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
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 Comment in Talking Logistics
Where Does Cuba Rank in Logistics? – Talking Logistics with Adrian Gon
talkinglogistics.comYesterday, the White House announced that President Obama plans to remove Cuba fro
-
Not surprising that Cuba ranks low. Infrastructure investment non existent and no service competition.
Mitch’s Comments in International Trade Compliance Experts
Compliance problems of small companies
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
Mitch’s Comment on LinkedIn Post : 5S Benefits
Mitch Kostoulakos CTL,LCB commented on:
Mitch Kostoulakos CTL,LCB Hi Dave, Saves $$ because tools and equipment do not get “lost”.
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 Ryanair
Mitch Kostoulakos CTL,LCB When “friendliness” is actually a strategy that says a lot about the airline industry today.
Mitch’s Comment in Customs Specialists
From a discussion in Customs Specialists:
Mitch Kostoulakos CTL,LCB Courtney, I don’t believe consulate stamped docs are required. Suggest checking with your customer in Dubai.
Outsourcing logistics functions can be an effective strategy. In many cases, however, there is little oversight of the 3PL during the life of the contract. Outsourcing must start with defining specific scope of work including special services. Most critical is regular (monthly or at least quarterly) performance reviews of the 3PL by management, not just when problems develop.less