Questions we hear most often.
Who is eligible for membership?
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U.S. and Canadian freight forwarders, customs brokers, NVOCCs and 3PLs with at least two years of trading history, current cargo and E&O insurance, and clean regulatory standing with CBP, FMC and FMCSA where applicable.
Is the Alliance a freight broker?
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No. We hold no FMC license, no customs broker license, and we never quote or move freight. We exist to support our member firms, who handle all customer relationships and shipment execution under their own brands and authorities.
How are decisions made?
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Each member firm holds one voting share. A nine-person Board elected from the membership sets policy, approves the annual budget, and appoints the Managing Director.
What does membership cost?
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Annual dues are tiered by firm revenue, ranging from $4,800 to $24,000 per year. A confidential dues schedule is shared with applicants after the initial intake call.
How long does the application take?
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From first intake call to admission is typically 6–10 weeks. Applications are reviewed by the Board at the end of each month.
Do you have international members?
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Membership is limited to firms domiciled in the United States and Canada. We maintain bilateral cooperation agreements with several European and Asian forwarder networks for partner referrals.
Can a member be expelled?
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Yes. Documented violations of our Code of Conduct — including customer poaching, fraudulent reporting, or compliance failures — can result in suspension or expulsion by a two-thirds Board vote.
Where is the head office?
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2649 St Vincent St, St. Louis, MO 63104. The Member Operations Center is staffed Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central.