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Energy Traffic Association The Energy Traffic Association (ETA) was formed in 1997 by the merger of two energy related trade associations - the Oilfield Supply Traffic Association (OSTA) and the Shippers Oil Field Traffic Association (SOFTA). OSTA was formed in 1938 and SOFTA in 1956. Both were industry recognized associations, serving the oil and gas industry in transportation, distribution and logistics for over fifty years. ETA is the only organization of this type, focusing specifically on logistics education for the energy industry. The membership of ETA consists of two categories - industry and logistics providers. Industry members are energy industry transportation, distribution, purchasing, and logistics managers. Logistics Provider members, naturally, are transportation and logistics providers. OSTA and SOFTA have been instrumental in developing high service standards for transportation service to the energy industry. A goal of ETA is to uphold those standards. The association supports efforts to maintain service stability and control costs in the transportation industry. As matter of policy, ETA encourages free and fair competition. The association complies with all fair trade practices and anti-trust legislation. Transportation regulations impact the costs of shipping materials, thus ETA represents members before these governmental bodies to help control the energy industry's transportation expenses. Educational conferences and membership meetings are held twice a year. These meetings provide opportunities for discussions of current transportation issues, and for networking with other shippers and transportation/logistics providers. The conferences attract many ETA members, transportation/logistics providers, and industry leaders. Members share knowledge, experience, and managing skills by attending ETA meetings and conferences. The association maintains a web site at www.energytraffic.org and publishes an informative newsletter that keeps members abreast of current event and legislative changes within the industry. This process is educational, to improve the in-depth knowledge of our logistics members so he or she may better serve their employer. Our reputation in the industry allows us to obtain the best of outside speakers for our programs. At the same time, one of our major educational doctrines is “knowledge transfer”. Using the vast knowledge base and experience of our members to teach and learn from each other is where we receive the most distinction. The yearly membership dues are $250.00 per company or per division of larger companies. ETA holds a two day conference twice a year, registration is normally about $250.00 for both days or about $160.00 for one day. One conference is held in Houston and the other is normally within driving distance of Houston. Similar conferences often cost $1,500.00 to $2,500.00 and are held in distant places adding at least that much more in transportation and lodging expenses. A list of Energy Traffic Association member companies can be found elsewhere on this site. |
