.

The travel industry has changed and is still changing--in rhythm--without much "publicity" but noticeable to the frequent traveler. Strong competition precludes increases in base rates--airline ticket prices, daily rental car rates, or hotel room rates. In response, industry is marketing ancillary products/services: curb-side check in, checked bags, internet access, resort fees, fees for late return of rental cars, a fee for adding an additional driver, various types of insurance--the list is far from complete.

There is a rhythm to these changes. Aggressive pricing and tough competition keeps base rates low to "satisfy" the customer. There is an ever increasing menu of services for a fee and an increase in current fees. Inclusive pricing has disappeared--think base price for a new car or home and all the options available to upgrade or options packaged in such a way that in order to get what you want you have to purchase all the options in the package.

NDTA is changing in a different way. As noted in my last column, we are re-branding the Association--emphasizing our initials and adding a tag line to reflect the reach and breadth of our Association. NDTA: The Association for Global Logistics and Transportation.

The change will evolve over time as we change our letterhead, web site, brochures, and many other documents. As noted in previous columns, we have changed our web site and our forum registration site and automated the exposition floor plan and sponsorship process. We accept online payments using credit cards, electronic funds transfer, or the more traditional check or cash. The update and conversion of our database is underway. These and other changes benefit our members--improved and more responsive service and stable or reduced prices. Early bird registration for the 63rd Forum and Expo is less than last year. Corporate membership fees have not increased in six years, and individual membership fees have not increased in more than a decade. NDTA provides excellent value for your investment.

Thank you for your commitment to the NDTA and for your contributions to our Nation's economy and National Security.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS and join us for our 63rd Annual Logistics Forum and Exposition in Nashville, TN, 19-23 Sep 2009. Information is available at www.ndtahq.com or by calling 703-751-5011.

WELCOME NEW CORPORATE MEMBERS

as of July 7,2009

SUSTAINING MEMBERS

* Perot Systems

* New England Motor Freight, a Shevell Group Co.

REGIONAL PATRONS

* R + L Global Services

* U.S. Suites

* Reckart Logistics, Inc.

LTG Ken Wykle, USA (Ret.)

NDTA President

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