United Shipping Inc., the premier Worldwide Association of Independent Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers with over 110 partner companies and 250 offices is pleased to announce the details of their grand 20th Anniversary Celebration. The association founded in 1988 is planning a royal one of the kind anniversary extravaganza October 13-17, 2008. Partners from across the globe will convene at the Omni Royal Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana to celebrate. Fred Hall, President of United Shipping states “We have been working extremely hard on the upcoming meeting in New Orleans and plans are coming together very nicely! We’ve got a lot of great surprises in store for each person in New Orleans”. The 38th Worldwide Meeting and 20th Anniversary Gala is on track to be the largest attended meeting in the history of United Shipping.

United Shipping is an innovative, forward thinking association that provides exceptional service through all transportation methods. The unique group prides itself on being a distinctive organization that represents the epitome of the concept “Partnership”. United Shipping is the first of its kind network and seeks to achieve common goals while maintaining outstanding performance in a global market.

United Shipping Associates was formed by independently-owned customs brokers and freight forwarders with one objective in mind. That is, to provide a full range of air and ocean services to importers and exporters around the world through an integrated network of expert firms. The exclusive concept was never previously available to companies involved in international shipping and offered all the advantages of dealing with local independent leaders that, when combined, became an incredible network. Each partner of United Shipping is privately owned and operated and considered the expert in the specific geographic area they represent.

Throughout 20 years of existence, United Shipping has retained an unwavering desire to have the depth and experience to respond to all challenges and opportunities of the changing freight forwarding and customs brokerage industry. The association was formed to develop new business and give partners the ability to compete with large, multi-national customs brokers and freight forwarders. Along with the benefits of worldwide professional representation, sales and marketing assistance, advertising and a DHL program, partners have business support that facilitates their competitive edge within the industry. The wide scope of benefits to partners of the group is progressive and cutting edge with a strong emphasis on future strength and to maximize the organization’s growth potential.

United Shipping continues its on-going love for the great city of New Orleans. The 38th Worldwide Meeting and 20th Anniversary Celebration represents the fourth time for the association to gather in the historic, culturally rich city. New Orleans is celebrated for its unparalleled appeal. Terry Munday, Chairman of the Board, remembers his first meeting with United Shipping in New Orleans, October 1988 and states fondly, “I was expecting a slow funeral parade playing cool New Orleans jazz while snaking its way along Bourbon Street like in the James Bond movie. Instead, just a line of taxis, as we pulled into the hotel. I was the first of a small group of European forwarders to join a group of American Customs Brokers, which was to become United Shipping Associates and tomorrow would be our first “International” meeting.”

Director of Operations, Greg Treco, affirms that “Each person who assembles during the week of October 13-17, 2008 to celebrate the spectacular 20th Anniversary has played an integral role in writing the history of United Shipping. Each page of history is highlighted with events, interactions, and experiences that have served to make us who we are today, the premiere international network of exclusive freight forwarders and customs brokers”.

All attendees should be prepared for a thrilling time of surprises, memories and more! Partners are energized and prepared to experience the history making moments of the 38th Worldwide Meeting and 20th Anniversary Gala!