In order to navigate the constantly changing world of logistics, it is important to have knowledge, experience, and the ability to adapt quickly. Stability and consistency are not typical in this industry, so it’s essential for our team at Universal Logistics to be proactive at all times. Complacency is a risky strategy in the long term. Our extensive experience and insight demonstrate our ability to handle any situation we encounter. As we celebrate 75 years in business, we have witnessed the evolution of our industry and have successfully adapted to these changes. As a result, we have become a more effective service provider for our clients.
To maintain our strong foundation, it’s important to continue focusing on training and industry education.
For example, the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) offers training related to freight forwarding functions, while the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB) provides training focused on customs duties. This training offers valuable insights to new team members and helps build a solid knowledge base. Additionally, newer employees are mentored by senior team members with years of industry experience. Ongoing mandatory training, such as recurring dangerous goods certification and yearly training to maintain CSCB designations for customs clearance processing, further enhances our knowledge base and ensures that our team is well-versed in all aspects of the logistics industry.
In addition to training and mentoring, being a successful logistics provider requires the ability to navigate the complex and ever-evolving world of both domestic and international shipping, as well as customs regulations. This necessitates continuous learning and updating, as an unfocused approach can lead to disruptions in the movement of goods, increased costs, and non-compliance penalties, which are not in anyone’s best interest. Examples of these regulations include compliance with eManifest regulations for Canadian imports, ISF regulations for US imports, implementation of dangerous goods handling requirements, and preparation for the upcoming CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management project (CARM), among others. While shippers may not be fully aware of such regulations, our role as your representative in the process is to ensure compliance with all industry mandates and regulations.
A proficient supply chain management team must handle various trade partners, including airlines, ocean carriers, rail carriers, truck carriers, warehouses, and terminals. It is essential for service providers to understand the operational requirements of these partners and be ready for unforeseen situations, such as congestion, equipment shortages, labour disputes, and weather-related issues. Dealing with these unpredictable scenarios requires logistics providers to proactively assert a plan and maintain close communication with clients to offer insights and suggestions. Our teams excel in these areas, as we are more than just a logistics service provider – we strive to provide solutions and work closely with our clients to meet all their concerns and needs.
To achieve this, Universal Logistics relies on a team approach, with multiple teams coordinating shipments, each with expertise in specific areas. This results in a highly effective and efficient process, with the aim of meeting our clients’ needs and ensuring top-level service at all times
For more information, contact Debbie McGuire, Director – Freight Solutions.
