2014 will be a big year on the Freight Transport Association (FTA) calendar as the Association celebrates its 125th anniversary.

FTA has been supporting the interests of the transport industry since 1889, when it was first established as the Mansion House Association on Railway Rates (MHA). FTA has since undergone changes to become the recognised face of the freight transport industry today.

FTA President Ian Veitch, said, “It is a fantastic privilege to be the President of FTA whilst we are marking its 125th anniversary. For any organisation to enjoy such longevity the foundation laid by its members, its staff and its officers have to be both sound and relevant. I would like to thank the current generation of stakeholders and acknowledge with gratitude the dedication of past generations in leaving us a successful platform upon which to build the next 100 years.”

FTA is one of the UK’s largest trade associations and represents the transport interests of companies moving goods by road, rail, sea and air.

Notable milestones include the opening of the FTA Brussels office, acquisition of Freight on Water, creation of the Member Advice Centre (MAC), providing the secretariat for the Global Shippers’ Forum, establishing Van Excellence and setting up FTA Ireland.  

Mr Veitch added, “This is also a time to look forward with great optimism and to embrace what I believe will be an exciting future. This has always been a ‘can do’ industry which will continue to provide the flow of goods that underpins our industry and our society. Happy Birthday FTA.”

Image:  Ian Veitch