Mitch Kostoulakos commented on a discussion in International Trade Compliance Experts: Networking Group.

Here is my comment on a discussion in American Society of Transportation and Logistics astl.org

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  Mitch Kostoulakos

  International Logistics and Regulatory Consulting

  AST&L certification process is rigorous as is APICS. I would say that AST&L is for logistics and transportation practitioners while APICS includes inventory and procurement. I value my CTL but agree with the comments that it is not widely recognized. AST&L needs to raise the profile to the same level as APICS certification. Professionals looking for advanced education need to be practical about how they use their time and must consider how the certificate will help their career.

• Mitch Kostoulakos commented on a discussion in Logistics Consulting.

  • Mitch Kostoulakos Freight forwarders are not all alike so customer service is at least as important as the rate and probably more important. There is always a better rate out there. It is more important to develop relationships with forwarders so you can get service you need…more

In previous posts I discussed basic logistics KPI’s such as % of on time delivery, warehouse fill rates, and loss/damage experience. KPI’s are essential to the management of logistics providers as well as their clients. Some customer service functions, however, are not as easy to measure. Clients of logistics providers include shippers, consignees, importers, and exporters. Whether your logistics provider is a motor carrier, freight forwarder, customs broker, or warehouse company, you will need customer service assistance from time to time. Let’s differentiate:

Request for Information– shipment status, tracking and tracing, claims status, rate requests, invoice balance. This type of customer service is best obtained on line. Take the time to become familiar with your providers’ info systems so you don’t waste time on the phone or waiting for a call back. If your provider does not offer this type of info on line they are either inefficient or very small. To avoid frustration ask yourself if you just need information or action by your provider. Information is easier to get than action.

Action Needed- This level of customer service most likely requires human intervention. Examples include customs or regulatory delays, stopping or diverting shipments, credit issues, special pricing, or real emergencies. While no one likes calling an 800 number, it is a good idea to get your request into the provider’s system as soon as possible as a first step. The difficulty is in reaching the right contact and getting the action you need. If you use a 3PL you may be able to delegate the problem for their handling and have them provide timely updates. If you do not use a 3PL, then you need to manage the issue on your own. One mistake clients make is to rely on their  account rep for all customer service. Account reps are usually on the road and in meetings so this causes delays in action. Another mistake is to depend on the super efficient Mary, Debbie, Tom, or Bill in your provider’s office. Everyone takes vacations and sick days so don’t rely on one person for your customer service needs. A better way to get good customer service is to establish protocols with the help of your providers.

Protocols- Day to day logistics consists of planning, execution, and problem solving. Good planning is essential but not foolproof. Logistics managers deal with changing schedules, equipment failures, weather delays, regulatory issues, and miscommunication on a daily basis. Most problems, however, are not new. The same situations tend to repeat themselves so they can be anticipated. I suggest developing a set of problem solving protocols for the most common issues in your supply chain. This approach will save you time since you will not be starting from scratch when a problem arises. It will also enable your colleagues to act in your absence. A basic protocol defines the problem and lists steps to be followed as well as the resources involved. Your logistics providers can help by providing resources. They should be willing and able to give you relevant operations contacts along with phone and e mail info for your identified problem areas. Your account rep may be surprised when you ask for help developing protocols but they should welcome the opportunity. This method can be a big time saver for them as well. Get commitment from your providers to respond to your requests in an agreed to amount of time. You can update the protocols as needed. Make protocols a part of your meetings with your account reps and you will get better customer service.

Finally, if your account rep says “Just call me”, don’t accept this response.

We help small and medium sized companies stay compliant with Customs and export regulations and manage logistics. Contact mitch@52.91.45.227

Are you thinking about taking the Customs Brokers Exam? If so think about baseball or something pleasant until the urge passes. The exam is given in April and October. Next exam date is October 6, 2014 and registration will open on the CBP website in July.  The brokers exam has proven to be more difficult to pass than the bar exam. Typical passing rates range from 3-11% nationally. Results have not yet been posted for the April 2014 exam but the passing rate for October 2013 was 11%. If you plan to take the October exam my advice is to start preparing now. I described the techniques that worked for me in a November 2013 post archived under “Nuts and Bolts”.

Contact Ad Hoc Logistics for help with logistics or regulatory issues  

http://www.cbp.gov/trade/broker/exam/announcement

I am well organized but I did pick up some new techniques at a Southern New Hampshire University seminar on 6/10. The seminar was “Managing Multiple Priorities and Projects” (National Seminars Training) and the presenter was Laura Simms of ProfessorDoctorMom LLC.

My background includes stints as a corporate trainer and training supervisor so I know good training when I see it. This was definitely good training. Laura is dynamic, knowledgeable, and thorough. Some of the topics covered were: Fast planning, establishing priorities, time management, and Outlook tips. Highly recommended.

Contact me for help with export compliance, customs issues, or to analyze your logistics costs.