Michele Carroll sat down with Paul Delp, ACWI Board Member and President of Lansdale Warehouse, to talk about the importance of industry advocacy and why ACWI members should be engaged with the National Industrial Transportation League (NITL).
Michele: Paul, you’ve been active with the NIT League for a while now. For ACWI members who may not be familiar, why is NIT League so important to our industry?
Paul: NIT League is the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing shippers and their transportation interests. They’ve been advocating for fair, efficient, and competitive freight transportation for over a century. When you look at the regulatory and legislative decisions coming out of Washington,whether it’s rail access rules, trucking safety regulations, or port operations,these are changes that impact every ACWI member and every 3PL directly. Being part of NITL means you’re not just reacting to those changes after the fact. You’re helping shape them before they become law.
Michele: This October, NIT League is hosting the Engage Policy Forum in Washington, DC. What makes this event stand out from other conferences?
Paul: The Engage Policy Forum is different because it’s truly interactive. It’s not just sitting in a ballroom listening to speeches. You’re meeting face-to-face with policymakers, agency officials, and industry leaders in the very places where decisions are made,the U.S. Capitol, the National Press Club, the Capitol Hill Club. You get to share your perspective as a shipper or logistics provider directly with the people who write and enforce the rules. That’s powerful.
Michele: Why should ACWI members in particular make the trip to Washington for Engage?
Paul: Our members are the backbone of the national distribution network. We’re independent warehouses, 3PLs, and logistics providers that keep freight moving between modes, regions, and markets. Policymakers need to understand the critical role we play,and the challenges we face,when regulations shift. When ACWI members show up together, it amplifies our collective voice. It shows that our sector is united, engaged, and ready to work with government and carriers to improve the system.
Michele: Some members might think, “I’m busy running my operation; I don’t have time for policy events.” How do you respond to that?
Paul: I get it. We’re all busy. But here’s the thing: the decisions made in DC will affect how you run your operation, whether you’re there or not. If hours-of-service rules change for truckers, your inbound schedules shift. If rail access rules change, your freight costs change. If port fees change, your pricing changes. Being in the room helps you anticipate those changes and prepare, instead of being caught off guard.
Michele: What kind of takeaways can someone expect after attending Engage?
Paul: You’ll leave with two things: a clearer understanding of where the industry is headed and stronger relationships with the people who can help you navigate that future. You’ll hear directly from lawmakers and regulators about their priorities. You’ll swap strategies with other shippers and logistics pros facing the same challenges you are. And you’ll have direct contacts in Washington who know your name and your business the next time an issue comes up.
Michele: For members who’ve never been involved in NITL before, what’s the first step?
Paul: Start by visiting the NITL website and learning more about their advocacy work. If you can, attend the Engage Policy Forum in October. That’s the best introduction to what NITL does and how it operates. You’ll see right away that they’re focused on delivering value to members, through policy wins, industry connections, and actionable insights you can use in your operation.
Michele: Any final message to ACWI members about getting involved?
Paul: I’d say this: Don’t underestimate the influence you can have. ACWI members have decades of operational experience and firsthand knowledge of what works and what doesn’t in the supply chain. Policymakers need that perspective. NITL gives us the platform to share it. But it only works if we show up. So get involved, lend your voice, and help shape the future of our industry.
Learn more and register through the official NITL site: 2025 NITL Engage Policy Forum
ABOUT ACWI: The American Chain of Warehouses, Inc. (ACWI) is a nationwide network of third-party logistics providers offering warehousing services, distribution management, and fulfillment solutions across the United States. For shippers, ACWI makes it simple to find trusted third-party logistics providers with strategic warehouse locations to handle value added logistics, pick and pack services, food-grade warehousing, and rail-served distribution facilities.
For independent warehouse operators, ACWI membership connects you with a nationwide network of peers and potential customers. Members benefit from business referrals, shared resources, marketing support, and a collective industry voice on transportation policy issues. By joining ACWI, you gain visibility, credibility, and opportunities to grow your customer base.For more information about ACWI warehousing and logistics services or how to join the network, get in touch and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.