Membership numbers and turnover increased at the FTA last year, but its pre-tax surplus fell.
In its annual report for the year ended 31 December 2013, the FTA said its pre-tax surplus dropped 63% to £458,000 (2012: £1.25m).
MD for membership and policy James Hookham told Motortransport.co.uk that this was partly down to a change in the way some of its services performed compared to previous years, some of which sold better than others.
A reorganisation of its workforce, which saw staff levels reduce by 50 to 356, cost the association £400,000 which it hopes will be paid back in 2014 and subsequent years.
Hookham said that this was just a part of the FTA's cost reduction programme throughout the year.
Membership increased 1% to 14,245 compared to the year before, which chief executive Theo de Pencier said was the second highest year-end membership figure it has ever achieved.
“Whilst we would always like to attract more companies into the association, those that do join tend to stay with us, recognising the value we can add to their business,” said de Pencier.
Turnover rose marginally to £23.8m (2012:£23.4m), with vehicle inspections remaining one of the largest contributors.
De Pencier also said the business saw strong performance in its consultancy, Van Excellence, Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme and Penalty Charge Notice Administration Service.
Last year Yusen Logistics (Europe) MD Ian Veitch was appointed as president of the FTA, replacing Stewart Oades.
