CLDA Members are encouraged to share news about their company. CLDA may share on social media, in newsletters or the Customized Logistics & Delivery Magazine.
Ready to share your news with CLDA or the industry media? Learn from these tips and tricks on how to get noticed.
1. Can you share a specific example of how your involvement with the CLDA board has positively impacted your career or business?
“I joined CLDA after serving as Vice President of the XLA (Express Logistics Association), where we represented expedited air courier companies specializing in Next Flight Out (NFO) services for life sciences, express parts, and other time-critical shipments. Joining CLDA was a natural fit, as many of our NFO shipments relied on local and regional courier companies for seamless last-mile delivery.
OTG Cargo, where I serve as President, operates as both an Indirect Air Carrier (IAC) and a trusted express ground agent for many former XLA members. The integration with CLDA has facilitated a more unified approach to logistics, fostering stronger collaboration between air couriers and ground operators that benefits everyone involved.
This merger has been incredibly rewarding, allowing us to work together on advocacy and educational efforts that enhance understanding and performance across both sectors. As a result, we can deliver a more robust logistics solution to our clients while also building a stronger, more cohesive industry community. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to represent our industry directly with the TSA, ensuring they understand our security responsibilities. Our recent TSA white paper and the accompanying industry-supported recommendations for improving air cargo security are achievements I take great pride in. Through CLDA, we’ve established a framework for collaboration that enhances security and strengthens our relationship with key regulatory bodies.”
2. What unique opportunities for networking and education has your role on the CLDA board provided, and how have these opportunities enhanced your professional development?
“My role on the CLDA board has been invaluable for my professional growth and the value I bring to our members. The strong collaborative ties that CLDA has with other associations, the TSA Cargo division, and the airfreight industry provide a unique platform for advocacy, particularly around complex compliance and security issues.
Engaging directly with the TSA and other key stakeholders allows us to influence policies that impact our industry, giving our members a voice in decisions that shape their daily operations. These partnerships foster a collaborative environment where we share best practices and develop innovative solutions that directly benefit CLDA members, from enhancing air cargo security to streamlining ground logistics for last-mile delivery.
The network I’ve developed through CLDA has deepened my understanding of the broader logistics landscape, enabling me to deliver greater value to our members and enhance their competitiveness and operational efficiency.”
3. How did you hear about CLDA, and what convinced you to join?
“I’ve been in the courier industry for over 40 years and have always recognized the valuable work done by CLDA. When the opportunity for the merger between XLA and CLDA arose, it seemed like a natural fit. Both associations had memberships that were very familiar with one another, each bringing unique strengths to the table.
XLA represented expedited air couriers, while CLDA had a robust network of ground logistics providers. This merger created a well-rounded association capable of serving the full spectrum of logistics needs. It was this synergy that convinced me to join CLDA, and I’ve been grateful for the opportunities it has provided to enhance industry collaboration and better serve our members.”
Indianapolis, IN, Nov. 12, 2025 – Registration is now open for the Final Mile Forum, presented by the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA). The annual gathering of those involved in the supply chain will be held from Wednesday, Feb. 19, to Friday, February 21, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina.
“The FMF is all about making connections that improve the bottom line,” says CLDA President Joel Pinsky. “Year after year, those who attend tell us about the ROI they have received from attending. Attendees value being about to meet the trailblazers and technology visionaries in the last mile. Those involved in the conference share their experience, the tools and the knowledge it takes to meet the challenges of the modern logistics landscape.”
The conference will also feature roundtable events where shippers and carriers can connect and networking opportunities where those in the industry can share ideas.
Sponsorships and booths in the Exhibit Hall are also now available, with more information available on clda.org
The conference will offer fuel for growth and knowledge to succeed and provide an investment for those in the final mile. It will feature information and opportunities for carriers, freight forwarders, freight brokers, 3PLs, suppliers of products and services to the logistics industry, shippers, retailers, manufacturers, distributors, drivers and independent contractors.
CLDA members and exhibitors receive discounted registration rates, and an extra $100 is available for those registering by Jan. 8, 2025. For more information and to register, go to the Education & Events tab of clda.org.
About The CLDA
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) represents the first to final miles of the supply chain in the US and worldwide. This non-profit professional association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members: logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs, and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on critical issues and help them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues, and best practices. For more information, see clda.org.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston
aobston@aomc.com
1. Can you share a specific example of how your involvement with the CLDA board has positively impacted your career or business?
As a result of in depth business strategy discussions with CLDA board members, Priority Courier Experts is now immeasurably safer in all our business practices. These improvements have protected PCE from many legal challenges and has safely preserved our business labor model. This involvement has also helped us expand into CDL trucking to significantly improve our business.
2. How did you hear about CLDA, and what convinced you to join?
I realized that even a strong mid-sized business is not big enough to stand up against all the legal and regulatory challenges that are regularly arising that are mission critical harmful to our industry. It is only by banding together that we have a chance to protect our businesses and continually improve them. The willingness of CLDA member companies to help is each other in both business strategy/operations and Government Advocacy cannot be found in any other industry Association or group.
1. Can you share a specific example of how your involvement with the CLDA board has positively impacted your career or business?
Most recently with Xcel Delivery Services, we expanded into the Phoenix, AZ market when I joined the company. I reached out to many friends and colleagues that I have met over the years with CLDA and the business that we have received through CLDA members is easily in the millions of dollars. Creating long-lasting relationships does not happen overnight. It does take time and a commitment to put yourself and your company out there for others. It takes the willingness to help others. In my experience, the effort you give comes back many times over. I know that it has for me through the CLDA.
2. What unique opportunities for networking and education has your role on the CLDA board provided, and how have these opportunities enhanced your professional development?
When I first join the CLDA, I literally knew very few of the members or much about the association. Getting the opportunity to serve on the board allowed me to meet so many smart and amazing people. I was only 28 years old when I joined the board and it allowed me to network and form lifelong friendships with people whose experience, advice, and guidance have been invaluable in my career and business. I have learned so much just from being able to send a quick email and get advice or from listening to experiences and shared struggles that others have had.
3. How did you hear about CLDA, and what convinced you to join?
In 2000, I was the President of Canyon State Courier, Inc and was encouraged to join and run for the board of the MCAA, now CLDA, by Al Foos my VP of Operations. He had been involved with the CLDA since its early days when it was known as the MCAA, Messenger Courier Association of the Americas. Al introduced me to Kim Household a competitor of ours from Hot Shot Services in Phoenix. Kim had also been a part of the MCAA for many years. I had a meeting with her about some local business we were collaborating on and she asked me about running for the board of the MCAA. She then proceeded to tell me that if I wanted to be on the board to meet her in the lobby of the hotel on the first day of the conference and in her words, “You’re on the board.” I met her in the lobby and she proceeded to walk me around to person after person in the pool, in the convention area, and in the bar, telling each one that they were to vote for me. Each one quickly responded with, “Yes Ma’am.”
Needless to say, I was elected to the board with her support. At the time I did not know all that much about the association, but it has definitely had a profound effect on my career and the success of the companies that I have been associated with. I had the pleasure of serving on the board from 2000-2004 and left the board as Second Vice President of the Association. In 2018, upon joining Xcel Delivery Services, I was elected again to rejoin the board. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two terms on the board and it was an easy decision to serve again. I grew up in the courier industry, my grandfather started a courier company in Southern California in 1963 and my dad went off on his own to start his company in 1985 in Arizona. I know a lot of our CLDA members grew up in the business and when it’s in your blood, it’s in your blood. Because of that, I enjoy giving back to the industry that has supported me and my family literally for generations.
