Meet CLDA Board Member Ralph Perrothers - CLDA
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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.”

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Meet CLDA Board Member Ralph Perrothers

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.”