Active Membership Benefits

Dues Schedule and Calculator       Application

Active membership in IARW also includes membership in the World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO), dedicated to the proper handling and storage of perishable commodities. Following are some of the highlights of IARW-WFLO membership.

Marketing

International Cold Chain Directory

Industry Advertising

Over the years, IARW has worked to develop professional relationships with the food industry trade press. Through these relationships, the association works to promote the public refrigerated warehousing (PRW) industry and the competence of its members throughout the year via a series of full page advertisements and articles.

Education & Training Opportunities

Convention & Global Cold Chain Expo

Assembly of Committees

Annually IARW-WFLO conducts a series of committee meetings in partnership with its allied groups the International Refrigerated Transportation Association and the International Association for Cold Storage Construction.  In total, ten committees meet to discuss current issues in warehouse operations, administration, construction trends, research, transportation and more.

European Education Program

Each year, this program provides a forum for members to learn about and discuss issues of particular relevance to the European marketplace.

North American Chapters

IARW has six chapters located throughout North America with their own regionally elected officers.  Meetings of these groups offer geographically convenient and economically feasible educational opportunities for employees at all plant levels.

Technical Resources

Inquiry Service

Questions dealing with any aspect of the refrigerated warehousing business—law to food science—may be sent directly to headquarters where staff coordinates with industry experts and scientists (see Scientific Advisory Council below), or references the association’s library, to provide answers, typically within a 24-hour window. 
 

Scientific Advisory Council (SAC)

The “SAC” is comprised of thirteen leading scientists, each a specialist in some aspect of food technology.  This panel stands ready to answer member inquires, as well as to provide information on research trends and developments. SAC members also advise on research projects of interest to IARW-WFLO members.

Manuals

Each member facility receives a full complement of IARW-WFLO manuals, including:

·         Operations Manual

·         Commodity Storage Manual

·         Crisis Management Manual

·         Maintenance & Modernization Manual

·         Energy Conservation Manual

·         Q&A Manual

Productivity and Benchmarking Survey Report

This biannual survey and correlating report, available free-of-charge to participating members, present a complete picture of practices in North American public refrigerated warehouses, providing important benchmarks in the areas of finance, operations and employee wages.

Government Affairs

Monitoring

The IARW staff and the IARW Government Affairs Committee monitor both Congressional and regulatory activity, as well as selected state and local jurisdictions. Through contacts on Capitol Hill and at federal agencies, IARW keeps members abreast of food safety issues, tax matters, security requirements, and other topics which impact the cold storage industry.
 

Advocacy

As the only trade association devoted to the cold storage industry, IARW understands your needs, conveys your message to government decision makers, and gives you a voice in Washington. IARW staff is on call to respond to questions and help members through the regulatory maze, working to ensure that the cold storage industry is not subjected to onerous and unreasonable requirements.

Partner Programs*

Insurance (The Lockton Companies)

Members receive exclusive eligibility for warehouseman’s legal liability, property and casualty insurance.  These policies are specifically designed by and for PRWs offering a superior program at a competitive price.  Over 60% of the membership participates.
 

Energy (Icetec)

Depending on their location, IARW members are entitled to participate in a revolutionary new program which gives cold storage companies an opportunity to save tens of thousands of dollars by taking advantage of the deregulated energy market. In some cases, these savings can be further augmented by selling back unused energy to local utilities or independent system operators.

Crisis Management (The Communications Workshop)

At a reduced rate for IARW-WFLO member companies, Steve Bassett of The Communications Workshop teaches PRW management how to develop and implement an effective crisis management plan and how to deal with the many types of crises which can impact cold storage warehouses.

Member Communications

E-Newsletter

Each week, all members receive the Cold Connection e-newsletter, which contains brief updates on industry news, government and legal matters, association business and events, online classifieds and more!
 

Print Newsletter

Six times per year, members receive the IARW newsletter Cold Facts.  This publication includes features on pertinent industry issues, customer interviews, member news and coverage of association events.

International Outreach

Cold Chain Development

Through a growing number of government-funded projects, WFLO actively contributes to increasing awareness of cold chain issues.  With assessments, training, design and feasibility studies, the organization works to ensure the growth of a strong industry, which means higher quality and volume of product and a greater number of business opportunities.

Consultancy Opportunities

With a growing number of development projects to implement, WFLO regularly seeks short-term technical assistance from member companies.  Participating members gain invaluable insight into the state of the cold chain in developing countries, as well as the opportunity to make industry contacts in nations with growing economies. 

*IARW partner programs are offered to members at discounted rates by the partnering entity.