The NTS has been in operation since 1949, established by the ARRL in response to membership demand. It carries on a proud tradition of message relaying, established by Hiram Percy Maxim when he founded the ARRL for the purpose of handling message traffic in 1914. The NTS is the tightest, and solidest organization within the ARRL framework. Training of amateur operators in handling of written traffic and participating in directed nets. Training of amateur operators in the processing of third party messages in directed nets continues the existence of a reserve of well trained radio communications personnel.
Traffickers enjoy a special comaraderie in the ham world.
Secondly, it's putting your station and yourself to public benefit. You're maintaining emergency communications preparedness ability in your neighborhood and section. Thirdly, it's good public relations for amateur radio. When ever you deliver a message to a third party, you're doing your part in keeping the non-ham world aware of Amateur Radio. The National Traffic System operates daily, with over 500 nets regularly operating.