The Pacific Transportation Association traces its roots to the transportation and shipping industries of the late nineteenth-century American West. The following timeline documents key moments in the organization's long history. This is an ongoing research project — if you have memories, source materials, or insights to share, please get in touch.
Origins: The Traffic Association of California
The roots of the Pacific Transportation Association lie in the Traffic Association of California, formed in the late nineteenth century by James B. Stetson to coordinate shipping practices along the Pacific Coast. The organization brought together shippers operating between California ports.
Origins: The Transportation Club of San Francisco
The Transportation Club of San Francisco, an organization composed of representatives of all the railroads and steamship companies doing business on the Pacific Coast, is organized.
First Class of Transportation and Traffic Management
The first class of Transportation and Traffic Management begins at 1337 Sutter Street under the University of California Extension Division, marking the formal educational foundation of what would become the Pacific Traffic Association. The inaugural course concludes with the first class banquet on December 14, a foundational moment in the history of the association.
Renamed: Pacific Traffic Association
The organization is renamed from the University of California Traffic Association to the Pacific Traffic Association (PTA), reflecting its broader regional identity.
Matsonia Raid: Steamship Night
During one of the earliest "Steamship Nights" aboard a Matson liner at Pier 30, Prohibition enforcement agents raid the gathering.
Women's Traffic Club of San Francisco Founded
The Women's Traffic Club of San Francisco is established.
Sixth Annual Convention of the Associated Traffic Clubs of America
San Francisco hosts the opening of the Sixth Annual Convention of the Associated Traffic Clubs of America.
Bray Publishes Association History
Roscoe C. Bray publishes "Pacific Traffic Association's History" in the Shipping Register, providing the first formal written record of the organization's origins and early decades.
Western Transportation
In 1934, the Association launched Western Transportation, a twice-monthly publication chronicling the Association’s activities and members, and general news about shippers and the steamship, trucking, railroad, and warehousing industries. The publication was retired in the mid-1980s.
Women in Logistics
Eight women attended the first meeting in 1981, marking the founding moment of Women in Transportation, the organization that would later become Women in Logistics.
Renamed: Pacific Transportation Association
On January 1, 1988, our name was changed to the Pacific Transportation Association. The word Transportation better depicts the roster of prominent companies and persons from the Bay Area who utilize ocean, air, rail, and truck transportation.
History Project
This timeline is part of an active research project to document the full history of the Pacific Transportation Association. If you have memories, documents, or stories to share, your input would be invaluable. Please reach out at pierce@tristonetrade.com.
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