TIA and Avalon announce 2025 Trimester 3 CTB scholarship recipients

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and Avalon Risk Management are proud to announce that Gayane Martirosyan of Peng Freight Solutions INC and Maria Morgan of ARPCO Transport Services have been awarded the Avalon and TIA Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) Trimester 3 Scholarships.

In addition, Mercy Marin of Standard Logistics Solutions in Dallas, TX, has been named the recipient of the Bill Tucker Memoriam Scholarship for Trimester 3, earning the highest prerequisite exam score of the trimester.

“The CTB certification represents a commitment to professionalism and leadership in the 3PL industry,” said Chris Burroughs, TIA President & CEO. “We’re proud to recognize Gayane, Maria, and Mercy for their outstanding achievements. Mercy’s recognition as this trimester’s Bill Tucker Memoriam Scholarship recipient — awarded for earning the highest prerequisite exam score — reflects the dedication and excellence that define this industry. We’re also grateful to Avalon for helping ensure talented professionals have access to the education needed to succeed in a complex and evolving freight environment.”

The CTB (Certified Transportation Broker) designation is the third-party logistics industry’s most widely recognized credential, earned through a rigorous four-month course and comprehensive examination. As a long-standing sponsor of the CTB program, Avalon Risk Management awards two scholarships each trimester to expand access to professional development opportunities within the 3PL community.

“Avalon Risk Management is proud to support TIA’s commitment to education and professional development within the 3PL industry,” said Lisa Vranich, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Avalon Risk Management. “As the logistics landscape continues to evolve, we remain focused on helping professionals gain the insights and resources needed to succeed. By sponsoring two scholarships for TIA’s CTB Program, Avalon is supporting the development of future leaders while continuing our commitment to innovation, preparedness, and excellence within the 3PL community.”

The Bill Tucker Memoriam Scholarship, established in 2024, honors the legacy of William J. “Bill” Tucker of Tucker Co Worldwide, a founding member of TIA in 1978 and a key contributor to the development of the CTB certification program. The scholarship is awarded each trimester to the student achieving the highest score on the prerequisite exam.

Standard Logistics Solutions has been a valued TIA member since 2021 and currently has two CTBs on staff, demonstrating a strong commitment to professional development within the organization.

“Warm congratulations to Mercy Marin of Standard Logistics Solutions on being named this Trimester’s recipient of the Bill Tucker Memoriam Scholarship,” shared Jim and Jeff Tucker on behalf of the Tucker family. “Our father was a founding member of TIA and later played a key role in developing the CTB program. Mercy earned the top score across all prerequisite attempts this Trimester — an impressive achievement that reflects real dedication and excellence. If our father were here today, he’d be smiling proudly, offering a firm handshake, and saying something along the lines of, ‘Well done, my scholar friend!’ We’re grateful to TIA for continuing to honor outstanding members through this meaningful scholarship.”

All scholarship recipients view the CTB certification as an important step in advancing their careers and deepening their industry expertise.