Category Archives: Nuts & Bolts

Who’s Inspecting Your Shipments?

In previous posts we have discussed the World Bank Logistics Performance Index for international trade. The Index also contains a domestic component as detailed below:

Domestic LPI

The Domestic LPI looks in detail at the logistics environments in 116 countries. For this measure, surveyed logistics professionals assess the logistics environments in their own countries. This domestic evaluation contains more detailed information on countries’ logistics environments, core logistics processes and institutions, and performance time and cost. This approach looks at the logistics constraints within countries, not just at the gateways, such as ports or borders. It uses four major determinants of overall logistics performance to measure performance:
• Infrastructure,
• Services,
• Border procedures and time, and
• Supply chain reliability.

Here is some of the data for the US from the 2014 report. The low % of physical inspections stands out.

Shipments meeting quality criteria (%) 86.67%
Number of agencies – exports 3
Number of agencies – imports 4
Number of documents – exports 3
Number of documents – imports 3
Clearance time without physical inspection (days) 1 days
Clearance time with physical inspection (days) 2 days
Physical inspection (%) 3.63%
Multiple inspection (%) 2.3%

What About My CTL?

I have  held the CTL certification since 1998. This credential (Certified Transportation and Logistics) is attained by passing a series of exams and completing a research project. The program is rigorous and the certification is well earned. As many AST&L members will attest, the CTL is relatively unknown even within the field of transportation and logistics. I have been asked on occasion if pursuing the CTL is worthwhile and always reply that the effort is a rewarding personal achievement but I cannot honestly say that the CTL has been a big advantage professionally.

Now that AST&L and APICS have announced a proposed merger, I have questions about the CTL long term. The announcement on AST&L’s website includes a statement in the FAQ’s that there will be no changes to designations “in the short term”. I intend to vote in favor of the merger because of the advantages APICS offers in terms of highly recognized certifications and active chapters. I am a member of AST&L’s Education Committee and recently completed the first ever CTL re-certification program. With this significant investment in the CTL, I would like to see stronger affirmation from APICS that the CTL will be maintained and promoted.

How Professional Are You? Comments in AST&L Discussion

Mitch Kostoulakos CTL,LCB commented on a group discussion

American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL)

I’m Thinking About Getting a CTL. Is It Worth It?

Any Thoughts,

Mitch Kostoulakos CTL,LCBThe CTL is a real differentiator for anyone working in the field of transportation and logistics. It is a true professional certification which is earned through a rigorous exam process. I would add that the CTL is not as well known as the APICS designations. I have previously written about professional designations and my article was highlighted by AST&L.

Mitch’s Comments in International Trade Compliance Experts

Compliance problems of small companies

Marketing & Communications at ComplyGlobal™

A lot of the attention is on the Compliance management problems of the larger companies but the challenge for the smaller companies with their limited staff, budgets and bandwidth is perhaps even greater. Cloud based systems probably offer some help but let me ask the compliance experts here – are the challenges real and if so what can small companies do to stay ahead of their compliance requirements?

Mitch Kostoulakos CTL,LCB

Compliance challenges and risks are real. Fines and penalties can have a bigger impact on smaller companies. Limited staffing means no one is keeping up with regulations. Hiring consulting help is good risk management.

Mitch’s Comment on LinkedIn Post : 5S Benefits

Mitch Kostoulakos CTL,LCB commented on:

Mitch’s Comments on Airlines

Examples of Change for the Better in Airlines

Posted on LinkedIn by Colin Shaw

There have been many great stories in the past couple of months about airlines doing what was right by their Customers. We can all learn a little about Customer centricity when we look at these examples from three major carriers in the US.

 

Frontier Airlines Pilot Feeds His Passengers While Stranded on Runway

Southwest Attacks Its Late Problem Head-on with Its Customers

JetBlue Will Automatically Check You in

 

 

Mitch Kostoulakos CTL,LCB

International Logistics and Regulatory Consulting

Good examples of the kinds of things airlines need to do to improve their image and win passenger loyalty. Bravo to the Frontier Airlines captain but that is about an individual employee taking action, not a systemic change. I agree though that these are steps in the right direction.

 

Mitch’s Comments on Airline Service Complaints

International Logistics Consulting; Licensed Customs Brokers