In 1990, five freight-forwarding firms located on the Pacific Rim formed a central organization known as the Trans Pacific Freight (TPF) Group. The original member companies sought to create a global network of freight forwarding business partners supporting the independent freight forwarder.

In 1994, the membership reached twelve firms, which warranted opening an administrative office led by an Executive Director. To meet growing demands, the office of the Executive Director was established in Atlanta, Georgia in 1995. By that time, membership had grown to twenty-one firms located in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa.

As the group expanded the name was adjusted from Trans Pacific Freight to TPF Forwarding Network to better reflect the global composition of the group’s membership. In order to formalize the organization, TPF incorporated in the State of California.

On January 1, 1996, TPF contracted with International Association Services, Inc. in Los Angeles to assume administrative responsibility. Upgrading the administrative operations has enabled TPF to expand the membership services by stimulating creative planning, developing marketing strategies, utilizing trade statistics and informational resources, and pursuing the employment of outside professional support services like public relations and advertising firms.

TPF Association, Inc. is a California Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation designed to promote the interests of the independent freight forwarding industry. TPF’s current membership consists of 30 member firms covering 54 ports of entry with many new members under consideration.