RIA Executive Director Update

Our focus remains twofold: to foster deeper engagement with our members, and to focus on Kaizen, the art of continuous improvement. In the RIA’s case, that translates into ‘pumping the brakes’ on adding any new benefits, and instead, amplifying the value of each of the current benefits we offer. 

In line with this commitment, we’re taking a refreshed look at one of our most tenured and successful benefits, the RIA Freight Discount Program. I’d like to use this as a prime example of how we are refining existing benefits to better serve your needs. Whether you're a brand member or a retail member, you should read on…it’s going to save you money! 

Our partnership with Parcel Management Group (PMG) has yielded remarkable results, especially with the recent negotiations with FedEx. Thanks to PMG's efforts, we were able to secure a new DIM weight factor, leading to a significant increase in overall discounts—up by an impressive 16%. This enhancement solidifies our program as one of the most competitive in the market, if not the most competitive.

For anyone who hasn't engaged with PMG recently, now is the perfect time to reconnect. Travis Mull, the RIA’s contact at PMG, is available to provide a quick analysis tailored to your specific needs. Reach out to Travis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and he'll guide you through how to capitalize on these savings. 

But wait, there's more! PMG specializes in less than truckload (LTL) shipments, and the company’s expertise can translate into substantial savings for you. Whether you're a brand member managing product imports or a retail member handling larger shipments, PMG can help you optimize your LTL rates and ensure you're not leaving any money on the table.

Imagine the potential savings when bringing products through a port of entry or managing warehouse logistics. PMG's logistics solutions could result in thousands of dollars saved for your business.

In essence, our Freight Discount Program isn't just about savings—it's about empowering our members to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. By refining existing benefits and partnering with industry experts like PMG, we're not just offering value; we're maximizing it.

We’ll be providing more details, but I encourage each of you to explore how you can leverage our enhanced Freight Discount Program and other benefits to fuel your success. Your feedback and engagement are invaluable as we strive to exceed your expectations and drive collective growth within the run specialty channel.  

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

Terry Schalow 

Executive Director, Running Industry Association

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