Supply Chain Monthly

One of the biggest highlights for the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) in 2018, was the announcement that CSCMP and the National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC) were forming a partnership merging the two associations.
 
As a CSCMP member, what does that mean for you?
 
First, some background. Both NASSTRAC and CSCMP have been around for a long time, since 1952 and 1963, respectively. While the association world is changing rapidly and becoming crowded with associations representing overlapping issues, companies have fewer discretionary dollars to spend on training and education. Given CSCMP’s unique focus as the one, true, end-to-end supply chain association and NASSTRAC’s in-depth focus on transportation, the partnership is a good match. It will benefit both associations and, more importantly, add value and relevance to our members.

 

There are important synergies between CSCMP and NASSTRAC, and we can help each other in very meaningful ways. As this partnership deepens, our goal is to take a comprehensive look at the transportation function as it exists within the supply chain today and identify current needs in terms of education and skill development. Together, we will generate more relevant content and education, more advocacy, and more opportunities to engage locally and through the annual EDGE
conference.
 
Government advocacy is one of the major differences between CSCMP and NASSTRAC. Because of the work NASSTRAC does on advocacy, membership with NASSTRAC is limited to corporations, while CSCMP allows for many categories of memberships, including both individuals and corporations. 
 
Even though CSCMP members cannot join NASSTRAC individually, your CSCMP membership does allow you to access a number of complimentary NASSTRAC benefits:
 
1) The NASSTRAC Fast Lane content hub from this link, or from the CSCMP website (click on NASSTRAC). The content hub will keep you up to date on what’s going on at NASSTRAC, in D.C., and in the transportation industry.
 
2) CSCMP members can attend and access NASSTRAC webinar replays on CSCMPtv.
 
3) Co-location of NASSTRAC to the CSCMP EDGE conference in September 2019. NASSTRAC’s exposition historically consisted primarily of motor carriers. These companies will now be joining the EDGE Conference Supply Chain Exchange and be looking to make new contacts among the CSCMP membership and EDGE attendees. It also makes it easier for organizations to take advantage of the education and networking of both associations without having to carve out funding for two separate events. 
 
The timing of this merger couldn’t have been better for the industry. Transportation is going through an unprecedented period of volatility, and companies, more than ever before, are laser-focused on transportation. NASSTRAC’s advocacy efforts allow shippers to have their voices heard on the
issues that impact their supply chains and specifically their transportation network. By giving our members a “one-stop shop” for complete supply chain management issues, this partnership will not only make their lives easier, but will also save them money.

CSCMP and NASSTRAC leadership are excited to advance this focused direction on value creation for our members, and we are now offering joint-membership packages.These packages will provide opportunities for organizations to get involved with, and benefit from, both CSCMP and NASSTRAC at lower prices than ever before.
 
Take advantage of our new partnership to get access to best practices, up-to-date trends, challenges, and solutions. Visit cscmp.org or contact our team today at membership@cscmp.org for more information.