Friday, February 27, 2015

CITT Announcement

CITT adds logistics courses this spring responding to increasing demand for the CCLP® designation and candidates’ need for speed

Toronto, Ontario - February 26, 2015 - One of the most common questions CITT gets is: "how quickly can I earn my CCLP designation?" People who are working toward the CCLP designation are very career-driven and success-oriented and don't always want to take a break in spring and summer. They also want the advantages of having industry's most respected logistics designation as quickly as possible," says Catherine Viglas, president, CITT. After analyzing this need, CITT adds two advanced logistics courses to its spring-summer semester: Integrated Logistics—a key required course for the CCLP designation—and the popular elective Logistics Decision Modelling. These will be presented in addition to other, CCLP-required logistics courses, Transportation Systems and Logistics Processes. And a full suite of business courses will be available for anyone who needs these courses.

"Offering more of our advanced logistics courses year-round will help industry people earn their CCLP designation faster. Irrespective of when they start with these industry-specific courses, people can earn the CCLP designation in two years or less, depending on their individual situation" Viglas explains. "People with a business background can now complete the educational requirement for the CCLP designation in only five consecutive semesters," she says.

The move stands to benefit employers as well. The skills gap and capacity crunch remain hot issues throughout the industry, and more employers are using external professional development sources to prepare promising employees for more senior roles, or support designations as proof that their staff are highly qualified in the field.

HR research reveals another compelling dynamic. When companies support their staff to develop their knowledge and credentials beyond company-specific training, these companies are rewarded with more loyal employees—not less.1,2

"This is a really important paradigm shift for companies to make,” urges Viglas. “Really competitive organizations have already figured this out.

It was an easy decision for CITT to move to a continuous course schedule after we considered the demand, the benefits to industry and the needs of the many hard-working people we are so proud to support," concludes Viglas.

CITT’s spring term starts on April 23rd and runs through July. Registration is open and spots are already filling up. People can register up until April 22nd —or until individual courses are filled. Whichever comes first.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazine Names Purolator International President John Costanzo as a 2015 "Pro to Know"

John Costanzo Recognized for Helping Customers Achieve Omni Channel Distribution and Better Supply Chain Visibility

JERICHO, NY – February 25, 2015 – Purolator International, the leading provider of cross-border logistics between the U.S. and Canada, is pleased to announce that its president, John Costanzo has been named a 2015 Pro to Know by Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine.  The award recognizes supply chain executives that are leading initiatives to help prepare supply chains for the significant challenges of today’s business climate.

Costanzo has been instrumental in helping retailers, manufacturers and distributors respond to the rise in omni channel shipping. Purolator has set up multi-user logistics operations in Vancouver and Calgary and other parts of central Canada, allowing companies to avoid putting up another distribution center.  Purolator is also helping its customers gain better supply chain visibility with new technology and logistical capabilities that offer unprecedented insight into their component parts.

"I’m honored to receive this prestigious trade industry award," said Costanzo.  "Shipping and logistics can be a challenge for any organization operating in today’s demanding business environment.  I’m proud of the accomplishments we’ve made to help Purolator’s U.S. customers respond to demands for quick delivery, cost effective options, and better insight into component parts."  Under Costanzo’s direction, Purolator International works to form partnership with their customers to make their supply chain a competitive advantage leading to improved efficiency, reduced costs and a higher level of customer satisfaction and growth.

Since becoming President in 2001, Costanzo has taken Purolator International from a small U.S. freight forwarder to a leading provider of cross border services that offers expedited and economy Parcel and Freight Services, Transportation Management, Customs Brokerage, Warehouse and Returns Management, and more.  He has also successfully built Purolator’s U.S. growth and brand outside of Canada – opening 20 new, regional branches in the U.S. since 2001, giving Purolator International a presence in 30 U.S. markets.  While investing in this market expansion, Purolator International has maintained profitability and increased revenue by 40 percent.

Costanzo has built his career in the transportation and logistics industry, starting with the Emery Air Freight Corp. and moving on to TNT Post Group before taking on his leadership role at Purolator International.  Professionally active, Costanzo served as president of the logistics industry trade organization, Express Delivery & Logistics Association, from 2008 to 2011.   He currently serves on the board of the Long Island Association, and recently chaired the LIA’s Global NY Work Group, which focused on growth of Long Island’s economy and promotes development of manufacturing and exports.

Costanzo has also been instrumental in building Purolator International’s corporate responsibility program.  As a member of the board of United Way, Long Island, Costanzo and his employees collect goods and donations each year, and dedicate many hours to nonprofit organizations such as Long Island Cares.

The full list of the Supply & Demand Chain Executive 2015 Pros to Know Award winners will be published in the March issue.  This year’s list also includes the 2015 Provider Pros to Know - individuals offering products or services to help their supply chain clients or the supply chain community, and Practitioner Pros to Know, who do the same within their own companies.  More than 300 individual nominations were submitted for the 2015 Pros to Know Awards.   For more information on this listing, or to see the list of winners, visit: www.SDCExec.com.

About Purolator International

Purolator International is a subsidiary of Purolator Inc., Canada’s largest integrated parcel and freight delivery services provider.  Purolator International specializes in the air and surface forwarding of Express, Freight and Parcel shipments, customs brokerage, and fulfillment and delivery services to, from and within Canada.  Purolator International has received numerous industry awards for its superior service and innovative solutions, including the 2014 “100 Great Supply Chain Projects” by Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine, the 2013 and 2014 “Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners” list by Supply Chain Brain magazine, and Logistics Management’s  2012 Quest for Quality Award.

In addition to facilities throughout New York, Purolator International has locations in key U.S. markets including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Raleigh/Durham, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Saint Louis.

For more information about Purolator International, visit www.purolatorinternational.com.

About Supply & Demand Chain Executive

Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the executive's user manual for successful supply and demand chain transformation, utilizing hard-hitting analysis, viewpoints and unbiased case studies to steer executives and supply management professionals through the complicated, yet critical, world of supply and demand chain enablement to gain competitive advantage.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Retailers to President Obama: Bring the ILWU and PMA to Washington

WASHINGTON, February 20, 2015 – The National Retail Federation issued the following statement from Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold on the ongoing West Coast port contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA):

"It has been nearly a week since President Obama dispatched Labor Secretary Perez to the West Coast to help settle the protracted contract dispute between the ILWU and PMA. While the Secretary has said the meetings have been productive, we have yet to see a final deal.

"We understand the Secretary has given the parties a deadline to reach an agreement. If a deal is not reached today, we support the decision to move the negotiations to Washington and we call upon the president to personally engage in the discussions until an agreement is reached.

“The nation’s retailers and supply chain stakeholders cannot afford another week of uncertainty at the Pacific ports, where dozens upon dozens of ships and thousands of containers are held out at sea, and where hundreds of millions of dollars in consumer goods, inventory and merchandise sit idle.

"It is inconceivable that the parties are knowingly and willfully allowing the economy to be held hostage over a particular grievance, individual or issue. While the two sides debate a new contract, millions of American businesses and employers, large and small, and their employees are put at risk due to the impasse.

"The ILWU and PMA need to reach a final agreement today."

NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. NRF.com

LQ Board Announcement: Grant Hunt

LQ is pleased to announce that Grant Hunt has accepted LQ’s invitation to join its Advisory Board

Grant Hunt, Operations Manager, Amazon Fulfillment, has accepted LQ’s invitation to join its Advisory Board.  Grant has an extensive background in Supply Chain and Logistics, with 20 years of Operational experience.  In his current role, Grant is responsible for inbound operations at Amazon Fulfillment.  Previously, he has held senior Operational leadership roles in fields such as Consumer Packaged Goods, Retail, Third Party Logistics, Direct Mail & Print, Industrial Supplies and Not For Profit Charities.



About Amazon:

Amazon has created one of the most advanced fulfillment networks in the world, and your business can benefit from our expertise. With Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) you store your products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we pick, pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Best of all, FBA can help you scale your business and reach more customers—in a 2014 survey, 71% of FBA respondents reported that their unit sales increased on Amazon.com more than 20% since joining FBA.


LQ's Board:

As a resource for logisticians, academics and executives in other disciplines in the United States and Canada, LQ offers ideas for leadership in logistics, supply chain management and transportation, and provides a unique bridge between business, academia and practitioners. LQ’s Advisory Board and contributors afford authoritative thinking on the complex and fast-changing work of the logistics and supply chain management business - with a unique focus on best practices in the United States and Canada. LQ's Board plays a pivotal role in providing direction for LQ Magazine and LQ’s bi-annual Symposiums.

Friday, February 13, 2015

C.H. Robinson’s TMC Division Enters South American Marketplace

CHICAGO, IL. (Feb. 12, 2015) — TMC, a division of C.H. Robinson specializing in supply chain optimization, has expanded its operations to São Paulo, Brazil. TMC’s newest Global Control Tower® location complements the Chicago-based division’s other worldwide hubs in Amsterdam, Mumbai, Shanghai, and Wroclaw.

The location of the São Paulo control tower is beneficial as many of TMC’s current and prospective customers are large multinational shippers that have a presence in South America and are looking to achieve global supply chain visibility and control.

While the majority of C.H. Robinson’s revenues come from providing freight transportation services and global logistics solutions to companies of all sizes, the TMC division is focused on helping companies organize and optimize their supply chains through technology and process management – a category the company created in 1999 called Managed TMS®. This system blends the benefits of traditional logistics technology and third party (3PL) outsourcing through a cloud based global technology platform.

“TMC started out as an innovative concept 15 years ago and is now a central part of our global operations,” said C.H. Robinson CEO John Wiehoff. "The division’s success demonstrates that our customers are looking to C.H. Robinson to help them navigate the complex world of global supply chains with the end goals of increasing control, improving performance, and maximizing cost savings. We believe that our customers’ focus on supply chain optimization will continue to grow and sustain TMC’s impressive trajectory.”

TMC’s global operations are headquartered in Chicago and led by Jordan Kass, President of Managed Services. Kass founded the TMC division in 1999 and has built it into a global operation. Today, TMC employs more than 380 people worldwide who manage more than 4 million shipments totaling approximately $2.7 billion of freight under management.

Chris Brady was named Director of the São Paulo control tower and will lead a 50-person team focused on rapid growth based upon strong customer demand. Brady is a Certified Supply Chain Professional who has received Six Sigma Black Belt training. He has served as general manager of TMC Americas in Chicago for the past five years.

“Since the creation of this service and the evolution of our technology, I’ve seen supply chain optimization move from being a backroom issue to a boardroom issue,” said Kass. “Major trends such as globalization, complex multi-channel logistics networks, and supply chain talent shortages will continue to make supply chains a strategic focus for businesses of all sizes. The São Paulo expansion is the latest step in maintaining TMC’s leadership position in the field and providing our customers with the talent, control, and visibility they need for best-in-class global supply chain management.”

About TMC

C.H. Robinson offers Managed TMS® services through TMC, a global business unit with offices in Chicago, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Shanghai, Wroclaw, and São Paulo. Managed TMS® services provide shippers with expertise and technology that drive both immediate and sustained cost savings throughout their transportation networks. Core components of this service include Six Sigma-based process engineering, advanced TMS technology, and onsite TMS power-users who serve as an extension of the shipper's staff.  Over the past 15 years, TMC has exceeded client expectations for savings, productivity, supply chain improvements and carbon footprint reduction. For more information, visit http://www.mytmc.com.

About C.H. Robinson

Founded in 1905, C.H. Robinson is a global provider of multimodal logistics services, fresh produce sourcing, and information services to 46,000 customers through a network of more than 280 offices and over 11,000 employees around the world. The company works with 63,000 transportation providers worldwide. C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenues of $12.8 billion in 2013.

Through the company and its charitable foundation, C.H. Robinson and its employees contribute millions of dollars annually to a variety of organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Community Health Charities, American Red Cross, Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, and Global Impact. The company is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and has been publicly traded on the NASDAQ since 1997. For more information about C.H. Robinson, visit http://www.chrobinson.com.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Ontario Superior Court Rules in Proposed Canada Cartage Overtime Class Action Motion

Canada Cartage Overtime Class Action Motion Press Release

February 12, 2015 - Toronto, Ontario - The Ontario Superior Court has certified a class action filed against Canada Cartage.  The claim alleges the company failed to adequately pay overtime to its employees.

Justice Edward Belobaba ruled that the case meets the legal requirements to be certified as a class action.  This decision yesterday is not a ruling on the merits of the overtime claim but rather a procedural decision allowing the case to move forward as a class action.  The decision makes note that "The merits will be litigated (and Canada Cartage may well prevail) later at the common issues trial."  Canada Cartage intends to seek leave to appeal the certification decision.

"Our firm is proud of our 100-year record of strong employee relations.  Should this case move forward, we will defend it vigorously" said President and CEO Jeff Lindsay in a press release.

 About Canada Cartage

Founded in 1914, Canada Cartage is Canada's largest provider of outsourced fleet solutions, providing dedicated equipment and drivers to both small and large firms.  Canada Cartage also provides a complete range of supply chain and logistics services under its subsidiary companies including Direct Distribution Centres, Direct2Home home delivery services, and the Vanguard freight management division.

Announcement: February 19, 2015 CSCMP Toronto Roundtable Event

CSCMP Toronto Roundtable Event: The Key Supply Chain Trends for 2015 That You Need to Know 

Featuring Two Prominent Supply Chain Experts:

- Dan Gilmore Editor, Supply Chain Digest
- George Stalk, Senior Advisor,Boston Consulting Group (Toronto Office)

Topic: Key Supply Chain Trends for 2015 That You Need to Know

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2015: 5:00-6:00pm Networking | 6:00-9:00pm Dinner & Presentation

Venue: The Vue, 195 Galaxy Blvd., Toronto, ON, M9W 6R7

In business, one of the key challenges is keeping up to date on critical issues and trends that will most certainly affect your company and your career. Supply Chain is not immune. In fact there are important changes occurring and as professionals it’s important to be informed.

This “must attend” event will give you some new ways of thinking about the value of supply chain management and arm you with new tools and insights that can impact your business.

Key briefings:

- Mapping and modeling supply chains
- The omni-channel imperative
- Supply chain software in the Cloud

- Supply chain innovation
- Deep/ real collaboration

- Impacts of increasing congestion
- Emergence of the “two speed world”
- Volatility and Risk management

Following the briefings, our expert panel speakers will respond to a Q&A session. We look forward to seeing you.

To register online, please visit the applicable link below:
- Members: $75   http://bit.ly/SCTrends_Member
- Non-Members: $90   http://bit.ly/SCTrends_Non-Member
- Tables of 8: $600   http://bit.ly/SCTrends_Tableof8

Or Contact Elizabeth Galli: Tel: 905-629-3701 Ext. 230 Email: Elizabeth.galli@tsigroup.com