International transport of forest products demands integrated efforts of many disciplines. Foresters, mill managers, chemical and clay producers, traffic and logistics managers, must all talk to and work with rail and trucking representatives, marine transporters, stevedores, port and terminal operators, and manufacturers of handling equipment.

The idea behind the IFPTA dates back to 1974. A key speaker at the first PPI Transport Symposium challenged industry executives to establish an organization through which they could learn from one another and cooperate for mutual benefit.

IFPTA has hundreds of members around the world.
The Association’s officers include a president, two vice presidents, a secretary, and a treasurer. (For the past eight years, the roles of secretary and treasurer have been combined and carried out by one officer.)