CLDA Members are encouraged to share news about their company. CLDA may share on social media, in newsletters or the Customized Logistics & Delivery Magazine.
Ready to share your news with CLDA or the industry media? Learn from these tips and tricks on how to get noticed.
Yesterday the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced the withdrawal of an opinion letter which can impact CLDA members.
Given that FLSA2021-9 offered protections for motor carriers in their utilization of Independent Contractors, its withdrawal means that you no longer have those protections for any DOL actions or audits. As such, please seek legal counsel if you intend to still pursue the now removed protective opinion practices. Learn more.
As I enter my second year as president of the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association, I take great pride in knowing that CLDA has never been more relevant and important for those in the transportation and logistics industry across the nation and around the world. I’ve come to think of CLDA as a multi-national, best-in-class association representing all facets of the delivery industry and providing abundant opportunities to learn, teach, mentor, and share our strengths. Read more.
WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 4, 2020 –The recent news of the FDA’s approval of two vaccines to fight the coronavirus was met with cheers and sighs of relief. An end to the pandemic appeared to be in sight. But, with that good news came the realities – how would millions of doses of the vaccine get into the arms of Americans who were eagerly awaiting them?
That’s when the role of the supply chain took center stage. The carriers that keep the wheels of commerce (and ecommerce) rolling daily were suddenly thrust into the spotlight. With last-mile delivery companies providing the ultimate keys. These last-mile carriers will be responsible for transporting the vaccines at super-low temperatures; handling them properly and tracking their progress from the manufacturers to the places where they will inoculate consumers. Last mile carriers will also play a role in the critical supply chain that delivers the raw materials that drug companies need to manufacture the vaccines.
What are the challenges of handling these critical deliveries? How will the last-mile carriers meet them? What will they need to do to make the deliveries safely and efficiently? Jason Burns, First Vice President of the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA), says the 3,500 companies that provide last-mile deliveries will be the key. Burns is also Director of Corporate development at Dropoff, a company well-experience in cold chain deliveries.
Members of the CLDA are mostly regional carriers who routinely transport pharmaceuticals. It is likely that they will play a key role, especially in the delivery of the Moderna vaccine, which will go through traditional pharmaceuticals’ distribution channels. The Pfizer vaccine, with its uniquely low temperature requirement (-94 degrees Fahrenheit) will go right from the manufacturer to sites uniquely qualified to store it through FedEx and UPS. Last mile carriers may be involved as subcontractors to these two transportation providers.
The Moderna vaccine is shipped at -4 degrees Fahrenheit, which is common for many pharmaceuticals. “The vaccine will be distributed by McKesson, which has a contract with the US government. Doses will be transported through their current supply chain,” says Burns. “Many CLDA members are already essential parts of that system. Their role will be to take the vaccines from local distribution sites to hospitals, clinics, and drug stores where they will be administered. Some of our members will handle the first leg of that journey from the manufacturers to regional hubs, while others will be responsible for transportation from regional distribution centers to local sites. That’s how we expect the Moderna vaccine to be transported since it will be pre-packaged in totes with dry ice and/or frozen cool packs to keep them at optimal temperature. Last-mile providers will transport the sealed totes, much as we handle regular pharmaceutical distribution.”
Delivery of the Moderna vaccine poses other demands. Capacity for one. “Managing capacity will be an on-going challenge,” says Burns. “Over the next few months, the drug has to be supplied to roughly one million people. However, initial distribution of the vaccine took place in the middle of the holiday rush. Under normal conditions, this is already a tough time of year to meet demand due to ecommerce shipments. The pandemic created even more volume during that period during a time when there is normally competition for resources, including drivers and vehicles. Companies had to get creative to find ways to add more capacity and personnel to be successful.”
There’s also the issue of security. “Having a secure chain of custody is critical with all pharmaceuticals, and this is especially important with the vaccine,” says Burns. “Everyone’s aware of the nature of these shipments, including those operating on the black market. Typically, with pharmaceutical operations, the focus is on securing your facility. Having good processes for scanning into the warehouse, loading vehicles and scanning again upon delivery. Some drivers also have cameras on the vehicles for added security measures.”
While the anticipation for this vaccine has put heightened attention on last mile providers, Burns expects this to be one step towards the increasing importance of the role of these carriers in healthcare logistics. “Healthcare will increasingly be delivered in peoples’ homes and the final mile industry will play a key role in making that happen,” says Burns. “I foresee a time in the not-so-distant future where vaccines like this one will be administered in peoples’ homes by medical technicians. Bolstered by the continued growth of telemedicine, in the near-future doctors will supervise healthcare workers through an app or a platform like Zoom while they administer a variety of life-sustaining medications. Or perform tests for COVID or other conditions. The need to develop these delivery systems may have been exposed by the current healthcare crisis. Ultimately, it may be one of the few positive things that comes out of the pandemic.”
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that is the voice of the time-critical logistics, delivery and express air cargo logistics industries. The association serves the needs of its 3,500 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3 PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. Since 1987, CLDA has provided business opportunities, advocacy and education.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 – office
(860) 803-1155 – cell
Dear CLDA Members,
I am very excited to be leading such an important professional association, one that I have been a proud member of since 1998. I look forward to collaborating with you to leverage new opportunities, increase membership value and champion growth for our industry.
I’ve been actively volunteering with the CLDA for 12 years in many different roles, including chairing the vendor committee, membership committee and conference committee and most recently serving as the first vice president. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to talk with many members, vendors, shippers and other stakeholders, and our conversations have increased my enthusiasm for the logistics profession and the value it brings to companies all over the world.
Between COVID-19, hurricanes and everything else 2020 has brought, I still feel like I’m getting settled in as president, but I want to share my thoughts about the future of the CLDA.
As a professional association, we often think primarily of members in the final mile space. However, there are so many more people, companies and groups that are important parts of the transportation community. The CLDA is comprised of companies that are in the first, middle and final mile that are all great members or prospective members of the CLDA. We have vendors and strategic partners who support our standards and best practices. We work with other professional associations on initiatives like government affairs, providing opportunities to share ideas, knowledge and initiatives to enrich all of our stakeholders. I want to continue strengthening these relationships and, through them, increase the value to our members.
As I see it, we have three main goals: (1) supporting the professional development of our members through education; (2) affecting our destiny through our involvement with government agencies; (3) building networks within the different facets of our industry to build a more global association.
Our Board of directors is really enthusiastic about some of our most recent initiatives, and I want to share a few of them with you.
As members of the CLDA, we have so many great people that make up our organization and so many opportunities. I want to engage you and want us to work collaboratively to grow the association and grow the awareness of the value of our work. I encourage you to email me at president@clda.org to share your thoughts on the future of the CLDA.
Members of our board of directors are driven professionals that want to ensure the value of your membership, but we need your participation. We need your assistance on our committees, and we want to hear from you and learn what you want from your membership in OUR association.
With the challenges facing our industry, our world and our nation right now, we need a strong association more than ever. Together we can work to ensure that the CLDA is one of the tools you need in your toolbox to drive your personal and business success.
I am so fortunate that you have allowed me to lead you through these times, and I look forward to our bright future!
Sincerely,
Steve Howard
President, Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 14, 2020 – The CLDA Executive Leadership Conference on Sept. 23 and 24 will offer supply chain executives a hands-on opportunity to build their strategic survival skills. The annual interactive conference will take place this year virtually. It is designed to offer skills development to c-suite executives, young professionals and managers in the leadership pipeline.
It will feature workshops led by supply chain industry guru James A. Tompkins, Ph.D., Chairman, Tompkins International and former FedEx executive Dr. Djoly Souffrant, now President of Djoly Souffrant, LLC. Also presenting will be business coaches Wes Gipe, Principal of Verity, LLC and Lance Tyson, President and CEO of the Tyson Group.
The first day of the conference, Thursday, Sept. 23 will kick off at 10:00 a.m. with a welcome from Steve Howard, CLDA President and an introduction of the conference facilitator Ed Eppley. Interactive sessions will include:
The day will end at 2:45 p.m. with participants getting the chance to network at a virtual happy hour from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
The second day, Friday, Sept. 24, will kick off at 10:00 a.m. with a recap of Thursday’s ideas. Interactive sessions will include:
The conference will conclude with a wrap-up at 2:00 p.m.
A complete agenda is available here and background on the speakers is here. Follow the conference on twitter at #CLDAELS20.
Sessions will be live and offer participants the opportunity to take active parts in the workshops including individual break-out rooms so participants can practice the skills they learn in the sessions.
Registration is still available and is open to all in the industry with a discount for CLDA members. Non-members who register for the conference will receive membership to CLDA for the remainder of 2020 and all of 2021 at no additional cost.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that is the voice of the time-critical logistics, delivery and express air cargo logistics industries. The association serves the needs of its 3,500 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3 PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. Since 1987, CLDA has provided business opportunities, advocacy and education.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 – office
(860) 803-1155 – cell
WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 13, 2020 – The CLDA’s annual Executive Leadership Summit will be a virtual event on September 23 and 24. Called “Strategic Survival,” the event will offer executives and their up-and-coming leaders targeted training and tools to improve their company’s sales leadership, drive strategic thinking and planning and understand the advantages of an inclusive and diverse leadership approach.
This is the third year for this CLDA’s skills development boot camp for c-suite executives, young professionals and managers in the leadership pipeline.
This year’s summit will include working sessions on:
“Given the impact of COVID-19 on our industry and the economy and the changing dynamics of the industry, we felt it was particularly important to continue our development of the up-and-coming members in our industry with this bootcamp,” says event co-chair Errol Cvern from Select Express & Logistics. “We are excited to be able to offer insights from expert presenters who are well-known throughout the industry.”
Sessions will be live and offer participants the opportunity to take active parts in the workshop including individual break-out rooms so participants can practice the skills they learn in the sessions.
The Executive Leadership Summit will be led by management trainer, consultant and author Ed Eppley. Eppley will moderate and present throughout the two-day workshop. His clients include a “Who’s Who” of business category leaders such as BMW, DSW, Sara Lee, Bloomberg, Battelle, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Speedway, Steamboat Ski & Resort Company, Value City Furniture, PSA Airlines, Emerson Electric, NECCO, Safelite Auto Glass, and others. He is the author of Let’s Be Clear: 6 Disciplines of Focused Management Pros
Registration is now open to all in the industry with a discount for CLDA members.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that is the voice of the time-critical logistics, delivery and express air cargo logistics industries. The association serves the needs of its 3,500 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3 PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. Since 1987, CLDA has provided business opportunities, advocacy and education.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 – office
(860) 803-1155 – cell
On behalf of CLDA, I want to wish you and your colleagues a happy National Logistics Day. Sunday, June 28 is our day to celebrate the transportation and logistics industry and share that we are #CLDAproud of the hard work and dedication our companies put forth every day.
CLDA and our members have been at the forefront of final mile logistics since our inception, consistently delivering, even in the most challenging environments, for more than 30 years. I am proud of the work our member companies do to contribute to the economy, and I want to highlight a few areas that CLDA is continuing to develop to add tremendous value to you, your company and our industry.
CLDA Affinity Program
A number of new partners have joined our affinity program, and we are continuing to work with additional companies to provide significant discounts on the things we use every day. The savings on these everyday expenses will more than pay for your membership, so please take advantage.
Government Advocacy
We have been working hard to build a coalition of associations to lobby on behalf of our members regarding the CARES Act. I also was recently able to have a one-on-one conversation with Eugene Scalia, the U.S. Secretary of Labor, about our industry and our crucial role in keeping the economy moving during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an excellent conversation that helped put important issues in front of the most important man in the federal government regarding labor concerns.
Webinar Program
CLDA’s webinar program has produced great content recently, and we will continue to provide you with pertinent information presented by top professionals in their respective fields.
CLDA Magazine
Customized Logistics & Delivery Magazine was recently transitioned to an all-digital publication, allowing for easy access from any device at any time. I encourage you to read the excellent content in our most recent issue that focuses on how our members have made an impact on the supply chains throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shipper Involvement
CLDA continues to engage shippers of all sizes to network and build connections with our members to create long-lasting relationships.
2020 Executive Learning Summit
This year’s ELS will be held virtually, allowing you to participate in this fantastic networking and education opportunity from the comfort and safety of your home. Our theme is Strategic Survival, and sessions will focus on strategic planning and execution, sales, digital marketing, and competing with crowdsourced couriers.
Final Mile Forum
Our most recent conference in Miami this past February was the most successful conference in CLDA’s history, and we are working hard to ensure that when things get back to normal, you will have the opportunity to attend the leading event for the shipping and logistics industry.
More to Come
There are many other initiatives currently underway, including a new public relations program and launching CLDA’s diversity committee, just to name a few. In addition, the CLDA Board of Directors are in the process of developing a comprehensive, three-year strategic plan to ensure the strength of our association and maximize the value for our members.
We are thankful for your membership in CLDA, and I invite you to increase your involvement in the association by joining a committee. I promise that the time you invest will be rewarded many times over through an expanded network of connected colleagues and a stronger organization.
I also ask that you reach out to your colleagues and vendors and invite them to join CLDA. As our association continues to grow and diversify, we look forward to the increased potential for building new relationships.
Finally, and most importantly, celebrate National Logistics Day this weekend! This holiday recognizes and celebrates everything we do to keep our economy moving forward, so take time this weekend to recognize the role your company has during this crucial time in our industry.
Sincerely,
Steve Howard
CLDA President
WASHINGTON, D.C. June 22, 2020 – Matt Mantione has been appointed Executive Director of the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA). He brings almost two decades of association management experience to the position. The CLDA is the voice of the time-critical logistics, delivery and express air cargo logistics industries.
Before assuming the leadership position with CLDA Mantione was the Vice President of Membership Engagement at the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). In that role he oversaw various departments and functions responsible for sales, membership services and development, affinity programs and marketing and communications.
“Matt brings a great combination of strategic planning, membership development and on-the-ground experience to his position with the CLDA. We are pleased to have him aboard as we position the association to provide leadership and knowledge to the members of the supply chain during these challenging times,” said Steve Howard, CLDA’s president. “This is an exciting time for CLDA and we will continue to work hard to provide the value that our member’s deserve, to help their business grow and be more successful.”
Mantione is Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Professional Certified Marketer (PCM). He was honored by the Association Forum & USAE with their Forty Under 40 award. He is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and has spoken and written several articles on association management.
Mantione earned his BA in Corporate Communications at Radford University where he was also a part of the University’s Division – I baseball team.
He lives with his family Springfield, VA.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that is the voice of the time-critical logistics, delivery and express air cargo logistics industries. The association serves the needs of its 3,500 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3 PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. Since 1987, CLDA has provided business opportunities, advocacy and education.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 – office
(860) 803-1155 – cell
The CLDA recently awarded their first CLDA Scholarships to three students who are the children of those in the logistics industry. Each student will receive a $1250 scholarship pursue education beyond high school. Those applying for the scholarship had to be associated with a CLDA member and planning on attending college, a trade school or trucking school in the fall.
The three are:
Brett Bernecker is an honors student and student-athlete at Archbishop Alter High School in Dayton, Ohio. He intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business and communication from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He has his sights set on becoming an entrepreneur. Brett is a member of the National Honor Society and is a three-year varsity letter man in soccer. He also played on the basketball and track teams. He is a member of the Key Club; Spanish Club; University Club; Dare to Care Club; Sports Club and participates in the school’s Horizons in Medicine program. He worked part-time throughout high school. He is the son of Jim Bernecker, president of Relay Express, Inc. and Mindy Bernecker of Ellis Custom Homes. “I am very honored to receive this scholarship and will work hard to represent the CLDA and delivery industry in general in a positive manner,” he said
Khloe Jowers is an honors student, student-athlete and a student leader at Cypress Ranch High School in Cypress, TX. She will be graduating Summa Cum Laude, in the top 15% of her class. A member of the National Honor Society, Khloe has also been recognized for her achievements by the Math Honor Society (Mu Alpha Theta) and the Music Honor Society (Tri-M). Her band career includes serving as Head Drum Major, Vice President and Section Leader. She plays varsity softball and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She will be pursuing her Bachelor of Business Administration at Baylor University in the fall where she will be studying marketing and sign language interpretation. Her career aspirations include either marketing for a sports team or becoming a sign language interpreter for Walt Disney World. She is the daughter of Thomas and Kimberly Jowers of ADL Delivery. “My goal throughout all of my education is to spread positivity in all that I do. I want to help people and brighten their days and show them all the good to be excited about in the world,” she said. She lives in Cypress, TX.
Chase Picard is an honors student and student-athlete at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, AL. He intends to study math or engineering at the University of Alabama in the fall. Right now, he is considering a career in teaching or engineering and may pursue a graduate degree. He leads his school’s Varsity Bowling Team, which he has been a part for four years. In addition, he is a member of the school’s Key Club; Green Club; Chemistry Club; and Physics Team. He is a member of the National Honor Society. Chase earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do and teaches the discipline to children. He is also involved in his church’s youth group activities, which include volunteering at a local orphanage. He is the son of Lawrence P. Picard, a real estate broker, and Kelly Picard, the CEO of Hackbarth Delivery Service. “I am a hard worker and I am really looking forward to going to college and getting to take classes I actually like. I enjoy helping others and that is why I continued to teach Tae Kwon Do after progressing through the black belt levels. I appreciate the CLDA creating this opportunity,” he said.
The three students recognized with the CLDA’s first scholarships were chosen for their combination of high academics, leadership abilities and involvement in extracurricular activities. “We were looking for a way to recognize the leaders of tomorrow among the children of those in our industry,” says CLDA President Steve Howard. “These three students excelled in all of those categories and the references they received from school and community leaders and their guidance counselors where outstanding.” The three were selected by members of the CLDA Scholarship Committee, which included CLDA Board Members and active CLDA Members. They will be honored at the 2021 Final Mile Forum in February in Las Vegas. The scholarships were funded by donations from CLDA members, vendors and affiliates.
The association intends to present the scholarships every year and will begin taking applications from the children of member companies who will be graduating in the Class of 2021 in April.
CLDA continues to advocate for PPP fixes on behalf of our members. See the latest letter to Congress on S. 3612.
