Eric Joiner's Freightdawg.com - The Logistics and Supply Chain Blog!

Nice Retail Oriented Video

The US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration produced the following video which does a great job of describing the complexities and opportunities in international transportation. 

This is why I have spent the last 25+ years of my life in this business and why I am committed to supporting supply chain education.  The business is highly complex, yet still based on both the elements and human relationships.  It is just a great business to be in, especially if you love large toys.  

What sold me was 1000 ft container ships, 75 ton locomotives and smoky old jet airplanes. I started in the business as an intern for Delta Airlines in the late 1970's.  I spent a lot of time around DC-8's, DC-9's, 707's and a lot of smoky breakbulk oriented jets. After college, I was a trainee at US Lines and learned to be a proper steamboater there.   Like American muscle cars, heavy iron is just testosterone laden. I loved it.

Every day is different and if you love some level of chaos in your life this is a great industry to be in.

Eric

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Busy Week

This has been an interesting first two days of the week.  On Monday, June 21st,  I attended the graduation of a cousin of mine from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY.

Kings Point cranks out experienced young people with more sea time than any other Maritime academy including Annapolis.   It was my first time to KP.  What an impressive place.  With a motto of "Acta non Verba" (Action, Not Words),  The USMMA trains young people who are ready for the operational end of our industry.  

The graduating class of 2009 was composed of only about 150 graduates.  However among them were an impressive number of young women. In fact the valedictorian of the class as well as the class president were both female, one of which was matriculating with a degree in intermodal logistics.   It's not unusual to find that the senior management of shipping companies, terminal operators and related firms all have Kings Point grads at or near the top.

My cousin will go directly to a destroyer based in Yokosuka, Japan for active duty with the Navy.   Given the crazies in North Korea, I worry our young man will be in Harms Way, sooner rather than later.

Kings Point is a small school, but they usually draw important visitors.   The kids graduating Monday received commissions from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.  In almost every case, there was a flag or general officer present to commission the new ensigns and lieutenants.    The graduation keynote speaker was US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.   LaHood is a career politician and Obama appointee new to his job.  As a result his comments were brief.   However, he did report that the 2010 federal budget would contain approximately 12 million dollars for KP to maintain and renovate facilities.   With that being the extent of his salient comments, I'm not sure what that means for our transportation department!

Flying back to Atlanta from New York wasn't without tribulation.   Having spent 20 minutes in a holding pattern over Greenville SC,  the rocket scientists at Air Traffic Control diverted our Delta MD-88 to Birmingham for fuel.   We sat there for an hour, before being vectored back to the ATL.   Total flight time from NY to ATL: 8 Hours.  That one made me wish our Secretary of Transportation could be aboard.  No such luck.  Guys at his level fly in private jets!

Eyefortransport 3PL Summit, Atlanta Georgia

On Tuesday,  I attended the Eyefortransport 3PL Summit here in Atlanta.  I'm on the board of the American Society of Transportation & Logistics, so I was asked if I would attend if given a free ticket.   I've attended various eyefortransport events over the years including events in Hong Kong and Amsterdam.  They are usually well attended by important folks on both the 3PL and customer sides of the fence.  Not so much this year.    Only about 145 people attended.   I suppose this is a result of the tight travel and entertainment budgets most firms have in place today.   Nobody has the extra cash to attend a business conference.    That would have been the case with me, but I live in Atlanta and the ticket was free!

On the whole the conference was valuable, with keynote speakers from Maersk Logistics (soon to be Damco), MeadWestVaco and other firms, subjects like compliance and risk management were discussed and presented.  These conferences are about people however.  It takes a quorum of industry professionals sharing their knowledge that keeps these things interesting and valuable.   In this regard I think EFT missed the mark this year.   For the most part I think that's not their fault.   In case you haven't noticed...the economy sucks.

In Obamaland All You Need Is The Willing Suspension Of Disbelief

Some people are just pathologically honest.  Check out the blog article written by my friend Mike Regan of Tranzact Technologies.   Mike calls em like he sees em.   I typically agree with his positions.  Check out his excellent article today at Logistics Managements web site.  Mike is a Chicagoan and highly familiar with the ways of our President.  Given that our SecTrans is also a Illinois career politician, some comments apply to Ray LaHood as well.

Eric

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NASSTRAC Recognizes Regan and Burba

It's great when two people you know personally receive well earned industry recognition for career leadership and personal commitment. Such is the case with Mike Regan, CEO of Tranzact Technologies and Al Burba, VP of Field Sales for DHL Express.

NASSTRAC recognized both at their annual Logistics Conference and Exhibition in Orlando on April 29th.  Regan was recognized as "Regular Member of the Year" while Al Burba was recognized as "Associate Member of the Year".

I serve with Mike Regan on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Transportation & Logistics and know him to be a visionary leader and substantive influence on the direction and strategic value of supply chain and logistics.

Al Burba is a great friend and colleague of mine at DHL and a superior talent for our company. Al's energy and customer care are well known. He teaches his troops by example and has built a reputation for quality in every part of the business he has touched.  Al was a major influencer on the NASSTRAC carrier advisory council for the previous two years. 

These are good guys getting well earned recognition. Congratulations Mike and Al!

clipped from www.trafficworld.com MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NASSTRAC recently announced that Mike Regan, CEO and chairman of Tranzact Technologies, has been named the 2008 "NASSTRAC Regular Member of the Year." Each year, this honor is awarded to an individual logistics executive who has demonstrated personal leadership, commitment, and dedication to the industry as well as to the association. NASSTRAC provides advocacy, education, provider relations, and networking for professionals involved in all areas of transportation, ranging from full truckload and LTL to containerization and global logistics. "As chairperson of the NASSTRAC Advocacy Committee, Mike is very well-known and has been an icon in our industry," said Gail Rutkowski, NASSTRAC's current chairperson. "However, this award is being presented for all of the things he has done behind the scenes. Two years ago, NASSTRAC made a commitment to aggressively devote significant attention to transportation advocacy issues.Mike has worked tirelessly to make sure the shippers within NASSTRAC not only know what the issues are, but also that they clearly understand them." In addition, NASSTRAC also announced that Al Burba, vice president of field sales for DHL Express, is the recipient of the 2008 "NASSTRAC Associate Member of the Year." Each year, the association presents this award to an individual from the service provider community who has shown leadership, continued commitment to the industry, and support of NASSTRAC. According to Rutkowski, Burba has been an active member of the carrier advisory council for the association for two years and has put forth significant energy in encouraging productive dialogue between shippers and service providers while assisting NASSTRAC in expanding membership into all modes and market segments of transportation.

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AST&L Announces New Distinguished Logistics Professionals

Here's a little publicity that includes yours truly.  I'm very pleased and honored to be a part of the American Society of Transportation and Logistics. AST&L is one of  the oldest professional transportation organizations in the world.  AST&L is one group every logistics professional should belong to! 

Washington, DC  February 14, 2008  The Board of Directors of the American Society of Transportation & Logistics ® has approved the following nominees for the prestigious DLP (Distinguished Logistics Professional). This designation recognizes the unique, upper echelon of logistics professionals who have shown their mastery through significant and career-long contributions in the industry.

Jim Cochrane was named Manager of Package Services for the U.S. Postal Service in 2002 directing the product development and strategy for the USPS' $11 billion portfolio of domestic and international package products. Under Jim's direction, the USPS is developing new product initiatives, as well as enhancing and repositioning existing products to improve customer value. Beginning in 1974, his broad knowledge of Postal Operations derives from having served in positions of increasing responsibility in Operations, Sales and Marketing. His operational background includes time as the District Manager, Customer Service and Sales of the Washington DC metropolitan area, where he led the efforts of 14,000 employees in over 200 facilities. Jim is a graduate of American University with a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the School of Public Affairs, Key Executive Program.

Harold Friedman has been helping companies reduce their transportation costs and the costs associated with the processing of transportation invoices for over 38 years.  He is Senior Vice President for Global Corporate Development at Data2Logistics, LLC.   He was the driving force to establish freight bill processing on a global basis.  He had been with Data2Logistics' since they acquired his company, CTI Logistics. Mr. Friedman had previously been President of Chase Trans Info, the freight bill processing subsidiary of The Chase Manhattan Bank.  He holds a BA degree in Accounting from Pace University and attended Wharton School of Continuing Studies.  He graduated with honors from the U.S. Army Transportation School and is a member of numerous transportation organizations. 

Joe Hete joined ABX as Accounting Manager in September of 1980 and held positions as Treasurer, Director of Strategic Planning, and Director of Administration from 1981 to 1985. He was promoted to Senior Director of Administration in 1985, to Vice President of Administration in 1986 and to Senior Vice President of Administration in 1991. In early 1997 he was named Chief Operating Officer, and he was named President and COO in December of 1999. He became President and CEO in August of 2003. Joe is active in his community serving as Honorary Chairman, Clinton County United Way Drive and director on several boards. He graduated from University of Akron, BS in Accounting and took graduate coursework at Cleveland State University.

Eric Joiner is a Regional Customer Manager for DHL Global Customer Solutions.  Eric manages multi-national customers in the Americas for DHL's Global Sales team known as GCS. GCS handles DHL's top 100 strategic accounts.  Eric has 25 years experience in domestic and international supply chain, logistics and logistics software fields, and his record includes successful executive level management of customer relationships in Europe, Asia, and US markets. He has worked with Fortune 500 customers in the CPG, Electronics, retail and engineering and manufacturing verticals. Eric graduated from Auburn University with a BS in Marketing and Transportation. In addition to the DLP, Eric was elected to the Board of Directors of AST&L.

Douglas Kahl is currently the Transportation Products Director for Unishippers. Doug's logistics career began in 1987 with Airborne Express in sales, sales management and training throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. He played a role in launching ComAlliance, a third-party fulfillment company; as the Director of Sales & Business Development Doug played a role in AFMS' growth and recognition as a two-time recipient of the Inc 500 award as one of the fastest growing private companies in America; and now at Unishippers Global Logistics, a 3PL focused on helping the SMB sector in managing their transportation programs Doug is the Transportation Products Director responsible for managing the strategic sourcing of over $200m in transportation. He attended Arizona State University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Finance in 1984.

Tom Underkoffler is currently the Director of Logistics of Medco Health Solutions, Inc. based in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Medco is a leader in managing prescription drug benefit programs that are designed to moderate the cost and enhance the quality of pharmacy healthcare for private and public employers, health plans, labor unions and government agencies of all sizes, and for those individuals served by the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program. At Medco, Tom is currently responsible for all cost and service components of distributing mail order medication to more than 1.2M members per week. Tom and his team manage the most advanced physical and electronic distribution network in the PBM industry. Tom is on the Board of Directors for both the Association of Postal Commerce (PostCom) and for the Parcel Shippers Association (PSA) in Washington, DC.

About AST&L

The American Society of Transportation and Logistics is a professional society founded in 1946 by industry leaders to insure a high level of professionalism and promote continuing education in the field of transportation and logistics. AST&L's mission is to facilitate education and certification in the fields of transportation, logistics, and supply chain management. The membership of shippers, carriers, educators, consultants and third-party logistics individuals are dedicated to continuing education and are committed to raising the professional standards in the industry.  For additional information visit www.astl.org.

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AST&L Partners with APICS for Certification

Here's some good news for supply chain professionals seeking industry recognized credentials. 

Washington DC- In an effort to save industry professionals’ valuable time and resources, the American Society of Transportation & Logistics (AST&L) announced today a partnership with APICS The Association for Operations Management. The agreement grants Certified Supply Chain Professionals (CSCP) and professionals or fellows who are Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM/CFPIM) waivers for two of the six modules needed to obtain the AST&L’s Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CTL).

CSCP certified professionals seeking their CTL are now able to waive the Supply Chain Management (elective) module needed to obtain CTL certification. CPIM and CFPIM certified professionals are able to waive the Logistics Management (required) module. 

AST&L began the CTL Certification Program in 1948, known as the CPA of the transportation and logistics industry, and is constantly revising and updating the certification exams, keeping current with changes occurring in the field. To qualify an individual must be an active member of AST&L and have a four-year undergraduate degree or three years of professional experience. 

APICS certifications are recognized worldwide as standards of professional excellence and quality within the manufacturing and service industries. The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) program provides professionals with the knowledge necessary to understand and manage the integration and coordination of activities within today’s supply chains.

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Arkansas State Recieves AST&L Waiver.

The American Society of Transportation and Logistics has awarded Arkansas State University's logistics program an examination waiver that allows graduates of the ASU business logistics program a CTL certificate.  (Certification in Transportation and Logistics.)

The ASTL CTL certification is a globally recognized indicator of individual excellence in Logistics and Transportation knowledge.  The CTL certification substantially increases the value of a degree from Arkansas State's Logistics program.

clipped from www.arkansasbusiness.com Arkansas State University at Jonesboro's College of Business logistics program recently received a blanket waiver from the American Society of Transportation & Logistics.    ASU is one of 25 other schools in the United States to receive the waiver, according to an ASU news release.  "This waiver will benefit ASU students by allowing those students pursuing marketing degrees with emphases in logistics to graduate with automatic AST&L certification," the news release said.    Recent graduates can receive the certification in transportation and logistics without further examinations, which were necessary to fulfill AST&L requirements, the news release said.    Students who are certified by the AST&L demonstrate a "substantial knowledge of transportation, logistics and supply chain management," the release said.

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American Society of Transportation & Logistics News

AST&L Names 2007 Honorary Distinguished Logistics Professionals

Washington, DC - December 6th, 2007 - The American Society of Transportation & Logistics  awarded its prestigious 2007 honorary Distinguished Logistics Professional (DLP) award during its annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.  "AST&L is best known for its coveted Certification in Transportation and Logistics, the CTL, which is earned when an individual masters a significant body of logistics management, transportation, and supply chain knowledge, through passing the Society's rigorous exams," according to AST&L. Chairman Mike Regan. "Consistent with the spirit under which the honorary DLP was created, this award recognizes the unique, upper echelon of logistics professionals who have shown their mastery through significant and career-long contributions. Additionally, this year our list of honorees recognizes the contributions of individuals who are driving supply chains internationally."

Michael J. (MICK) Barr (posthumously) Mick attended the U.S. Naval Academy earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. He played varsity football for the Midshipmen, making his mark as the seventh-leading receiver in Navy football history. Upon graduation from the Academy, he served five years in the U.S. Marine Corps. While in the Marines, he earned a master's degree from Pepperdine University. He joined Procter and Gamble in 1977 where he worked in various transportation capacities in various business units of Procter and Gamble. His final position was Associate Director, Global Cross Border Organization where he was responsible for coordinating the movement of P&G products around the world. Mick served as the Chairman of The National Industrial Transportation League's Ocean Transportation Committee, then on the League's Executive Committee and finally as the Chairman of the Board from 2005 - 2006.

Dr. John Langley Jr. is Professor of Supply Chain Management and Director of Supply Chain Executive Programs at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Dr. Langley is a former President of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, and a recipient of the Council's Distinguished Service Award. In 2004 he was honored as one of the profession's top five logistics executives at the Richmond Events Logistics and Supply Chain Forum. He received his Ph.D. degree in Business Logistics from Penn State University. Dr. Langley has co-authored several books, including Supply Chain Management: A Logistics Perspective, an 8th edition textbook scheduled for publication in early 2008. He is lead author of the annual Third Party Logistics Study, and has just completed the 2007 12th Annual 3PL Study. Dr. Langley also serves on the Boards of Directors of UTi Worldwide, Inc., Averitt Express, Inc., and Forward Air Corporation, in addition to several involvements on academic advisory boards to logistics organizations including NASSTRAC, TrueDemand Software, and Leveraged Execution Providers.

Matthew "Matt" K. Rose was elected Chairman of BNSF Railroad in 2002. He joined Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) in 1993, he was appointed Vice President-Chemicals following the merger of Burlington Northern Inc. and Santa Fe Pacific Corporation in September 1995. Before joining BN, Rose was Vice President-Transportation for Triple Crown Services (a Norfolk Southern subsidiary) where he had functional responsibility for all facets of the truck/rail operation. He began his railroad career in 1981 as a Corporate Management Trainee with Missouri Pacific Railroad and was appointed an Assistant Trainmaster. Rose holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri. He is a member of the Board of Directors of AMR Corporation; a member of the Board of Directors of Centex Corporation; Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of American Railroads; a member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Energy & Economic Development; a member of the Texas Governor's Business Council; a member of Business Roundtable; a member of The Business Council; and a member of the Board of Trustees of Texas Christian University. Rose has been appointed a member of the new National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission.

Qian Yongchang (Captain Qian) has been the Chairman of the China Communications and Transportation Association (CCTA) since 1999. He was appointed as the Minister of Communications and the Chairman of China Merchants in 1984. In 1980, Captian Qian became the General Manager of China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) and Director General of the Ocean Shipping Bureau of the Ministry of Communications. Capt. Qian initiated the development of China's container fleet and organized the operation of the first containership in China during his tenure at COSCO. He signed the first Sino-American Maritime Agreement in 1979 after several years of continuous discussion with the US Department of Transportation.   Capt. Qian is one of the leading members of National Inter-Ministers' Logistics Cooperation Committee.

---

The American Society of Transportation and Logistics is a professional society founded in 1946 by industry leaders to insure a high level of professionalism and promote continuing education in the field of transportation and logistics. AST&L's mission is to facilitate education and certification in the fields of transportation, logistics, and supply chain management. The membership of shippers, carriers, educators, consultants and third-party logistics individuals are dedicated to continuing education and are committed to raising the professional standards in the industry.

For Information, Contact
Laurie Denham
Executive Director
ldenham@astl.org, 202.580.7270

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AST&L: Certifying Transportation Professionals

Back on October 21st,  I wrote an article about supply chain training and the need for both shippers and carriers to continue their professional educations. That article focused on a need for mutual understanding of customer and carrier business requirements in defining supply chain goals and methods.

This week at the NIT League Transcomp 2007 conference in Atlanta I had the pleasure of attending the annual meeting of the American Society of Transportation & Logistics.   AST&L is the most distinguished professional logistics certification organization in America.  The group offers globally recognized credentials to transportation professionals.   AST&L certifications come in three flavors.   A "Professional Designation in Transportation and Logistics (PLS)",  an advanced multi-module program for more experienced transportation pro's, "Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CTL)" and "Distinguished Logistics Professional (DLP)" certification for industry veterans with more than 20 years of experience.

AST&L merged with NIT League over 5 years ago and is growing. The organization was founded in 1946 but is growing at a record pace in 2007.  AST&L Certifications present a tangible way to demonstrate logistics knowledge and experience to colleagues,  employers and business partners worldwide.   AST&L certifications prove that logistics executives are both capable and promotable.   

The AST&L certifications are self study courses supplemented by on-line coursework.  Examiners who do the validation and testing of awarded credentials are from some of the best Transportation and Logistics schools in America.  These include Georgia Tech, the University of Houston,  Georgia Southern University, Auburn University, University of Tennessee, Penn State, the Maine Maritime Academy, North Texas State University and others.   AST&L's academic examiners are key influencers, thought leaders and developers of programs under the AST&L banner.   

AST&L has recently expanded with the development of AST&L in China with desire to expand further in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.  The organization also plans ongoing developments with CSCMP and other professional organizations that serve our industry. 

This years annual meeting welcomed an honored Chinese trade delegation including Captain Qian Yongchang, President of the China Communication and Transportation Association and former Minister of Communications for the Peoples Republic of China.   AST&L Chairman Michael Regan and Captain Qian exchanged positive comments about the relationship between Chinese and American businesses and governments, with special focus on joint developments in Supply chain education in China.

I was fortunate to join the Board of Directors of AST&L this week and look forward to participating in this servant leader opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in our business.

Those interested in  American Society of Transportation & Logistics membership or certifications can visit the www.astl.org web site, or by email to info@astl.org.

Eric

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