When lawmakers in Pennsylvania included a tax on warehousing services in the 2017 state budget, IWLA members in the commonwealth turned to the association. We led efforts to demonstrate the short- and long-term effects this tax would have on other businesses and consumers in the state; we predicted the exodus of warehousing companies to business-friendly states nearby; and we joined in consortiums with organizations that held similar beliefs.

Our efforts stopped the tax. We won that battle. But the war continues.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are not alone in trying to fix what’s broken through short-sighted laws and regulations:

• There are air-quality-related bills and taxes taking hold in California.
• In Kansas, Missouri, and other states, rule makers are creating their own guidelines for pharmaceutical transport that ignore national recommendations.
• And many states – and the U.S. government – are ready to implement co-employment rules that will greatly alter how the warehouse logistics industry works with temporary employees and independent truck drivers.

During my first 10 months of my IWLA presidency, many members have cited our strong advocacy efforts as a direct benefit to their company. IWLA is able to speak for the industry through a unified voice. But our voice is only as strong as the members willing to participate.

The recent IWLA all-member survey revealed that while many members are aware of the association’s advocacy efforts, they are not necessarily interested in hands-on involvement. We are working to change that reality: There is strength in numbers – and we need your participation.

The IWLA focus is on business-friendly legislation and regulation. We are not a Republican or Democratic organization. Our reality is “working hard to move the needle just a bit in our direction.”

How can you help?

• Get to know your local authorities. Today’s zoning board member may be tomorrow’s state senator and next decade’s congressman. Tell them the story of your business, your employees’ successes and growth, and the value you bring your community. Tell them about third-party warehousing and how it differs from manufacturing and retail.
• Keep your ear to the ground. It is better to be at the table and aware of new bills, regulations, and taxes BEFORE they are baked into budgets or legislative sessions. Offer to help draft language that meets the lawmakers’ goals but keeps business realities in mind.
• Stay up to date. IWLA is creating communication tools around its advocacy efforts. We regularly publish “3PL Matters,” an e-newsletter that highlights advocacy news and wins. We are tracking the bills and regulations about which there is active discussion. Our website will soon highlight these activities – and track the consortiums we have joined to be an even stronger presence.
• Take action when needed. We may ask you to contact your local lawmakers via a letter-writing/email campaign. We can help you arrange visits from elected officials to your warehouse. We may also ask you to help us realize the total impact of your business in your congressional district: Your employees are voters and their input can help move that needle.

As you may have heard, we are working this year to capture “IWLA Stories” – the successes that come from participation in the association that cannot easily be captured. This space in future issues of “3PL Warehousing Today” will showcase some of the advocacy wins and impacts that our members have faced – or are facing today.

If you have an advocacy/legislative/regulatory story to tell, please reach out to me personally: [email protected]. We need you to be part of this process. I would enjoy hearing your perspective on this very important IWLA goal.

Download the letter from the President & CEO here.