|
Giving more in the Season of Giving
Our corporate wide adherence to family values includes an unending commitment to giving back that peaks during the holiday season. "We always try to best the previous year’s results and this year was no different as our employees at every level and every location stepped up like never before," said Company President, Michael Glionna.
Most significant this year is the huge jump in funds raised for Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH), a Canadian charity that organizes and runs fantasy hockey tournaments across the country, and raises money to help fund the work of over 40 homeless support agencies. The funds raised by Universal benefit 360Kids (www.360kids.ca), a local organization that supports homeless and underprivileged youth with a wide range of programs to help rebuild their lives.
|
 |
|
Michael & Mark Glionna and Universal’s Employee Fundraising Thermometer.
|
In October/November, six employee teams at Universal rallied together to raise an incredible $25,810, surpassing last year’s total by over $7,000! Together with the company’s funds matching program and participation as game day sponsor for HHTH’s York Region tournament, a total contribution exceeding $50,000 was made by the Universal group.
|
 |
|
HHTH Launch Event at Universal’s Head Office
David, Mark, Michael & Paul Glionna with NHL Alumnus, Shayne Corson
|
At the event dinner reception, the Universal Logistics team was officially inducted into the HHTH Hall of Fame, only its 3rd inductee. “We are honoured and proud to receive such recognition”, said David Glionna, Vice President – Finance, “but full credit goes to our committed employees who went all out in supporting our effort to give back to the community.”
|
 |
|
Universal’s HHTH Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
(L-R) Ted Jarvis, HHTH Chairman, Ryan Baillie,
HHTH Executive Director, Michael, Mark and David Glionna, Universal.
|
Even more giving is taking place in December as our employees are enthusiastic supporters of the other three charities we support annually: Coats for Kids, the Vaughan Food Bank and the Toy Mountain gift drive. "It is a great feeling knowing that the bags and bags of clothing, food and gifts contributed by our employees will bring joy this holiday season to those who are less fortunate," said Mark Glionna, Vice President – Client Relations & Business Development.
Universal Airport Operation moves to new larger facility!
We are excited to announce that effective December9, 2019, our Toronto Airport operation has moved to a larger facility just blocks away from our previous location. This requirement for an expanded facility is the direct result of our dramatic growth in distribution, warehousing and airfreight services, and the need to be better positioned to handle our clients’ increased demand for these services infuture.
With this new and expanded facility, we continue to enhance our overall package of logistics service offerings to our clients:
Distribution & Warehousing Services
- Dedicated, multi door facility to quickly process Cross-Dock operations
- Complete Order Fulfillment Services
- Pick & Pack Operations
- Sorting & Labelling
- Kitting, Assembly & Projects
- Product Returns Management
- Segregated “Clean Room” for handling of specialty products
- Secure Short-Term & Long-Term Warehousing
- Turnkey Non-Resident Importer (NRI) programs
Combine these distribution/warehousing services with our domestic and cross-border trucking, Canadian and U.S. customs clearance, and international air and ocean services to fully experience Universal’s innovative logistics solutions, delivered with our traditional family values.
|
 |
Export & Import Airfreight Services
- On-site, Transport Canada approved air cargo x -ray screening and scanning to allow for expedited, “fast-tracked” tendering of freight to the airlines
- Fast transit times when speed is important, and deferred service when price is most important
- A full range of airfreight service options, from airport-to-airport to door-to-door, in order to match your shipping needs
Your airfreight shipments are urgent in nature. With Universal’s enhanced processing capabilities and dedicated airfreight professionals on hand in close proximity to Toronto airport, we can ensure your export and import airfreight moves are a success.
“We are very excited to expand to our new, larger facility and improve our overall capabilities to meet our client’s growing distribution, warehousing and airfreight needs” says Paul Glionna, Vice President – Systems Development & Operations. “Call us or visit our new Toronto Airport operation soon to see how we can be of service.”
Universal’s Toronto Airport branch office is a full service operation, including air freight, customs brokerage, warehousing and distribution services. We look forward to handling your logistics requirements at this new location, and thank you for your continued support of our services.
Our new Airport office address is:
Universal Logistics Inc.
Toronto Airport (Pearson)
3380 Airway Drive, Suite 106
Mississauga, Ontario
L4V 1T3
Contact: Grace Barnard, Client Relations (gbarnard@universallogistics.ca)
www.universallogistics.ca
Our Airport branch telephone and fax numbers remain the same:
Tel: (905) 676-2763
Fax: (905) 676-9952
New NAFTA deal takes another step forward
On December 19, 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favour of the new North American trade agreement, referred to as USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) in the U.S. and CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) in Canada. Amendments to the agreement were signed by Canada, U.S. and Mexico on December 10, 2019. The new deal will replace the existing North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which was implemented in1994.
The trade agreement will now move to the U.S. Senate for ratification in the U.S. in the new year. Mexico has already ratified the deal and ratification is expected in Canada after the parliamentary winter break ending January 27, 2020.
Importers should obtain valid Certificates of Origin for both trade agreements for 2020, to ensure there is no lapse in preferential trade status, prior to the new deal takingeffect. Once the new trade agreement becomes effective, NAFTA Certificates of Origin will no longer be valid and must be replaced with USMCA/CUSMA Certificates of Origin.
For more information on how Universal Logistics can assist with our NAFTA Management Service (soon to be renamed CUSMA/USMCA Management Service), contact Brian Rowe, Director – Customs Compliance & Regulatory Affairs.
Canadian cargo theft surpasses the U.S.
In 2018, there were more cargo thefts in Canada than in the entire U.S., with Toronto Peel Region being the second busiest jurisdiction for thieves behind only California. It is a startling statistic, especially when you consider California has a population of 40million people, while Peel Region is home to just 1.4million.
Cargo theft in the U.S. has declined in recent years, from 754 thefts in 2015 to 591 last year, while the opposite is true in Canada. There were 213 cargo thefts in 2015 in Canada, climbing to 621 in 2018, with a total value of more than $60 million.
Cargo thieves are highly organized, with warehouses of their own, that are utilized to quickly unload cargo. They typically have a network of buyers always looking for certain goods and have their own distribution system to get rid of these goods quickly. Food and beverages are now the most frequently stolen loads in Canada with proceeds from cargo theft often used as seed money for more sinister crimes.
In the U.S, cargo crime task forces are in place, with state, federal and municipal police all working together backed by adequate funding. These crimes are handled as an organized crime investigation. In Canada, only Peel and York Region police have dedicated cargo crime units, and these teams are overwhelmed.
The consensus is that Canada should follow the U.S. lead in making cargo crime prevention a priority. Until the public and police agencies begin treating cargo crime like a bigger issue, it is expected to get worse before it improves. At present, it is a low-risk/high-reward crime, with jail time unlikely.
The issue also highlights the importance of protecting your shipments, with sufficient levels of cargoinsurance. We can provide insight and guidance in this area, to ensure your assets are protected and you are not exposed to financial risks.
For more information, contact David Lychek, Manager – Ocean & Air Services.
Air Cargo Industry pushes for stricter penalties
for shippers who misdeclare Lithium Batteries
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), in partnership with the Global Shippers Forum (GSF), the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), is increasing efforts to ensure the safe air transport of lithiumbatteries.
Lithium batteries, which are used in computers, watches, cameras and cell phones, are safe to transport as long as it is managed according to international regulations and standards, however, the number of incidents in which shippers are not complying has increased.
The industry is launching an incident reporting tool so that information on suspect shippers will be shared, and is also asking governments to impose stricter enforcement of regulations as well as stiffer penalties for those who are not following the rules.
If you have questions about shipping lithium batteries, please contact Debbie McGuire, Manager – Freight Solutions.
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
These twin towers were the world’s tallest buildings from 1998 until 2004.
|
What city is the home of the tallest twin towers in the world?
- The city was founded in 1857 by Chinese tin miners.
- It is common for the city to flood during periods of heavy rain.
- Temples built into limestone caves are one of the most popular tourist attractions.
- The country’s king has his official residence in this city.
- This city has a ban on excessive lipstick.
- The city’s name means “muddy confluence”.
See the answer
For more information about shipping freight to or from this city, contact Debbie McGuire, Manager – Freight Solutions.
Answer: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Modify Your Shipping Habits to Expedite Your Transit Times
Can’t wait until you have enough freight to load a full container? Take advantage of consolidatedservices to lessen the cost, while maintaining a weekly shipping schedule.
Have a hot rush truck shipment that can’t be late? Hire an exclusive load, regardless of the actual shipment size, and have a truck make a freight delivery that is exclusively for you.
|
|
|
 |
|
Monserrat Vazquez,
Freight Solutions
|
At Your Service: Monserrat Vazquez, Freight Solutions
Monserrat Vazquez joined the Universal Logistics head office Freight Solutions team in May 2019, after graduating from the International Transportation and Customs program at Seneca College.
Monserrat has had previous experience in the logistics field while working in Mexico for a large beverage distributor. She brings her professionalism and attention to detail to our clients while coordinating their air and ocean import shipments.
Monserrat can be reached by phone (905) 882-4880 ext. 230 or by email.
|
