Seminars and an annual conference keep transportation and logistics professionals on the cutting edge of developments in the moving and handling of furniture products. Special projects have included establishing "recommended guidelines" for selecting a motor carrier and developing a manual of freight loss and damage claims procedures.
T&L executives also serve as consultants in the development of key transportation-related services offered by the Alliance, including the fleet fuel card program introduced in 2004 and the international container shipping program finalized in 2005.
The purpose of these programs and services is to equip transportation, logistics and distribution managers to contribute to the financial success of their companies.
Events
An annual meeting is held in conjunction with one or more additional focus areas. Program topics include packaging, import/export customs compliance, transportation contracting, information technology and supply chain management.
Go to Events >
Links
Consult the Transportation & Logistics links page for information on related associations, motor carriers, government agencies and publications dealing with transportation.
Go to Links >
Contacts
David Purvis
Vice President
American Home Furnishings Alliance
317 West High Avenue
High Point, NC 27260
336/884-5000, ext. 1036
Fax: 336/884-5303
Patricia West
Executive Assistant
336/884-5000, ext. 1000
T&L Resources:
Guidelines for Selecting a Motor Carrier 
The AHFA Shipper/Carrier Task Force offers this set of guidelines for choosing transportation service providers. The guide has been expanded to include non-asset firms such as forwarders and brokers and other logistics providers. Purpose of this document is to help members evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of possible transportation service providers and make informed provider selections.
Go to Guidelines >
International Wood Packaging
New requirements for wood packaging materials used in international trade were effective September 16, 2005. Failure to comply with the new requirements will result in shipments being re-exported. This description of the packaging standards includes links to websites with additional information and examples of new labeling requirements for all wood packaging materials.
Go to Packaging Requirement >
Freight Loss & Damage Claims Manual
The Freight Loss & Damage Claims Manual is a printed guide to understanding the principles and procedures for filing loss and damage claims. Written in 1988, the guide is available to members here.
North Carolina Trade Finance Guide >
The purpose of this guide is to help international companies in North Carolina expand their exports by identifying various sources of private and public sector trade finance.
Go to the Guide >
Rule 181 DVD
Rule 181 was approved by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association and became effective in July 2000. This DVD introduces a package performance test designed exclusively to apply Rule 181 protocol to cartoned furniture. Cost is $49 plus $5 for shipping.
Rule 181 DVD Order Form >
T&L VALUE-ADDED SERVICES
Container Shipping Program
AHFA has partnered with Evergreen Line to offer members potentially cost saving ocean container rates on both imported and exported cargo. Our service contract contains prevailing origin ports located throughout Asia, as well as all major U.S. East/West Coast port destinations and hundreds of inland door locations. We can easily add new port-to-door pairs to meet your specific requirements. By participating in this program, members can avoid the headaches of negotiating and managing their own contracts or using other third party providers. To find out if this program is right for you, contact Andy Counts, AHFA's CEO, at 336/884-5000, ext. 0115.
Federal Express Shipping Program
A small parcel discount program with Federal Express brings AHFA members significant cost savings on both inbound and outbound small package shipments. The program features both domestic and international pricing discounts that apply to FedEx Express services, FedEx Ground services and Multiweight Rate Tables. To participate, members simply complete the Smart Ship Form and mail or fax it back to AHFA.
Go to the Smart Ship Form >
Fuel Card Program
AHFA's fuel card program offers members reduced fuel costs at thousands of truck stops nationwide. Typical rates are actual wholesale plus 2 to 3 cents, with no transaction fees. The program is managed by T-Chek Systems, a subsidiary of C.H. Robinson Worldwide. The AHFA card is accepted at over 9,000 truck stops in the United States and Canada. Cash can be issued on the card or the card can be used at any ATM PLUS network machine in the United States or Canada. Participating member companies also have access to E-Stop, a fuel price and news information service that provides daily and historical diesel and gasoline prices along with NYMEX energy quotes, petroleum market news and a host of other critical data related to buying, selling, trading or marketing fuel.
To participate in the fuel card program, contact Andy Counts at 336/884-5000, ext. 0115.
