March 2, 2009, Mississauga, Ontario – The Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council (the CSCSC) has developed 10 draft occupational standards that are available online for review by the sector’s employers, educators and other stakeholders. (Five more standards are in development.) Comments on the standards will be accepted until May 29, 2009, after which the standards will be revised based on feedback, reviewed by the project’s Working Group, and presented to the CSCSC Research Committee and Board for approval. The standards are expected to be finalized and ready for use in October 2009.
Occupational standards describe what a person in a particular occupation must know and be able to do to be considered “competent” at that occupation. Standards are used primarily in human-resources management. They serve, for example, as guidelines for developing job descriptions, for designing and delivering training for the occupation, and to assist employers to explain their expectations to the people working for them. They are used as reference points against which actual practice can be judged. They are also used by educational institutions in the development of curriculum. Generally, occupational standards are a written statement of:
• The skills and abilities required to perform the job in a competent fashion;
• The core knowledge required to perform the job in a competent fashion; and
• The standards of ethical practice expected of practitioners in the occupation.
The CSCSC engaged the Canadian Standards Association (the CSA) to lead this occupational-standards-development project, which is unique in both its approach and format. While the norm for development of an individual occupational standard ranges from three to four years, the CSCSC’s Canadian supply chain occupational standards will have been developed concurrently in only 18 months, using a best-practices approach.
With the project’s Working Group, the CSA identified priority occupations – high-demand occupations or those that require an increased emphasis on training or skills development – from among the 26 NOC codes that identify occupations within the sector, then undertook a review of existing standards, occupational profiles developed by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and other sources to enable the development of seed documents for review by stakeholder focus groups across Canada. The “draft” documents currently available on the CSCSC’s website are those initial seed documents revised to reflect comments from focus-group participants.
The CSCSC’s draft standards, at an average of 8 to 12 pages in length, reflect industry’s desire for short, clear, simple and usable documents that outline key job tasks and essential knowledge and skills required by the occupation. The occupational standards have been designed for the potential future addition of information related, for example, to job descriptions and educational curriculum.
Upon completion of this project, the CSCSC will have developed 13 to 15 occupational standards, a fast-track process for the efficient development of occupational standards, and a list of priority actions for further work beyond this phase. A proposal has been submitted by the CSCSC to HRSDC for a second phase of this project, which would make possible the creation of a further 10 to 15 occupational standards for the supply chain sector.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Continuing voluntary environmental initiative improves port air quality
Maersk Line has announced that the company's environmental initiative to switch to cleaner fuel at North American West Coast ports has reached the milestone of the 1000th vessel call. 111 vessels have participated since the program inception in 2006. The initiative has reduced Maersk Line fleet's vessel-related air emissions by over 2,400 tons when calling the ports of Los Angeles and Oakland in California (US), Tacoma in Washington (US) and Vancouver in Canada. Maersk Line's pilot program is part of the company's on-going commitment to environmentally responsible operations. The program has been aligned with and supports the significant air quality improvement efforts by the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California's Goods Movement Action Plan, the California Air Resources Board initiatives and the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy to improve air quality in these ports.
This continuing initiative provides substantial reductions in key pollutants that have potential health effects. Maersk Line has achieved an 86% annual reduction in particulate matter, a 95% reduction in sulphur oxides (SOx), and a 12% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx). The first vessel that performed the fuel switch was SINE MÆRSK in Los Angeles on March 31, 2006. There were 212 switches in 2006, 351 in 2007, 425 in 2008 and 12 through January 20, 2009.
Maersk Line voluntarily switches from "bunker" fuel with relatively high sulphur content to low-sulphur distillate fuel on the main and auxiliary engines of its vessels while underway in port areas and in the auxiliaries while in California ports, and in the auxiliary engines while at dock in Tacoma and Vancouver. The details of the program vary depending on geography and specific port programs. The fuel switch enables the ports to achieve immediate emissions reductions, unlike shore-side power programs such as cold ironing that take years to implement on this scale. The company continues to research and develop a variety of vessel energy efficiencies and emission reduction technologies despite the changes of the economic outlook.
"In 2006, Maersk Line took an unprecedented step to reduce vessel air emissions by voluntarily converting to a lower polluting diesel fuel in our main and auxiliary engines in these ports," said Dr. Lee Kindberg, Director of the Environment for North America, Maersk Inc. "Maersk Line is convinced that mobile ship emission control solutions like fuel switches and catalytic converters provide great promise in effectively reducing emissions from ships in port areas. Mobile solutions can be implemented relatively rapidly, require no expensive shore infrastructure and do not shift emissions to other sources of power. This initiative has provided immediate air quality benefits at no cost to the taxpayer and without shifting air pollution to another source", she continued.
"Congratulations to Maersk Line for completing the 1000th vessel call to west coast ports using cleaner fuels. By voluntarily switching to low-sulphur distillate fuel, you have become the environmental leader in the shipping industry. California is a healthier state due to your commitment to cleaner air quality," said Alan Lowenthal, California State Senator (Chair, Senate Transportation and Housing Committee).
Maersk Line has received numerous awards for these efforts including the Clean Air Excellence Award from the San Pedro Bay Ports; the Clean Air Award for the Advancement of Air Pollution Technology from the South Coast Air Quality Management District; the Clean Air Leadership Award from the Coalition of Clean Air; and the Carrie Chapman Catt Leadership Award from the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles. The Port Metro Vancouver administers a Differentiated Harbor Dues Program that "promotes attainable emissions reduction goals for ocean-going vessels and rewards those who excel in environmental stewardship". Maersk Line has attained a Gold designation in this emission reduction program. Maersk Line is also participating in the Ports of Long Angeles/Long Beach Vessel Speed Reduction Program and the Main Engine Fuel Switch Incentive Program.
The cost of the program to Maersk Line has been over USD 18 million to date.
This continuing initiative provides substantial reductions in key pollutants that have potential health effects. Maersk Line has achieved an 86% annual reduction in particulate matter, a 95% reduction in sulphur oxides (SOx), and a 12% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx). The first vessel that performed the fuel switch was SINE MÆRSK in Los Angeles on March 31, 2006. There were 212 switches in 2006, 351 in 2007, 425 in 2008 and 12 through January 20, 2009.
Maersk Line voluntarily switches from "bunker" fuel with relatively high sulphur content to low-sulphur distillate fuel on the main and auxiliary engines of its vessels while underway in port areas and in the auxiliaries while in California ports, and in the auxiliary engines while at dock in Tacoma and Vancouver. The details of the program vary depending on geography and specific port programs. The fuel switch enables the ports to achieve immediate emissions reductions, unlike shore-side power programs such as cold ironing that take years to implement on this scale. The company continues to research and develop a variety of vessel energy efficiencies and emission reduction technologies despite the changes of the economic outlook.
"In 2006, Maersk Line took an unprecedented step to reduce vessel air emissions by voluntarily converting to a lower polluting diesel fuel in our main and auxiliary engines in these ports," said Dr. Lee Kindberg, Director of the Environment for North America, Maersk Inc. "Maersk Line is convinced that mobile ship emission control solutions like fuel switches and catalytic converters provide great promise in effectively reducing emissions from ships in port areas. Mobile solutions can be implemented relatively rapidly, require no expensive shore infrastructure and do not shift emissions to other sources of power. This initiative has provided immediate air quality benefits at no cost to the taxpayer and without shifting air pollution to another source", she continued.
"Congratulations to Maersk Line for completing the 1000th vessel call to west coast ports using cleaner fuels. By voluntarily switching to low-sulphur distillate fuel, you have become the environmental leader in the shipping industry. California is a healthier state due to your commitment to cleaner air quality," said Alan Lowenthal, California State Senator (Chair, Senate Transportation and Housing Committee).
Maersk Line has received numerous awards for these efforts including the Clean Air Excellence Award from the San Pedro Bay Ports; the Clean Air Award for the Advancement of Air Pollution Technology from the South Coast Air Quality Management District; the Clean Air Leadership Award from the Coalition of Clean Air; and the Carrie Chapman Catt Leadership Award from the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles. The Port Metro Vancouver administers a Differentiated Harbor Dues Program that "promotes attainable emissions reduction goals for ocean-going vessels and rewards those who excel in environmental stewardship". Maersk Line has attained a Gold designation in this emission reduction program. Maersk Line is also participating in the Ports of Long Angeles/Long Beach Vessel Speed Reduction Program and the Main Engine Fuel Switch Incentive Program.
The cost of the program to Maersk Line has been over USD 18 million to date.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Supply Chain Labour Market Information Updated: Will Enable Accurate Forecasting Down to the Local Level
February 20, 2009, Mississauga, Ontario – The Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council (the CSCSC) has responded to the needs of stakeholders with an update of labour-market information (LMI) achieved through a process developed to ensure that an accurate picture of the sector’s human resources is consistently captured in the future.
In a sector study completed in 2005, stakeholders identified the need to collect and monitor LMI as a high-priority action item. As a first follow-up step, the CSCSC completed a phase I LMI project in 2007 to gather input from the sector about the types of LMI that were most required. Two further LMI-related projects resulted: a phase II project, through which LMI tools are being developed for use by stakeholders, and the LMI-update and NOC-awareness project through which labour-market data has been updated to reflect the current state of the sector.
The 2005 study used data from the 2001 Canadian Census and a ratio, developed by Industry Canada, applied to an aggregate of the total labour market for the 26 NOC (National Occupational Classification) codes considered to comprise the sector. Through its LMI-update project, led by RDA Global, the CSCSC has defined the ratio used in the sector study and applied it to recent Labour Force Survey data to establish current statistics for the sector. Based on recent data, the sector now employs 732,000 Canadians, up from the 701,880 people estimated to work in the supply chain in 2004.
The new LMI-update process will enable an understanding of trends, overall and by occupation, on a national, regional or local level, and provide an accurate baseline in terms of labour supply that firms and educators can use for forecasting purposes. On a larger scale, the data can also be used in addressing issues related to inter-provincial mobility and labour-market transitions, for example.
NOC-Awareness Workshops
A second component of this project is aimed at boosting the use of NOC codes by the sector’s employers in their HR-management activities. Three information sessions will be held across Canada, as follows:
• Moncton – Wednesday, March 11
• Calgary – Wednesday, March 18
• Mississauga – Thursday, March 19
The Government of Canada’s NOC system provides a foundation for improving HR practices in the supply chain sector. Although the system is used regularly by many people as they compile, analyze and communicate information about occupations, awareness of the system is still relatively low. The CSCSC’s information sessions will highlight the benefits and encourage the use of NOC codes, which can be used, for example, by employers to:
• Write job descriptions
• Develop performance measures and evaluation programs
• Develop recruitment campaigns and retention strategies
• Identify training requirements
To participate in one of these information sessions, register with Margie Stefanich, by calling
905-897-6700 or 1-866-616-3468 or emailing mstefanich@supplychaincanada.org.
In a sector study completed in 2005, stakeholders identified the need to collect and monitor LMI as a high-priority action item. As a first follow-up step, the CSCSC completed a phase I LMI project in 2007 to gather input from the sector about the types of LMI that were most required. Two further LMI-related projects resulted: a phase II project, through which LMI tools are being developed for use by stakeholders, and the LMI-update and NOC-awareness project through which labour-market data has been updated to reflect the current state of the sector.
The 2005 study used data from the 2001 Canadian Census and a ratio, developed by Industry Canada, applied to an aggregate of the total labour market for the 26 NOC (National Occupational Classification) codes considered to comprise the sector. Through its LMI-update project, led by RDA Global, the CSCSC has defined the ratio used in the sector study and applied it to recent Labour Force Survey data to establish current statistics for the sector. Based on recent data, the sector now employs 732,000 Canadians, up from the 701,880 people estimated to work in the supply chain in 2004.
The new LMI-update process will enable an understanding of trends, overall and by occupation, on a national, regional or local level, and provide an accurate baseline in terms of labour supply that firms and educators can use for forecasting purposes. On a larger scale, the data can also be used in addressing issues related to inter-provincial mobility and labour-market transitions, for example.
NOC-Awareness Workshops
A second component of this project is aimed at boosting the use of NOC codes by the sector’s employers in their HR-management activities. Three information sessions will be held across Canada, as follows:
• Moncton – Wednesday, March 11
• Calgary – Wednesday, March 18
• Mississauga – Thursday, March 19
The Government of Canada’s NOC system provides a foundation for improving HR practices in the supply chain sector. Although the system is used regularly by many people as they compile, analyze and communicate information about occupations, awareness of the system is still relatively low. The CSCSC’s information sessions will highlight the benefits and encourage the use of NOC codes, which can be used, for example, by employers to:
• Write job descriptions
• Develop performance measures and evaluation programs
• Develop recruitment campaigns and retention strategies
• Identify training requirements
To participate in one of these information sessions, register with Margie Stefanich, by calling
905-897-6700 or 1-866-616-3468 or emailing mstefanich@supplychaincanada.org.
2008 Domestic Intermodal Posts Best Results Since 2004
2008 Domestic Intermodal Posts Best Results Since 2004: Fourth Quarter Shows Expected Declines; Domestic Loads Drop Slightly
CALVERTON, MD, February 20, 2009 – Domestic intermodal volume posted a solid 2.9% overall gain in 2008, according to the new Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics, a comprehensive intermodal volume data report published by the Intermodal Association of North America. Although overall volumes declined slightly by 2.1% in the fourth quarter, domestic container performance remained healthy through the end of 2008. While its overall growth slowed to 4.4% - less than a half of Q3’s gain – growth in 53-foot containers was an exceptionally strong 10% for the quarter.
International intermodal volume declined in every IANA region during Q4 2008; dropping a total of 11.1% and continuing its steady decline for the seventh consecutive quarter. This quarterly loss contributed to the largest year-over-year drop of intermodal loadings – 7% – since IANA began keeping quarterly records in 1998. International containers had been the main driver of intermodal growth prior to 2007.
CALVERTON, MD, February 20, 2009 – Domestic intermodal volume posted a solid 2.9% overall gain in 2008, according to the new Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics, a comprehensive intermodal volume data report published by the Intermodal Association of North America. Although overall volumes declined slightly by 2.1% in the fourth quarter, domestic container performance remained healthy through the end of 2008. While its overall growth slowed to 4.4% - less than a half of Q3’s gain – growth in 53-foot containers was an exceptionally strong 10% for the quarter.
International intermodal volume declined in every IANA region during Q4 2008; dropping a total of 11.1% and continuing its steady decline for the seventh consecutive quarter. This quarterly loss contributed to the largest year-over-year drop of intermodal loadings – 7% – since IANA began keeping quarterly records in 1998. International containers had been the main driver of intermodal growth prior to 2007.
DB Schenker expands its Vienna-Albern location
Hub for land transport, air and ocean freight and warehousing to be enlarged • Terminal to receive investment of about 13 million euros
(Essen/Vienna, February 20, 2009) DB Schenker is investing about 13 million euros to expand the logistics terminal in Vienna-Albern operated by Schenker & Co AG. The site primarily serves as a hub for land transport, air, and ocean freight and is also a warehouse logistics location. The existing facility had reached its capacity limits.
“Vienna-Albern is a perfect location for our Eastern European routes and a hub for imports and exports between other parts of Europe and the world. These were the reasons to invest in the future and expand this terminal,” said Karl Nutzinger, member of the Board of Management of Schenker AG, responsible for the European Land Transport business unit in Europe.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new 4,100 square meter freight-handling hall took place on February 12th. After the expansion has been completed the site will offer customers a 16,400 square meter logistics warehouse as well as an 8,400 square meter freight handling hall, located on a site with about 82,300 square meters in total space. The freight handling hall is equipped with an under floor chain conveyor system that has a capacity of approximately 590 palettes per hour. The new facility will also have the latest equipment to put together and deconsolidate airfreight palettes.
As part of efforts to reduce CO2 emissions throughout the entire DB Group by 20 percent until the year 2020, the previous oil heating unit used at the Albern site will be replaced with a CO2-neutral, wood chip heating system, an investment of 600,000 euros.
(Essen/Vienna, February 20, 2009) DB Schenker is investing about 13 million euros to expand the logistics terminal in Vienna-Albern operated by Schenker & Co AG. The site primarily serves as a hub for land transport, air, and ocean freight and is also a warehouse logistics location. The existing facility had reached its capacity limits.
“Vienna-Albern is a perfect location for our Eastern European routes and a hub for imports and exports between other parts of Europe and the world. These were the reasons to invest in the future and expand this terminal,” said Karl Nutzinger, member of the Board of Management of Schenker AG, responsible for the European Land Transport business unit in Europe.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new 4,100 square meter freight-handling hall took place on February 12th. After the expansion has been completed the site will offer customers a 16,400 square meter logistics warehouse as well as an 8,400 square meter freight handling hall, located on a site with about 82,300 square meters in total space. The freight handling hall is equipped with an under floor chain conveyor system that has a capacity of approximately 590 palettes per hour. The new facility will also have the latest equipment to put together and deconsolidate airfreight palettes.
As part of efforts to reduce CO2 emissions throughout the entire DB Group by 20 percent until the year 2020, the previous oil heating unit used at the Albern site will be replaced with a CO2-neutral, wood chip heating system, an investment of 600,000 euros.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Vava Dimond Honored for Exemplary Technology Leadership
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Jan. 16, 2007 — Schneider National, Inc., a premier provider of transportation, logistics and intermodal services, today announced that Vava Dimond, vice president of applications development, has been selected as one of Computerworld's Premier 100 IT Leaders for 2007. Dimond and her fellow honorees will be recognized at Computerworld's upcoming Premier 100 IT Leaders Conference, being held March 4-6, 2007 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, Calif.
Dimond was selected as a Premier 100 IT Leader from nearly 500 nominees who were measured against Computerworld's IT Leadership Index and evaluated by the editors and by an external panel of judges. The Index weighs a set of characteristics that describes executives who guide the effective use of IT in their organizations.
Recently, Dimond led efforts to formalize a master data management program in order to correct customer data quality issues. Through the program, the company defined enterprise standards for data collection and cleansed the system to form the repository for all customer master data. The initiative was designed to serve as the foundational piece for Schneider's overall customer relationship management (CRM) strategy.
"The professionals honored in Computerworld's 2007 Premier 100 IT Leaders program, and by extension the organizations they represent, are clearly mindful of their role and obligation as leaders of the global IT community,” said Don Tennant, editor in chief, Computerworld. "Their willingness to brave the scrutiny of the limelight as they share their experiences with their peers has won out respect, appreciation and deep admiration.”
"Vava has a strong track record of success here at Schneider, and we are extremely pleased she is being recognized for her hard work,” said Judy Lemke, executive vice president and chief information officer at Schneider National. "Her ability to use technology to add value to the business is a key strength and asset to our organization.”
The complete list of Computerworld's Premier 100 IT Leaders of 2007 can be found online at www.premier100.com and in the Dec. 11, 2006, issue of Computerworld. This special issue highlights the challenges IT leaders expect to face in the coming year, including developing their staff's skills, mapping current IT initiatives with the top priorities of their CEOs and driving innovation.
About Schneider National, Inc.
Schneider National, Inc. is a premier provider of truckload, logistics and intermodal services. Serving more than two-thirds of the FORTUNE 500® companies, Schneider National offers the broadest portfolio of services in the industry. The company's transportation and logistics solutions include One-Way, Intermodal, Transportation Management, Dedicated, Bulk and Specialized. With wholly owned subsidiaries Schneider Logistics, American Port Services and American Overseas Air Freight, Schneider National is the only truckload carrier to offer customers end-to-end domestic and international logistics solutions.
Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., Schneider National has provided expert transportation and logistics solutions for more than 70 years. A $3.5 billion company, Schneider National conducts business in more than 28 countries in North America, Europe and Asia, and continues to grow its international service offerings. For more information about Schneider National visit www.schneider.com or call (800) 558-6767.
About Computerworld
Computerworld is recognized worldwide as the premier source for news, information and opinion on the critical technology and management issues affecting senior technology professionals. Computerworld's award-winning weekly publication, Computerworld.com Web site, focused conference series and custom research, form the hub of the world's largest (58-edition) global IT media network. In the past five years alone, Computerworld has won more than 100 awards, including the 2004 and 2006 Magazine of the Year Award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors and Folio Magazine's 2006 Gold EDDIE Award for the best technology/computing magazine. Computerworld has an online audience of over 1.9 million unique monthly visitors (Omniture) and a total print audience of 1,337,000 (IntelliQuest CIMS Spring 2006). Computerworld is on the Web at www.computerworld.com.
Dimond was selected as a Premier 100 IT Leader from nearly 500 nominees who were measured against Computerworld's IT Leadership Index and evaluated by the editors and by an external panel of judges. The Index weighs a set of characteristics that describes executives who guide the effective use of IT in their organizations.
Recently, Dimond led efforts to formalize a master data management program in order to correct customer data quality issues. Through the program, the company defined enterprise standards for data collection and cleansed the system to form the repository for all customer master data. The initiative was designed to serve as the foundational piece for Schneider's overall customer relationship management (CRM) strategy.
"The professionals honored in Computerworld's 2007 Premier 100 IT Leaders program, and by extension the organizations they represent, are clearly mindful of their role and obligation as leaders of the global IT community,” said Don Tennant, editor in chief, Computerworld. "Their willingness to brave the scrutiny of the limelight as they share their experiences with their peers has won out respect, appreciation and deep admiration.”
"Vava has a strong track record of success here at Schneider, and we are extremely pleased she is being recognized for her hard work,” said Judy Lemke, executive vice president and chief information officer at Schneider National. "Her ability to use technology to add value to the business is a key strength and asset to our organization.”
The complete list of Computerworld's Premier 100 IT Leaders of 2007 can be found online at www.premier100.com and in the Dec. 11, 2006, issue of Computerworld. This special issue highlights the challenges IT leaders expect to face in the coming year, including developing their staff's skills, mapping current IT initiatives with the top priorities of their CEOs and driving innovation.
About Schneider National, Inc.
Schneider National, Inc. is a premier provider of truckload, logistics and intermodal services. Serving more than two-thirds of the FORTUNE 500® companies, Schneider National offers the broadest portfolio of services in the industry. The company's transportation and logistics solutions include One-Way, Intermodal, Transportation Management, Dedicated, Bulk and Specialized. With wholly owned subsidiaries Schneider Logistics, American Port Services and American Overseas Air Freight, Schneider National is the only truckload carrier to offer customers end-to-end domestic and international logistics solutions.
Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., Schneider National has provided expert transportation and logistics solutions for more than 70 years. A $3.5 billion company, Schneider National conducts business in more than 28 countries in North America, Europe and Asia, and continues to grow its international service offerings. For more information about Schneider National visit www.schneider.com or call (800) 558-6767.
About Computerworld
Computerworld is recognized worldwide as the premier source for news, information and opinion on the critical technology and management issues affecting senior technology professionals. Computerworld's award-winning weekly publication, Computerworld.com Web site, focused conference series and custom research, form the hub of the world's largest (58-edition) global IT media network. In the past five years alone, Computerworld has won more than 100 awards, including the 2004 and 2006 Magazine of the Year Award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors and Folio Magazine's 2006 Gold EDDIE Award for the best technology/computing magazine. Computerworld has an online audience of over 1.9 million unique monthly visitors (Omniture) and a total print audience of 1,337,000 (IntelliQuest CIMS Spring 2006). Computerworld is on the Web at www.computerworld.com.
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