By TAGG Logistics

What measures has your fulfillment center taken in Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance?

Think about the logistics behind your healthcare products.  Whether you sell supplements, durable medical equipment, surgical devices, over-the-counter remedies or any other product related to health and wellness, are you confident in the safety of your goods once they leave the manufacturing plant? 

Gone are the days when you could pick a fulfillment partner solely on how cheap or how fast they can deliver an order.  Today’s healthcare company must also evaluate their supply chain to ensure quality and compliance in a growing regulatory environment. 

What does your logistics provider have in place to address quality assurance and regulatory compliance?  Do you know your healthcare supply chain?

Quality Assurance

Quality assurance refers to the methods your fulfillment center has in place of ensuring quality, such as product safety and order accuracy.  These methods are typically defined in a Quality Management System (QMS) that complies with the high standards healthcare companies require. Your fulfillment center should have a Quality Management System that addresses the specific needs of healthcare products and includes;

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) documentation and regular audits of those standards - not just order picking and packaging, but processes for inbound quality checks, facility cleaning, personnel hygiene, etc…
• A Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) process in place to formally address and resolve identified areas of non-conformance
• Developed metrics to assist in the management and continuous improvement of quality standards
• Professionals in the organization solely dedicated to quality and independent from daily fulfillment operations

Regulatory Compliance

In conjunction with quality controls, your fulfillment operations must also manage being in compliance with all applicable regulatory standards.  In fact, it would be unlikely that a company could adhere to the regulatory standards guiding healthcare supply chains without a robust dedication to quality assurance.  The US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rules are established in Title 21 of the CFR (Code of Federal Regulations).  Within 21 CFR are the various subchapters that regulate the food and drug supply chain, from manufacturing to storage to delivery of product to the end-user.  Regulatory compliance under 21 CFR does introduces several levels of scrutiny that need to be specifically addressed by your logistics partner.

Subchapter B – Parts 100 – 191 Food for Human Consumption

      Part 110 - Current Good Manufacturing practice in manufacturing, packaging or holding human food

Part 111 - Current Good Manufacturing practice in manufacturing, packaging, labeling or holding operations for dietary supplements

Subchapter C – Parts 200 – 299 Drugs

      Part 210 - Current Good Manufacturing practice in manufacturing, processing, packaging or holding of drugs

Part 211 - Current Good Manufacturing practice in finished pharmaceuticals

Subchapter H – Parts 800 – 898 Medical Devices

Part 821 - Medical device tracking requirements

• Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) Compliance

cGMP refers to the Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations enforced by the FDA to ensure the safety of healthcare products.  cGMP includes establishing strong quality management systems with well conceived and defined processes and procedures.  cGMP requirements are flexible in order to allow each company to decide individually how to best implement the necessary controls specific to their operations.

• Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Readiness

Companies that store product off-site with a third-party warehouse should ensure the safety of their products and compliance with the FSMA.  Most supplements and other ingestible healthcare products are considered ‘food’ for the purpose of the Act.  Therefore, companies providing these products need to qualify their fulfillment centers and review procedures, including environmental controls, pest management and sanitation. 

• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Plan

A HACCP plan is important to creating a safe and secure healthcare supply chain and enhancing FSMA readiness.  At its core, the purpose of the HACCP plan is to identify hazards to food safety and create controls and procedures to prevent or minimize those hazards. 

• Recall/Traceability Plan

As healthcare products travel along the supply chain from manufacturer, through the warehouse to the end-user, the ability to track and trace product must be maintained.  A key component of this is having a fulfillment center that is capable of tracking data points such as manufacturing lots or medical device serial numbers.  In addition, these data points must be reliable and easily accessible.  Regular mock recalls are a good test to ensure proper traceability.   

• Facility Audits

Third party validation of the internal procedures and quality management systems of a healthcare supply chain are essential to maintain the high-level of standards put on healthcare product providers.  There are a variety of organizations that will provide audits of the fulfillment center to desired levels and/or specifications.

Companies selling healthcare products need to be completely aware of the safety and integrity of their products, not just during production, but also as those products move through the entire supply chain.  Don’t just concern yourself with the quality assurance and regulatory compliance of your manufacturer.  Know how your fulfillment center addresses these as well.  Know your healthcare supply chain!

HOLMDEL, NJ -- The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) is seeking nominations for the 2015 annual Connie Award to be held at a luncheon on December 7 at The Newark Club.
 
Named for the container, the Connie Award has been presented annually since 1972 to those who have made outstanding contributions to the containerization and intermodal industry, involved with rail, shipping, ports, importers and exporters, 3PLs, technology, government officials and the media.
 
"We are seeking nominations of deserving industry leaders that have made an positive impact on the industry and its future," said Michael DiVirgilio, CII President.
 
Deadline for nominations for the Connie Award luncheon is August 3rd, 2015. To nominate a person or company, contact CII Executive Director, Barbara Yeninas, at execdir@containerization.org or call 732-817-9131. Each nomination will need a brief justification.
 
In Long Beach, the Connie Award dinner will honor the Honorable Mario Cordero, Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission. Tay Yoshitani, past CEO of the Port of Seattle, will receive the Lifetime Achievement award on September 29th at the Renaissance Hotel. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available.
 
In addition to the awards, CII presents scholarships to deserving students studying logistics or transportation at each event
 
About Containerization & Intermodal Institute
Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII), a non-profit organization founded in 1960, promotes industry awareness, preserves the history of intermodalism, and engages scholarly interest in the field by organizing educational conferences and seminars, serving as an information resource, providing networking opportunities, offering career guidance, arranging internships and facilitating scholarships. For more information, visit www.containerization.org

SINGAPORE – 2 July 2015 – Agility, a leading global logistics provider, has appointed Detlev Janik as CEO for its South Asia Area. In this role, Janik will be responsible for leading Agility’s Global Integrated Logistics business in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Janik joins Agility with more than 35 years of experience in the logistics industry, including over 30 years based in India and South East Asia.

“The South Asia region, with its large and fast-growing markets, is immensely important to Agility and we invested early to develop a significant presence. We are very pleased to have Detlev come onboard to help drive growth in our business across India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan,” said Chris Price, CEO, Agility Asia Pacific.

Prior to joining Agility, Janik was the Regional Director of Dachser in Singapore, where he was responsible for its South Asia and South East Asia operations. He was previously CEO of Dachser India Pvt. Ltd.

A native of Germany, Janik is a graduate of BS GAV in Bremen, Germany. He first moved to Asia in 1982 and has held positions with Hermann Ludwig (now Geodis), Footwork Hamacher, ABX Logistics and Hansameyer Freight Forwarders. He has wide experience across many Asian countries. Janik will be based in Mumbai, India.

About Agility

Agility brings efficiency to supply chains in some of the globe’s most challenging environments, offering unmatched personal service, a global footprint and customized capabilities in developed and developing economies alike. Agility is one of the world’s leading providers of integrated logistics. It is a publicly traded company with more than $4.8 billion in revenue and more than 20,000 employees in over 500 offices across 100 countries. Agility’s core commercial business, Global Integrated Logistics (GIL), provides supply chain solutions to meet traditional and complex customer needs. GIL offers air, ocean and road freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, and specialized services in project logistics, fairs and events, and chemicals. Agility’s Infrastructure group of companies manages industrial real estate and offers logistics-related services, including e-government customs optimization and consulting, waste management and recycling, aviation and ground-handling services, support to governments and ministries of defense, remote infrastructure and life support.For more information about Agility, visit Agility.com

Less than a month remains until this year’s 3PL Summit and Chief Supply Chain Officer Forum – Brazil & Latin America. 

The 2015 event unites executives of the highest calibre from key logistics providers, as well as senior supply chain executive representatives from leading retailers and manufacturers.

The 3PL Summit & Chief Supply Chain Officer Forum– Brazil & Latin America (São Paulo, August 11-12) is a unique networking and learning opportunity, bringing together the biggest names in the logistics and supply chain scene.  CEOs and regional heads at leading logistics companies, including UPS, Ingram Micro, TNT and Grupo Mirassol will be in attendance, sharing their insight on the changing face of the logistics and supply chain industry.
They will be joined by their supply chain customers from a number of top retail and manufacturing brands such as General Motors, Coty, Tigre and Pirelli. You will also get a unique take on supply chain planning by S&OP Champion Marcelo Amaral Mendes, LatAm Supply Chain Director at Bayer CropScience.

Event Director, Sophie Farrow, stated “Latin America boasts a vast array of natural resources and internal consumption is flourishing. The region now features heavily in the global manufacturing strategy of many large international corporations and is attracting significant foreign finance. Despite the slowing growth, genuine investment opportunities still remain. This is the ideal opportunity for senior executives in the logistics and supply chain industry to come together to discuss how they can take advantage of some of the game-changers.”

Expert advice, from logistics and supply chain executives with decades of combined expertise, will provide attendees an unparalleled opportunity to get to the crux of all the issues on the logistics and supply chain agenda.  

Register via the secure link below to book your place amongst these senior transport executives and their supply chain customers.  You can save up to $300 off current prices by registering before 17th July. 

For further information please contact the event director, Sophie Farrow, at sfarrow@eft.com or +44207 375 7587.

Shipedge is shaking up the fulfillment industry as the first on demand cloud-based OMS + WMS with OmniChannel capabilities.

Raleigh, NC: Shipedge is announcing today its official launch as a software startup offering the worlds most comprehensive and scalable software platform for fulfillment companies and 3PLs. As a seamlessly integrated all-in-one software solution for 3PLs. Shipedge was born as a proprietary Order Management System (OMS) to run the company’s own fulfillment network, which focused on aggregating eCommerce merchants to leverage economies of scale in warehousing and logistics.  Rather than creating an OMS to integrate with a Warehouse Management System (WMS), Shipedge built a WMS inside the OMS solution.  Later, that WMS grew in features, but because it was originally built inside the OMS, it can share all its information and functionality with multiple trading partners.

The problem that the fulfillment industry has been having for years is the absence of a scalable, reliable, accurate and efficient software platform to handle all their operations and increase proficiency. Merchants and 3PLs alike have had to create these piecemeal solutions by combining multiple different software platforms to run their operations which many times resulted in loss of accuracy and efficiency in having to switch between different software systems for different tasks and parts of the process and having to transfer over their data over these different software platforms while having to learn and teach their workforce how to operate each individual one. Shipedge is the obvious solution to this problem and accomplishes accuracy and efficiency in the work process and provides an immense return on investment for the 3PL organizations.

The result of years of analysis, research and development in tackling this problem is a cutting-edge web-based OmniChannel fulfillment solution, capable of automating all merchant channel actions while exchanging order and inventory data with a warehouse.  The warehouse activities are completely streamlined for maximum efficiency thanks to an optimized workflow, integrations with label printers, and wireless barcode scanners working on Shipedge’s native android app.  Shipedge integrates with multiple selling channels, including a P.O.S.(Point of Sales) system on the OMS side and with all major shipping carriers on the WMS side.  This solution is revolutionary for third party logistics companies (3PLs) as warehouses can share customers, typically eCommerce Retailers and as a result, Shipedge provides merchants the best logistics solution to compete with Amazon and its FBA solution.  

Shipedge contains some great features and capabilities for 3PLs and distribution centers including the following:

• 3PL Warehouse Management System – WMS
• OmniChannel Order Management System – OMS
• Supply Chain with Inventory Forecasting – ERP
• Multifunction Android-Native Application For Bluetooth Barcode Scanners
• Returns & Exchanges Capabilities (Self-service RMA)
• Multi-Carrier Shipping Station with Rate Shop
• Multi-Location Distribution Centers for Geo-SavingsTM
• Labor Management + High Level Security

About Shipedge:

Shipedge is a software platform that has been in development by Jose Flores and his development team since 2008. At first Shipedge managed its own fulfillment warehouse network. At the end of 2014, the company sold its fulfillment warehouses and it now focuses purely on its software.  The solution was created as both an order management system and a warehouse management system all in one. Shipedge aims to solve the absence of an obvious software platform for 3PLs that need a reliable and accurate software system to manage their entire fulfillment operations. Today Shipedge powers numerous warehouses across the United States and has allowed their clients to increase accuracy across the board while increasing the speed and productivity of their operations dramatically. Shipedge continues to grow and add newer features as it continues its journey to becoming the number one WMS and OMS cloud-based platform available.

http://www.shipedge.com

Bangkok, Thailand (July 03, 2015) -- X2 Group of Professional Logistics Networks, a global network of professional logistics specialists, today announced the debut of the newest addition to its comprehensive platform, X2 Pay.

X2 Pay is a unique company-to-company financial transaction system intended specifically to facilitate instantaneous payments between members of the X2 Logistics Networks. This service has just gone live and is exclusively intended for use between the members of X2.

X2 Pay will ease the payment process between members regardless of their location while substantially decreasing transaction costs, potentially saving thousands of dollars annually. The X2 Pay service is accessible to all its members with a computer or any mobile device with a data connection. It also features multiple currencies including USD, EUR and GBP.
The launch of the new service is primarily to provide a better transaction experience for X2 members and part of the networks’ continuing efforts to enhance the quality of services offered to its members.

X2 Group of Professional Logistics Networks continues to implement new systems and tools to promote each member and is looking for more extensive programs to further develop trade and collaboration within the network.

For further informaiton visit http://x2logisticsnetworks.com/

Global Logistics System (“GLS”) welcomes Adria Airways to the EzyPostTM community after the airline successfully cut over to the single platform, UPU compliant solution with integration to multiple Postal Administrations.

Adria Airways, the airline of Slovenia and a member of the Star Alliance, is expanding its business cooperation with the Slovenian Post and other Postal Authorities, has chosen EzyPostTM to manage its postal consignments.

EzyPostTM provides Adria Airways the tool to exchange CARDIT & RESDIT with post offices, process mail consignments, monitor mail operations and deviations, build performance reports for business analysis and drives service improvements. EzyPostTM also generate data to support post office invoicing and claim processing.

“GLS is very pleased to have our second European carrier joining EzyPostTM,” Global Logistics System CEO Mr. Terry Lo said. “We would like to thank the Adria’s management in their full support to a very smooth implementation.  EzyPostTM facilitates the monitoring and tracking of Adria’s postal consignments, therefore providing timely shipment status and quality data to its customers.  We look forward to seeing EzyPostTM helps Adria Airways in growing the related business.”

“Adria Airways, the airline of Slovenia, is proud to establish partnership with Global Logistics System (HK) Co., Ltd.  Using their EzyPostTM product will help us manage mail shipments which are transported all over Europe,“ said Mr. Miha Biscak, Head of Cargo Department at Adria Airways .

“Adria Airways is based at Ljubljana airport and connects 21 cities throughout Europe, offers connections between Western and Southeastern Europe on its network of flights as well as connections between Slovenia and destinations worldwide via other European hubs through the cooperation with its partner airlines.  Altogether this presents more than 193 destinations worldwide.

As Star Alliance member, we are striving to offer the best service possible to all our customers, and now with EzyPostTM we can improve the level of cooperation with all our Post service partners.

We are looking forward to this partnership and our future business development with the help of the well-established EzyPostTM product.”

The cut over connects Adria Airways to 12 postal offices including the Slovenian Post, USPS, Macedonia Post and the Czech Republic Post.  Implementation will continue to connect the airline with other postal administrations whenever they are ready.

About Global Logistics System (HK) Co. Ltd

Global Logistics System (HK) Co., Ltd is one of the world’s leading e-freight solution providers for the electronic information exchange for the airfreight industry players, including airlines and freight forwarders.  A Strategic Partner of the IATA e-freight project, Global Logistics System is the Asia’s first CDMP service provider certified by Cargo 2000.  The full suites of products include EzyCargoTM, EzyFreightTM, EzyCustomsTM, EzyPostTM, and EDMPTM.

CMA CGM GEORG FORSTER, the CMA CGM Group’s largest vessel and largest UK flag containership in the world calls Southampton for the first time

• A 18,000 TEUs capacity for the CMA CGM Group’s largest vessel
• The sisterships CMA CGM GEORG FORSTER and CMA CGM KERGUELEN are the largest UK flag containerships in the world

The CMA CGM Group, one of the world’s leading global containers shipping companies, is pleased to announce that the CMA CGM GEORG FORSTER called England for the first time on July 6th.

With its 1,305 ft. (398m) length and 177 ft. (54m) width, the CMA CGM GEORG FORSTER not only is, with her sistership the CMA CGM KERGUELEN, the CMA CGM Group’s largest containership, but it is also the largest UK flag vessel sailing the seas.

This gigantic vessel has a 18,000 TEUs (twenty feet equivalent) capacity: all containers placed together would totalize the distance between London and Southampton. Its size is above the height of the Empire State Building, wider than an Olympic pool, and its thrust is equivalent to the one of 10 Airbus A380 altogether.

The CMA CGM GEORG FORSTER will be christened in Hamburg on July 9th.

Calling 11 different countries, the CMA CGM GEORG FORSTER is positioned on one of the most emblematic lines of the CMA CGM Group. The FAL joins Europe to Asia.

In a globalized economy, this gigantic vessel has the capacity to transport almost 200,000 tons of goods between European, Middle East and Asian markets.

The CMA CGM GEORG FORSTER is equipped with the latest environmental technologies: an engine of the latest generation, a twisted leading edge rudder with bulb, an optimized hull design… Those innovations decrease the CMA CGM GEORG FORSTER CO2 emissions by 10% compared to the previous vessel generation. With an estimated emission of 37g of CO2/km for each container, the CMA CGM GEORG FORSTER is one of the greenest goods transport means in the world. Furthermore, in accordance with the CMA CGM Group’s commitment, the CMA CGM GEORG FORSTER environmental footprint responds to the 2025 energy efficiency regulations.

About CMA CGM

CMA CGM, founded and led by Jacques R. Saadé is a worldwide leading shipping group. Its 468 vessels call more than 400 ports in the world, on all 5 continents. In 2014, they carried 12.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). CMA CGM has grown continuously, and has been constantly innovating to offer its clients new sea, land and logistics solutions. With a presence in 150 countries, through its 655 agencies network, the Group employs 20,000 people worldwide, including 2,400 in its headquarter in Marseilles.

HOLMDEL, NJ (July 15, 2015) -- In the public relations agency business where long-term relationships are a rarity, Barbara Spector Yeninas and her company, BSY Associates Inc., are marking the ongoing 40-year partnership with Taiwan-based global ocean carrier Evergreen Marine Corporation and its U. S. -based agency, Evergreen Shipping Agency (America) Corporation (Jersey City, NJ).

"Retaining a solid long-term client-agency relationship is a delicate process," says Yeninas, who founded her business-to-business firm in 1974, now headquartered in Holmdel, NJ. "From the start, we understood the brand and over the years, we have it in our soul."  Starting with just four newly built containerships serving the Asia-U. S. East Coast trade, Evergreen Line now operates more than 200 vessels in every world trade across six continents.

The secret, she says, is to deliver fresh ideas, thought leadership, creativity and responsiveness that mean bottom-line results for Evergreen, now one of the largest ocean carriers in the world. "That includes how to best allocate budget dollars. We will not recommend projects for the sake of our own bottom line. We believe in partnership before profit. It also means we manage expectations with trust. Honesty prevails.  Our client must be clear about what they expect and we must be truthful about what we can deliver."

Captain S. Y. Kuo, now an Evergreen Group Vice Group Chairman, notes that from the beginning, "Barbara understood our goals and our sense of family and loyalty to our customers and our vendors. Her maritime journalism skills and entrepreneurial style helped present our story clearly and with integrity over the years, both for our Taiwan headquarters and here as well," he says. "We celebrate this anniversary along with the BSYA team."

Captain Kuo was there on that July day in 1975 when the contract was signed. And in 2008, he made the presentation when Ms. Yeninas was awarded a Lifetime Achievement honor by the Containerization & Intermodal Institute, an industry organization. Over the years, Yeninas has visited the Taiwan headquarters a dozen times, collaborating with the organization on many levels, including Evergreen Group Chairman Dr. Y. F. Chang, who founded the company in 1968 and remains its leader.

Ms. Yeninas notes that longevity has been the hallmark of her company. "At present, in addition to Evergreen, we have one client with us since 1980 and another since 1985. These long-term connections cultivate a synergy that cannot be replicated."

Considered one of the world trade and transportation's premier agencies over the years, BSYA opened its doors when the maritime industry was considered a male bastion. Women have since found open doors in the industry. Having built her reputation as a maritime editor for the long-defunct Newark Evening News, she found that her company was accepted early on and over the years has represented some of the top brands-from ocean carriers to international ports to trucking lines, freight forwarders, technology companies and myriad industry organizations, for whom the company does marketing communications, and event planning.  "We have represented many entities that were not within this niche as our talent is in what we do and I believe we do it well."  But the art of moving cargo and globalization has long captivated BSYA. "We like to say: If you use the sea, see us."

About Evergreen: Evergreen (www.evergreen-marine.com) offers global exporters and importers a wide variety of options to move containerized cargo in all-water service to and from all six continents using a state-of-the-art fleet of some 200 containerships. Customer-centric, the ocean carrier has been acknowledged for its ocean and customer service and its environmental achievements. Founded in 1968, Evergreen Line commenced its containerized ocean shipping service in 1975 and has grown to be one of the largest such companies in the world. Its U. S. agency (www.evergreen-shipping.com) is in the New York area in Jersey City, NJ.

About BSYA: Headquartered in Holmdel, NJ, BSY Associates Inc. is an award-winning marketing agency offering marketing communications, public relations, advertising, out-sourced marketing consulting, corporate communications and promotional services to companies worldwide. Started by Barbara Spector Yeninas in 1974, BSYA continues to lead -- exceeding expectations for clients attracted to the agency's expertise and entrepreneurial style. Ms. Yeninas is the recipient of many honors, including Top 50 Businesswomen in NJ by NJBiz Magazine and in 2000, NJ Businesswoman of the Year.

McLeod Software now seamlessly integrates with LoadDex, Logistical Labs' cloud-based freight market pricing platform, to benefit mutual customers.

Birmingham, AL and Chicago – July 7, 2015 – McLeod Software, a leading provider of transportation and logistics solutions; and Logistical Labs, a cloud-based supply chain software provider, today announced a partnership to integrate Logistical Labs' pricing platform, LoadDex, with McLeod's freight brokerage operations management system, PowerBroker™. The integration allows PowerBroker users to access LoadDex via the Quick Quote screen to more efficiently make strategic decisions about pricing and mode selection.

"When it comes to sending quotes to customers, speed is critical," said Robert Brothers, Manager of Product Development for McLeod. "By using the LoadDex feature in McLeod, users can quickly compare truckload rates with intermodal rates to find the best option, without having to re-type search criteria in multiple systems. With one search, they have all the information they need to deliver an accurate quote to their customers faster than ever before."

Logistical Labs' LoadDex aggregates pricing information for any given route and empowers users to make strategic decisions about pricing and mode selection. LoadDex collects relevant historical, social, and external pricing data through interactive tools to quickly compare and accurately track rates. LoadDex users can analyze multiple years of data—thousands of data points from disparate systems—in less than two seconds to find the most efficient and cost-effective option.

"Because of this integration, our mutual customers will benefit from faster, less repetitive workflows," said Chris Ricciardi, Chief Product Officer of Logistical Labs. "We're excited that this integration will help our customers gain a competitive edge when it comes to pricing."

About McLeod Software

McLeod Software is the leading provider of transportation and logistics solutions for CRM, dispatch operations, EDI, accounting, fleet, carrier and driver management, business process automation, visual workflow, and document management systems, all specifically developed for trucking. McLeod Software's advanced transportation management solutions and services enable our customers to increase their efficiencies while reducing costs. For more information, please visit www.McLeodSoftware.com.

About Logistical Labs

Logistical Labs creates innovative technology that takes the complexity out of shipping and opens up new possibilities across the supply chain. Logistical Labs' pricing platform, LoadDex, is an intuitive web-based tool that aggregates less-than-truckload, truckload, and intermodal rates with a single search. Using LoadDex, users can make better-informed pricing and quoting decisions through data-driven insights and social collaboration. Open API access allows users to easily integrate LoadDex into their existing business applications for improved process efficiency. For more information, visit www.logisticallabs.com.

By Bob Williams

"How'd it go while I was on vacation, Dick?", Jane asked.

Dick hesitated, then mumbled "Something's up, but I've not been able to put my finger on it..."

"Something? Like what?" Jane was clearly curious.

"It's almost as if the sales team has put it on cruise control. New accounts are way down, and even growth from existing customers seems to be suffering", Dick lamented... "It started even before you left", Dick continued, "but I think it's gotten worse, and I can't quite isolate the cause. It's like a stubbornness, or resistance to sell some of the new strategy".

Jane had her own suspicions, and had already heard from some hints from colleagues, and said, "A guy named George Orwell once said, ' In a time of universal deceit, the truth becomes an act of rebellion', so what has anyone said to you about it?"

At this point, Dick realized he'd dismissed rule number one of steward leadership, and even though he thought his drive and dynamic leadership skills could push the new ideas from upper management right through to success, he forgot to LISTEN.

Stewardship and building communities of strength in corporate leadership require regular and active solicitation of "contrary" views and perspectives. If there's any suspicion of repercussions for robust discussions, you will end up with the "yes" guys running the company into the red, or into oblivion. A consistent theme in the works of Patrick Lencioni is the idea that "robust" (aka, honest, customer focused, innovative, imaginative, etc...) discussions during any meetings are imperative for real growth and improvement in any organization. Listening?

It is far too common that when a normal, somewhat ambitious and apparently successful sales rep gets (mistakenly) zapped into a management position with no training or eduction, no profile credentials, no mentor and no clearly defined set of expectations - all common today - then there are some predictable results:

A) they learn immediately to protect their turf at any cost
B) customer focus wanes
C) because they know no better, they must respond "yes" to upper management requests
D) their ability to lead honestly is cut off early
E) they learn to say things "pleasing" to upper management, and they learn to look for the same from their reports.
F) success becomes convenient, while Failing becomes poison rather than useful lessons
G) supporting your team and colleagues becomes less and less important
H) Honesty becomes relative...

Can't blame anyone for taking that promotion, though, right? So how do we make sure to cultivate the right kind of education, training and support for the inevitable tide of upcoming stars so that they are not destined for their twinkling to be sucked into the black whole of "The way we've always done it"? Listening?

Unfortunately you cannot order a solution from HR or the supply room, and because education is often a slow process that involves study, experience and yes, listening to the guidance of wise and experienced counsel, the costs are incurred by the company as well as the candidates.  It's a time honored tradition that has largely been forgone because we all want it now.

The sales person who doesn't learn how to listen to their customers will never get the best, if anything, from them. The management who doesn't learn to listen to their front lines will never get the best, if anything, from their staff. In order to help develop your customers or your staff into a team, you have to know where your support is most critical, and where their costs run too high!

Dick was quick, and the Orwellian quote hit him as he canvassed his team differently and discovered some serious operational issues nobody wanted to address for "political" reasons!

Jane simply dove into her catching up challenges, and stuck a sticky note on her portfolio on which she had printed in bold black marker, LISTENING???

R Fain
Bob@snapshippingservices.com

Enhanced after-sales service may lead to a competitive advantage

ATLANTA, July 7, 2015 – New UPS (NYSE: UPS) research reveals that 78 percent of small- to mid-size industrial machinery companies believe their customers’ expectations for after-sales service are rising, but just 12 percent of those manufacturers say replacement parts and service are top differentiators for their business.

The UPS research, conducted by IDC Manufacturing Insights, indicates that while manufacturers focus on developing and deploying new machinery, the buyers of industrial machines are increasingly seeking after-sales support to maintain the complex machinery for optimal productivity.

“Industrial machinery manufacturers are in a challenging situation,” said Brian Littlefield, UPS director of industrial manufacturing and distribution. “Their pipeline depends on developing new products, yet over one-third say that 50 to 75 percent of their profitability comes from after-sales service. For many, enhancing service after the sale could be a way to differentiate from the competition and offer potential for revenue growth.”

The UPS research found that 56 percent of industrial machinery manufacturers manage after-sales service in-house and have no plans to outsource those services. The remaining 44 percent of equipment manufacturers now use, or plan to use, a third-party service provider for long-term maintenance.

The results are based on a March 2015 survey of U.S.-based industrial machinery providers with a global customer base and between $10 million and $50 million in annual revenue. All survey participants said more than half of their business was in North America, with the near-remainder divided evenly between South America, Europe and Asia. A small percentage of business was located in the Middle East and Africa.

The UPS Industrial Machinery Manufacturing Insights executive summary can be downloaded at UPS.com/IndMfg.

UPS serves manufacturers and distributors of industrial products with comprehensive supply chain services that include end-to-end visibility, warehousing, inventory management, inspections, multi-modal global delivery, returns handling, e-commerce, and insurance and financial services.

About UPS

UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight; the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the Web at ups.com® and its corporate blog can be found at Longitudes.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.

- Service restarts July 12th -

Clark, New Jersey, July 9, 2015 - CaroTrans, a leading global NVOCC (non-vessel operating common carrier) and ocean freight consolidator, today announces the resumption of their direct, all-water Rotterdam to Los Angeles import service, a 26 day transit.  Over the last few months the lingering U.S. West Coast port congestion has eased now enabling the resumption of this reliable, weekly import service.  This addresses CaroTrans’ customers’ preference for a direct, all-water service to the U.S. West Coast as it is a more predictable schedule and requires less freight handling.

This weekly service complements CaroTrans network of direct import services from Rotterdam including service to: Chicago, Charleston, Miami, New York and Houston.  CaroTrans partners with leading independent consolidator Cleve & Zonen in the Netherlands and Belgium for these services.

“The resumption of this service represents stable conditions at U.S. West Coast Ports which allows for the reinstatement of the Los Angeles gateway.  Shippers require direct, reliable service options to ensure supply chain integrity and effective management of associated transportation costs,” said Greg Howard, CEO of CaroTrans.

In addition to Rotterdam and Antwerp, CaroTrans also offers direct, import services from Spain, UK and Germany to Los Angeles.

About CaroTrans

Established in 1979, CaroTrans International is one of the world’s leading NVOCCs providing global LCL, less-than-container load, and FCL, full container load services.  CaroTrans has a network of offices in Asia, Europe, South America, Oceania, and the United States, along with strong local partners, to offer a global reach that is truly unique.

The CaroTrans suite of Web-based and EDI-enabled e-commerce tools include - booking, ocean and inland rates, sailing schedules, and tracking.  They are an essential part of CaroTrans’ commitment to delivering faster, more efficient freight management solutions.  For import shipments, CaroTrans Online Freight Release solution provides logistics service providers with direct control of the release of their customers’ cargo.

CaroTrans is a people driven company with dedicated and knowledgeable team members who engage customers with passion and experience on a local level.

For additional information, visit: www.carotrans.com   

Boston, MA (July 1, 2015) –Taking place in conjunction with the 13th Cold Chain GDP & Temperature Management Logistics Global Forum, the first-ever Cold Chain Global Forum Excellence Awards honor, recognize, and promote the innovators and thought leading professionals and organizations that have exceeded industry standards. The awards will highlight the very best of these projects, and give international, industry-wide recognition to those who have earned it.

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2015

Location: Seaport Hotel & Seaport World Trade Center, Boston

Cost to Apply: $0

Deadline to Apply: Friday, July 24, 2015

How to Apply - It's simple:
•    Download the applications
•    Complete the applications and submit via email: awards@coldchainglobalforum.com.

2015 Award Categories
•    Best Temperature Controlled Global Logistics Project
•    Most Adaptable Partner Solution or Service
•    Best Cost Efficiency Project
•    Most Innovative New Cold Chain Technology of the Year

Learn More About Each Category & Eligibility Here.

Nominations for all categories can only be submitted by life science manufacturers, wholesalers, CROs, CMOs and biobanks. Finalists will be announced the first week in September and are expected to attend the event in order to be honored at the ceremony.

If you haven’t already, make sure to download the 2015 Agenda for full program details. : http://bit.ly/1PZLHrQ

Register Today! 3PL News subscribers receive 20% off standard rates by using the code: 13CCGF_3PLNEWS.

To register for the event visit http://bit.ly/1I4SjOy , call 1-800-882-8684 or e-mail your completed registration form to enquiry@iqpc.com

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.—July 22, 2015 (James Street Media Services)—Kenco—a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions, real estate services, and material handling equipment—has established a department focused on researching and developing innovative approaches to supply chain management challenges.

Kenco Innovation Labs and its dedicated team of innovation specialists will collaborate with customers to identify, research, and prototype leading-edge ideas and processes. This team will also partner with entrepreneurs and vendors from multiple industries to identify trends that can be cost-effectively applied in the supply chain, enabling them to think “outside the box” to create unique, customer-driven solutions.

A test lab and demonstration center will be created at the Kenco corporate campus in Chattanooga, Tenn. to explore and research these emerging technologies and processes.

“A single service model no longer works within the logistics industry—third party logistics providers must innovate to meet customer needs,” said Kristi Montgomery, vice president, Kenco Innovation Labs. “Kenco has always been ahead of the curve in providing creative solutions, and the lab will continue those efforts with a dedicated team focused on strategic implementation of forward-thinking ideas that create supply chain value, increasing efficiency and effectiveness.”

Visit Kenco’s website for more information about the Kenco Innovation Labs.

About Kenco Kenco provides integrated logistics solutions that include distribution and fulfillment, comprehensive transportation management, material handling services, real estate management, and information technology—all engineered for Operational Excellence. Woman-owned and financially strong, Kenco has built lasting customer relationships for more than 60 years. Kenco’s focus is on common sense solutions that drive uncommon value. Learn more at www.kencogroup.com

• Five storey, 100,000 square metre ramp-up integrated warehouse near Tuas Port to offer state-of-the-art automated supply chain management
• One of Toll’s largest facility investments in Asia highlights its exciting future in the region

Toll Group, the Asia Pacific region’s leading provider of transport and logistics, and a division of Japan Post, has unveiled its blueprint for Toll City – a 100,000 square metre Toll City logistics hub in Tuas, Singapore.  

Set to become the logistics hub of choice in the Asia Pacific, the S$228m five-level, ramp-up facility will house state-of-the-art automation systems to improve productivity and operating efficiency for Toll and its customers in Singapore and in the region.  

Guest-of-Honour, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr Teo Ser Luck, joined Toll Global Logistics CEO Mr Chris Pearce and Chargé d'Affaires, Australian High Commission Mr Adrian Lochrin at a ceremony to mark the start of works today.  

Mr Pearce said the development is a key part of Toll’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the region and to continue providing best-in-class supply chain solutions across different market sectors.  

“The size and scope of this investment is a testament to Toll’s intent to achieve supply chain excellence in Asia Pacific for its customers,” Mr Pearce said.  

“Toll City will redefine warehousing solution options for its customers through leading-edge technology and innovation in a world class facility. We will be ready to increase Toll’s productivity and meet warehousing capacity demand in a region that is set to become one of the largest economic blocs in the world.”  

Some of the high-tech options being reviewed for the Toll City development include high-speed unit picking, voice picking and intelligent conveyor systems. The integrated transport and warehouse systems are complemented by energy-efficient initiatives including rain water harvesting and energy monitoring.  

Singapore Economic Development Board Assistant Managing Director Mr Kelvin Wong, who also attended the ceremony, said the investment marks another significant milestone in Toll’s presence in Singapore.  

“The success of Singapore as a world-leading logistics hub stems from the close collaborations with key industry players, such as Toll Group,” Mr Kelvin Wong said.  

“Toll City demonstrates Singapore’s position as a strategic base for regional supply chain operations, as well as Toll Group’s commitment to set new benchmarks for Singapore’s logistics industry by creating solutions that drive productivity growth.”  

Toll is focused on a program of continuous improvement to achieve operational excellence and create opportunities for employees to upgrade their skills – a program in line with Singapore’s vision for its country’s workforce.  

In collaboration with the Workforce Development Agency (WDA), Toll has developed core and advanced training segments to meet the demands of Singapore’s ‘Smart City’ vision.  

As part of the move into Toll City, Toll will continue its work as a WDA in-house Approved Training Operation (ATO) which will provide a framework for reviewing the use of technology and automation to design the jobs of the future that attract more young and mature locals to the logistics industry.  

Assistant Chief Executive Officer for JTC Corporation’s Cluster Group Ms Eunice Koh, said, “We congratulate Toll Group on the ground breaking of its state-of-the-art logistics hub. Toll City represents next-generation warehousing facility that optimises land use and increases labour productivity. JTC will continue to work with industry players to support the development of facilities that aim to improve operational efficiency, thereby catalysing industry transformation.”  

Mr Pearce said that the completion of Toll City in mid-2017will enhance Singapore’s position as a regional logistics hub and provide Toll’s customers access to greater flexibility and scalability in their supply chains.  

Toll City’s proximity to road links to Malaysia and the growing Jurong region makes the facility an excellent land-sea interface for its customers. It also coincides with the planned 2020 completion of the Tuas Port which will consolidate all of Singapore’s container operations in one terminal and handle up to 65 million TEUs per year when fully operational.

Australia’s largest provider of freight and logistics services, Toll Group, and Australia’s biggest stevedore, DP World Australia, have agreed to progress plans that could see more freight delivered by rail into and out of Port Botany.   The proposed 50/50 joint venture (JV) will connect a dedicated container staging zone at Port Botany to an intermodal freight terminal in Villawood, 25 kilometres west of Sydney to deliver an improved service for importers and exporters.  

Toll Group Managing Director Brian Kruger said the JV could move around 180,000 TEUs per annum on the rail shuttle.  

“A rail shuttle running between Port Botany and Villawood on the Southern Sydney Freight Line will remove around 100,000 plus truck movements off Sydney’s roads each year,” Mr Kruger said.  

“That’s 100,000 fewer trucks on the already-congested roads around the port and Sydney Airport.”  

DP World Australia Managing Director and CEO, Paul Scurrah, said that combining the experience and resources of both companies would see a new end-to-end service offering for customers.  

“By using the expertise and existing assets of DP World Australia and Toll, this proposed joint venture will create new efficiencies and competition in the Sydney import-export (IMEX) supply chain,” Mr Scurrah said.  

“Importantly, the introduction of a new multi-user intermodal terminal in Western Sydney with a direct rail connection to DP World Australia’s staging facility next to the wharf will increase freight transport options for local importers and regional exporters.”  

The proposed JV will leverage DP World Australia’s capability in managing the container terminal interface and Toll’s capability in managing warehousing, delivery and end to end customer solutions. The partners will consider expanding the joint venture into other markets if appropriate opportunities arise over time.  

The Port Botany–Villawood project is planned to start operations in 2017.

About Toll Group Toll Group, a division of Japan Post, is the Asia Pacific region’s leading provider of logistics services, employing approximately 40,000 people across some 1,200 locations in more than 50 countries. Toll’s second-to-none capabilities and global reach help provide customers with logistics solutions capable of serving the most comprehensive global supply chains www.tollgroup.com

About DP World Australia DP World Australia is the leading container terminal stevedore in Australia and part of the DP World network of 65 international container terminals. The company has a dedicated and professional team of 2,000 people operating marine ports in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle. DP World Australia has a customer-centric approach which drives it to constantly invest in terminal infrastructure, facilities and people to provide superior quality services to our valued customers.  www.dpworldaustralia.com.au

Pilot program set to begin August 19 for major component of ACE

Chicago, USA, July 30, 2015.  WiseTech Global has announced that development has been completed in CargoWise One to meet the requirements for U.S. Customs & Border Protection’s various Partner Government Agencies (PGA) Pilot Programs, which are scheduled to begin August 19, 2015.

CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) will incorporate core trade processing capability to provide a single window for the trade to report import and export data. All Partner Government Agencies involved with import and export will use this single window to determine admissibility. There are more than a dozen PGAs scheduled for implementation prior to the mandatory November 1st ACE entry filing deadline. The following PGAs have issued specifications for programming and are ready for pilots in August. Several agencies such as EPA and FDA have multiple programs.

• USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 
• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
• USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Core
• USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Lacey Act
• Department of Commerce National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
• Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)
• DOT National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Alcohol and Tobacco and Trade Bureau (TTB)
• Environment Protection Agency (EPA)

Some other PGA’s will be utilizing the Document Imaging System (DIS) which is also completed and available in CargoWise One.

Craig Seelig, Product Manager Customs and Compliance for WiseTech Global, Americas, remarks, “We have worked very hard to make this happen. We realize the importance of ACE and the PGA Pilot Programs. Our customers’ ability to participate in the pilots early gives them the opportunity to work directly with CBP and the PGAs.

“Not only can early adopters learn about the new ACE processes sooner, they can also have some influence on how things will work in the future. The longer a filer is involved in an individual pilot, the more knowledge they will have about the entire process. The mandatory filing deadline is quickly approaching. Our customers who are filing ACE entries now will be vastly more prepared than someone trying to file their ACE entries with PGA data for the first time on November 1st.”

Additional resources:

• http://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated
• http://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/list-aceitds-pga-message-set-pilot-ports

Strengthens Mobile Platform with Carton-Level Tracking for Retailers and Logistics Service Providers
 
WATERLOO, Ontario, July 22, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Descartes Systems Group (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce via the Global Logistics Network (GLN), announced that it has acquired BearWare, Inc. (“BearWare”), a leading US-based provider of mobile solutions to improve collaboration between retailers and their logistics service providers.
 
For over 25 years, BearWare has been helping retailers and their logistics service providers collaborate on store shipments. BearWare’s system leverages mobile technologies to scan cartons at each point from the distribution centers through to the store front. This carton-level tracking complements shipment-level tracking and helps pro-actively identify potential inventory replenishment for each store, reduces theft and claims for lost cartons, and streamlines shipment payment. It also supports pool distribution, which helps retailers to reduce logistics costs and minimize store disruptions by eliminating unconsolidated direct shipments from suppliers and retailer distribution centers into the stores. The BearWare system is being used by leading retailers, including L Brands, Restoration Hardware and GNC to save money, support loss prevention programs and improve delivery operations effectiveness.
 
"Traditional retail distribution systems are not set up to handle plan versus actual tracking at the carton level,” said Ken Wood, Executive Vice President Product Management at Descartes. "BearWare’s platform and team of domain experts is unique in the market, helping its customers track more than 120 million cartons a year. The combination complements Descartes’ recent investment in Airclic and further strengthens our Routing, Mobile and Telematics platform.”
 
“Omni-channel retailing is putting tremendous pressure on retailers to leverage their assets more effectively and be responsive to the market,” said Edward J. Ryan, Descartes’ CEO. “The BearWare solution provides retailers with another way to move their goods efficiently through the supply chain to help ensure that they have the right goods, in the right location, at the right time and for the lowest cost.”
 
BearWare is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. The purchase price for the acquisition was approximately US $11.25 million which was satisfied in cash. Descartes intends to provide further information relating to the acquisition in its public conference call relating to its second quarter fiscal 2016 (Q2FY16) financial results, currently anticipated to be in early September 2015. The acquisition is not expected to contribute materially to Descartes' revenues or Adjusted EBITDA for Q2FY16.
 
About Descartes
 
Descartes (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, performance and security of logistics-intensive businesses. Descartes has over 220,000 connected parties using its cloud-based services. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, schedule, track and measure delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world's largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com.
 
About BearWare
 
For more information about BearWare, visit http://www.bearwareinc.com

Delivery of the CMA CGM VASCO DE GAMA, 18,000 TEUs: CMA CGM’s largest vessel and biggest containership ever built in a Chinese shipyard 

• The CMA CGM VASCO DE GAMA: the Group’s largest vessel, with a capacity of 18,000 TEUs
• The Chinese shipyard CSSC delivers the CMA CGM Group the largest containership ever built in China
• The CMA CGM VASCO DE GAMA is the 3rd vessel of the CMA CGM Group’s 6 18,000 TEUs vessels series

Marseilles, July 27th 2015 - The CMA CGM Group, a leading worldwide shipping group, is pleased to announce the delivery of the CMA CGM VASCO DE GAMA on July 27th by the Chinese shipyard China State Shipbuilding Corporation.

This 18,000 TEUs vessel is, with its 399 meters length and 54 meters width, the largest containership of the CMA CGM Group. It will sail under the UK flag.

Calling 11 different countries, the CMA CGM VASCO DE GAMA is positioned on one of the most emblematic lines of the CMA CGM Group: the French Asia Line - FAL. The FAL joins Europe to Asia. In a globalized economy, this gigantic vessel has the capacity to transport almost 200,000 tons of goods between European, Middle East and Asian markets.

The CMA CGM VASCO DE GAMA is equipped with the latest environmental technologies: an engine of the latest generation, a twisted leading edge rudder with bulb, an optimized hull design… Those innovations decrease the CMA CGM VASCO DE GAMA CO2 emissions by 10% compared to the previous vessel generation. With an estimated emission of 37g of CO2/km for each container, the CMA CGM VASCO DE GAMA is one of the greenest goods transport means in the world. Furthermore, in accordance with the CMA CGM Group’s commitment, the CMA CGM VASCO DE GAMA environmental footprint responds to the 2025 energy efficiency regulations.

The CMA CGM VASCO DE GAMA is the first 18,000 TEUs containership ever built by a Chinese shipyard. The CMA CGM ZHENG HE and CMA CGM BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, 2 other vessels of the 18,000 TEUs series from the CSSC shipyards, will be delivered on September and November.

The CMA CGM VASCO DE GAMA is named after the 16th century Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, who discovered the India route by sailing around Africa and passing the Cape of Good Hope.