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WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 29, 2021 — Keeping up with record backlogs and the traditional gift buying season will make this Holiday Rush one for the books. That’s the consensus of two industry veterans, one, the owner of a logistics company and the other a supply chain service provider.
Steve Howard is president of the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA) and the president of Esquire Logistics, Inc in Florida. Chris Kane is the CEO of Drivv powered by Courierboard & CBDriver also based in Florida.
Both men acknowledge that the unique challenges facing carriers this holiday season make preparing for it a challenge. “It’s a big unknown,” said Howard. “We have been extremely busy all year with peak numbers every day. There are so many unidentified variables that could impact this year’s Holiday Rush. People are already buying on-line in record numbers, so there’s every reason to expect they’ll do the same with holiday gifts. And let’s not forget the last few Holiday Seasons when the big three, UPS, Fed-EX and USPS, struggled with volume. I have every reason to believe that they will be hard-pressed again in handling this holiday season’s volume. That will most likely mean more work for our members, who are mostly regional providers.”
Kane confirmed his expectations of increased volume this year. “I believe we are going to continue to see a huge increase in on-demand deliveries this holiday season from companies, retailers and individuals,” he said. “Everything is being delivered today as people shy away from in-person shopping. There are also backlogs and shortages of building materials that need to be delivered ASAP as they become available. This will be another drain on capacity. There’s also pent-up demand because everyone has been home for over a year. Add those together with holiday gift buying and we’ll see a tidal wave of delivery demand in November and December.”
There are also lingering issues from the pandemic that will have an impact on the 2021 Holiday Delivery Season. The most significant will be getting a large enough workforce. “There is a real challenge at the moment when it comes to hiring drivers and employees,” points out Howard. “We typically ramp up our hiring in October, but we have not stopped hiring all year. It appears that things are starting to normalize again, but with COVID raging in South Florida at the moment there is still a lot of concern about the effects it will have on the available work force.”
Kane has a front row seat on the driver shortage. His company, Drivv, is an online driver recruiting platform for courier companies to engage new drivers. They also have a driver contract website where independent contractors can search driver contract ads from courier companies called CBDriver. “Driver availability is the critical factor that will impact the 2021 holiday season,” he says. “The extended pandemic unemployment benefits have negatively affected the driver population. There are more companies advertising for drivers than ever before on our platform. The competition for professional drivers is intense with an increase in driver ads featuring incentives and sign on bonuses. To respond to these issues, Drivv has added new recruiting features including a search for Master Contractors, so companies can search our database for Master Contractors and see how many drivers and vehicle types they oversee.”
Both men expect to ramp up the search for drivers. “We are planning on a hiring blitz a month earlier than normal,” says Howard. “Our goal is to have an excellent team in place well before the historic beginning of peak which is usually around Black Friday.” The CBDriver platform will be rolling out a new online driver community forum, DriverTalk, which will help drivers connect, find new driving opportunities and share information with other drivers.
This escalating race to find, train and get more drivers up to speed will put tremendous pressure on logistics companies for the holiday season. “Bringing on staff early can be a challenge because of the cost of adding them well before you need them. The reality is that the company that has the delivery staff will most likely win!” says Howard. Drivv and CBDriver is already seeing that trend. “Demand is up for courier delivery services and drivers,” says Kane. “The volume of driver ads posted on Drivv /CBDriver is up by over 300% versus last year.”
Flexibility and early recruitment will be the keys to surviving Holiday Rush 2021, according to these two industry pros. “Start recruiting now!” advises Kane. “Drivers are essential to handle the anticipated high demand this Holiday Season and companies should use as many different resources as possible to recruit them.” Howard adds: “My advice is to be ready to adjust quickly. None of us knows what this season will look like but being prepared is critical to your survival.”
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that connects and leads members of the time-critical logistics and delivery industries. The association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston
aobston@aomc.com
(860) 803-1155
WASHINGTON, D.C. Sept. 27, 2021 – Remote work and essential worker recruitment will be two of the topics at CLDA’s virtual Executive Leadership Summit (ELS) on Oct. 6 & 7. The ELS is an annual skill development workshop for c-suite executives, young professionals and managers in the leadership pipeline.
Over two days, participants will develop their skills in dealing with what conference planners are calling “The New Abnormal.” Working sessions will include:
During Courier Roundtable Discussions participants will share their experiences developing company culture and recruiting and retaining essential workers. In addition, participants will get a chance to network at a virtual happy hour at the end of Day #1
“Time is money for all of us, so we wanted to make sure this program delivered a great ROI for both the time and the money participants were investing to participate,” said Conference C-Chair, Errol Cvern. “We believe we’ve done that and that the information and solutions we will be providing will make this the most important ELS you’ll ever attend.”
Registration is now open to all in the industry with a discount for CLDA members. Companies may also get a special group rate that allows them to register up to seven participants. For more information and registration, go to the events tab at CLDA.org.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that connects and leads members of the time-critical logistics and delivery industries. The association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 803-1155
WASHINGTON, D.C. August 26, 2021 — Industry executives and the supply chain’s next generation of leaders will gather virtually on Oct 6 and 7 to build the skills to adapt to the “New Abnormal.” The CLDA’s annual Executive Leadership Summit (ELS) will be an interactive, online workshop featuring industry experts and logistics pros.
This is the fourth year for the CLDA’s Executive Leadership Summit. The conference is designed to offer skill development to c-suite executives, young professionals and managers in the leadership pipeline. It will be led by business trainer and coach, Wes Gipe.
Over two days, participants will be part of eight working sessions covering such topics as:
• Adapting to the changes brought on by COVID
• Coping with an evolving labor market
• Adjusting to new insurance requirements
• Developing culture in a remote environment
• Understanding the technology needed to provide security in a remote workforce environment.
Participants are encouraged to take active parts in the workshop including individual break-out rooms where they can practice the skills they learn. In addition, participants will get a chance to network at a virtual happy hour at the end of Day #1
Wes Gipe is a Principal with Verity, LLC. He works with business owners and their teams as a facilitator, business advisor and coach. Gipe helps businesses with strategic planning, leadership, culture development and mediation of inter-personal challenges. He has logged over 14,000 coaching hours with more than 500 individuals throughout North America and Europe. His work has been featured in Forbes as well as other national media outlets.
Registration is now open to all in the industry with a discount for CLDA members. For more information and registration, go to the events tab at CLDA.org.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that connects and leads members of the time-critical logistics and delivery industries. The association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 803-1155
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 19, 2021 – Four of the supply chain’s leading companies have joined the inaugural class of the CLDA’s new Industry Leaders Advisory Group. The group includes Key Software Systems; Openforce; Risk Strategies and SCI. This non-courier advisory group will help with the association’s strategic planning. It was formed to bring the voices of all members of the supply chain to the table.
“We see the formation of CLDA’s Industry Leaders Advisory Group as a way to diversify leadership and represent the interests of all our members – including carriers, shippers, and affiliate partners,” says CLDA Board President Steve Howard. “The membership of our board has been made up exclusively of carriers since 1987 and we believe it’s time to broaden that representation. These industry veterans will have a seat at the CLDA board table, helping us work through industry challenges and identify opportunities. They will help establish goals that are important to our 2,900+ members and map out ways to achieve them.”
Four supply chain veterans will be their company’s representatives on the CLDA Industry Leadership Advisory Group: Bryan Ice of Risk Strategies; Patrick Scardilli of Key Software Systems; Dominick Simone of SCI and Rob Slack of Openforce.
Bryan Ice, CIC is Director of Sales – Transportation at Risk Strategies. He has been involved in the insurance industry since 2003, assuming his position at Risk Strategies in 2017. Risk Strategies is a national specialty insurance broker providing risk management advisory services, insurance and reinsurance placement for property & casualty, employee benefits and private client risks. The Risk Strategies Transportation practice specializes in providing custom courier insurance and same-day delivery insurance coverages.
Patrick Scardilli is Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Key Software Systems. He has helped final mile delivery companies on-board technology solutions for over 16 years. Key Software Systems provides a delivery management and optimization platform for carriers of all sizes. Their Xcelerator and MobileTek solutions help final mile couriers automate their operations, streamline their processes and ensure reliability and accountability throughout the delivery lifecycle.
Dominick Simone is the Senior Vice President of Client Services at SCI. He has been involved in the Final Mile delivery industry since 1980. SCI is the premier third-party administrator for the transportation and logistics industry. SCI offers real person customer service and uses its market-leading size to create beneficial insurance programs like the only ACA compliant healthcare program to individual workers compensation coverage. SCI partners with other leading companies to help with fleet acquisition and effective recruiting. SCI is celebrating its 25-year anniversary in 2021.
Rob Slack is an industry relations executive at Openforce and a former president of the CLDA. He has been in the expedited delivery industry since 1976, as an IC driver. Openforce provides technology-driven logistics support services and driver insurance programs through their subsidiary, ICM Insurance, that reduce the operating costs and compliance risk for companies using independent contractors. They are an outsourced provider for recruiting, onboarding, contracting, “Pay as you go” insurance programs, settlement processing, risk mitigation control and driver member benefits.
These four industry pros will represent their companies, working with CLDA’s Executive Committee, including the President and Executive Director, to provide insight into strategies and opportunities for the industry. They will attend CLDA Board of Directors meetings in an advisory capacity.
“We invited these seasoned industry professionals to inaugurate CLDA’s Industry Leaders Advisory Group because we were looking for ways to involve the companies that are the best and the brightest in our sector to help us look to and shape the future of our industry. Their experiences and insights are the perfect fit to help us work through industry challenges and identify upcoming opportunities,” says Howard.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that connects and leads members of the time-critical logistics and delivery industries. The association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 – office
(860) 803-1155 – cell
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 14, 2021 – The Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA) recently awarded its second annual CLDA Scholarships to two students who are the children of members of the association. Each student will receive a $1,000 scholarship to pursue education beyond high school.
This year’s recipients are
Frankel is an honors student at Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees, NJ. This fall he will be a freshman attending the Elliot School of International Affairs at George Washing University in Washington DC. His many awards include earning membership in the Honor Society multiple years, being appointed as a Yale Young Global Scholar, earning recognition as the Best Speaker on the Varsity and JV debate teams and receiving multiple Model UN awards, including serving as the Secretary General in 2020. He has been recognized for his achievements as a member of the rowing team and served as a volunteer for the South Jersey Rowing Club. Darren has in been leadership roles for BBYO, a worldwide teen movement that provides leadership experiences for Jewish teens. He is the son of Michael Frankel, co-owner & CEO of Sir Lancellot Courier Service in Philadelphia, PA and Jennifer Frankel.
Joseph Rivituso is an honors student at Notre Dame High School in Easton, PA who intends to pursue a business career. He will be a freshman at Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA in the fall. Joseph is a student-athlete, playing both varsity baseball and football. He was a member of the local Travel Baseball league and served as a coach. His high level of scholarship while pursuing athletics earned him the Jeff Daley Athlete Scholar Award in 2019. He is active in community service, volunteer for soup kitchens, participating in Adopt a Family During the Holidays, the Miracle League, the Special Olympics and his local church. He is the son of Lori and Gene Rivituso. Lori is Collections/AR Manager at Select Express in New York, a CLDA member. His father works in technology.
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 two students were chosen for their combination of high academics, leadership abilities and involvement in extracurricular activities. They were selected by members of the CLDA Scholarship Committee, which included CLDA Board Members and active CLDA Members. The scholarships were funded by donations from CLDA members, vendors and affiliates. Winners will be recognized at the CLDA’s Final Mile Forum later this month and in the Customized Logistics & Delivery Magazine.
The CLDA Scholarships are awarded annually. Submissions for the 2022 awards should be submitted by April 1, 2022. For more information go to the CLDA Cares tab on clda.org.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that connects and leads members of the time-critical logistics and delivery industries. The association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 – office
(860) 803-1155 – cell
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 2, 2021 – Members of the supply chain will learn how to beat the odds and get back to business at the CLDA’s Final Mile Forum & Expo June 23 to 25. It will take place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and will feature 10 educational sessions, more than 12 hours of networking events and new services and solutions from the 30+ exhibitors in the CLDA Exchange Hall. The meeting is expected to be the logistics industry’s first national conference to be held in-person following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Setting the tone for the meeting will be a keynote presentation by rock and roll thought leader, Sandy Gennaro. Gennaro who will share the lessons he learned as a drummer to the stars and apply that wisdom to the world of logistics. He’ll share strategies for honing leadership skills, managing change and retaining and motivating team members.
CLDA Advocacy Fund donors will hear from U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), a veteran of the logistics industry. Sen. Braun will address Advocacy Fund donors on issues of importance to the logistics industry and share his current priorities and matters of concern for those in the supply chain.
Educational sessions will include:
Thursday, June 24
Women in Logistics – Presented by Wendy Greenland, Openforce; Debbie Jacquin, Dealer Tire; Michelle Truman, SOS Global Express. Moderated by Unna Edmonds, Am-Tran. The session will include a discussion of the challenges facing female professionals and the positive and negative impacts of being a successful woman in the logistics industry.
Is Our Future Insured? – Presented by Peter Berg, True North; Bryan Ice, Risk Strategies; Blake LeBrew, Gallagher and moderated by Brian Jungeburg, Risk Strategies. The session will feature a discussion of the ever-changing insurance world and its impact final mile carriers, including rising insurance costs, the factors that contribute to these increases and what to expect in the years to come.
COVID 19 – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Presented by Debbie Jacquin, Dealer Tire; Barry Nierengarten, Affordable Couriers and Ryan Rusnak, Coyote (a UPS company) and moderated by Tom Jowers, ADL Delivery. In this session, participants will discuss the effects of COVID-19, with a focus on the financial impact to the industry and the future implications of the new delivery landscape.
Last-Mile Delivery: Shipper Expectations & Final-Mile Challenges – Drawing from a survey of over 1,000 retailers and providers, this session will cover ways that last-mile delivery providers can satisfy shippers. Participants will learn how to stay competitive and make sure their 2021 initiatives are focused on meeting those expectations. They will learn about initiatives in logistics to scale delivery, reduce costs, better manage resources and increase sustainability to improved performance in 2021 and beyond.
Fireside Chat: Moving the Target – CLDA President Steve Howard will host a discussion with long-time industry veteran and visionary, Rob Howard, CEO of Kindred Motorworks. They will discuss the changes in the industry and continued impact on the supply chain landscape.
Friday, June 25
Airline Logistics: Can You Land the Business? – During this session participants will gain a working knowledge of freight forwarding and learn about best practices to pinpoint services that fit with their models.
Sustainable Customized Logistics – Presented by Jack Pyros, Momentum; Shawn Stockman, OnePak; Marc Ziade, Zoomo and moderated by Patrick Scardilli, Key Software Systems. This session will cover the benefits of adapting sustainable green strategies; why it is crucial to prioritize greener fleets now and how technology enables sustainable logistics. From fleet electrification to recycled reverse logistics, this panel discussion will spotlight exciting new ways participants can engage in sustainable, green technologies.
Learning From 2020 and Performing In 2021: It’s Not Your Parents’ Final Mile – Presented by Jim Tompkins, Founder and Chairman, Tompkins International.
This presentation will highlight the opportunities, challenges, and requirements for having final-mile success in the 2021 peak season and beyond.
There will also be two roundtables where participants get the opportunity to discuss industry issues on a more personal level. The Shipper Roundtables on Thursday bring together shippers, carriers, forwarders and brokers from around the country, including logistics program representatives to look for ways to do business together. The Carrier Roundtables will take place on Friday. Here like-minded individuals will discuss business strategies and share best practices.
Registration will stay open up to, and including, the first day of the conference. Walk-up registration is available. CLDA members receive a discount of more than 35 percent on their registration. To learn more about the event, visit clda.org/fmf.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that connects and leads members of the time-critical logistics and delivery industries. The association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and help them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices. For more information visit clda.org.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 – office
(860) 803-1155 – cell
MAY 25, 2021 – WASHINGTON, D.C. – The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the ways shippers and 3PLs connect with last-mile transportation providers. Many shippers and third-party logistics (3PL) companies formed new strategic partnerships in the face of these changes to combat same-day delivery expectations fueled by the “Amazon Effect” during lock-down.
That was the conclusion of a new whitepaper entitled The Age of Amazon: Why 3PLs & Last-Mile Delivery Fleets Must Draw Closer. The whitepaper is a joint project of the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA), the trade association for final-mile delivery companies, and the Transport Intermediaries Association (TIA), the voice of the third-party logistics (3PL) industry.
“The last-mile sector has growing opportunities for 3PLs to broaden their menu of supply chain services by creating partnerships with local fleets operated by CLDA members,” said Steve Howard, president of CLDA. “That’s why we partnered with TIA to create this whitepaper and offer it to every member of the supply chain.”
“The final-mile logistics is an important relationship for our members and is a multi-billion-dollar industry that plays an integral role in the supply-chain, noted Anne Reinke, TIA President & CEO TIA “We brought together the expertise of the two associations’ members as well as industry analysts to highlight that relationship and to pinpoint trends where 3PLs and last-mile delivery providers can join together to compete against Amazon’s market dominance.”
The whitepaper points to four areas where these two players in the supply chain can and have worked together to meet the increasing demands of consumers.
E-Commerce: With people spending more time at home during the pandemic, online sales increased by 44% in 2020 to reach 21.3% of total retail sales. Delivery of heavy goods purchased through e-commerce channels is an area of opportunity the whitepaper cites for fleets that can meet specialized delivery requirements such as setup and reverse logistics for items such as medical devices, exercise, and home office equipment.
Medical Lab Logistics: Laboratory tests for blood and tissue samples are conducted 13 billion times a year in the United States and have time-sensitive and specialized handling and delivery requirements. Last-mile providers have seen their medical business increase significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, including work transporting vaccines with hospital networks.
B2B: Freight opportunities in the B2B last-mile sector abound for pallet-sized LTL freight and heavier items that have unique service requirements such as after-hour deliveries to business and residential customers. These are best met by a combination of 3PL and last-mile providers. Motor carriers and 3PLs are chasing opportunities in the last mile of this sector to offer blended warehousing and delivery services that smooth order fulfillment for customers that experienced supply chain disruptions from COVID-19.
Special Projects: Last-mile fleets that operate facilities near large urban centers, like New York City, are seeing demand increase from shippers, 3PLs, and motor carriers to utilize their local delivery services. These customers are dropping off large-volume truckload and LTL shipments at their docks. Last-mile carriers separate volume loads into smaller shipments and make urban deliveries on repeat schedules, such as distributing shipments to retail stores.
Drawing on the expertise of industry analysts and members of both associations, the whitepaper also identified a number of additional facts about the supply chain:
Download for Your Free Copy Now!
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that connects and leads members of the time-critical logistics and delivery industries. The association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices.
CLDA’s Final Mile Forum & Expo is expected to be the logistics industry’s first national conference to be held in-person following the COVID-19 pandemic. It will take place June 23-25 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and will feature educational sessions, networking events, and a front-row seat to the industry’s latest innovations.
For more information see www.clda.org.
About the Transportation Intermediaries Association
The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) is the professional organization of the $214 billion third-party logistics industry. TIA is the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines doing business in domestic and international commerce. TIA is the voice of transportation intermediaries to shippers, carriers, government officials, and international organizations.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the annual TIA 3PL Policy Forum or a potential first-time attendee, join your fellow TIA Members in helping shape the future of the industry in the nation’s capital. The 2021 TIA 3PL Policy Forum is a hybrid event featuring in-person and virtual registration options and will take place September 28-29, 2021 in Washington, D.C. Over 100 TIA Members participated in the 2019 Policy Forum, where they met with over 200 Members of Congress and their staff to support the 3PL industry, the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard, and the USMCSA trade deal.
For more information see www.tianet.org.
ROCK AND ROLL THOUGHT LEADER TO SET THE TONE FOR CLDA’S FINAL MILE FORUM IN JUNE
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 26, 2021 – Logistics providers will learn how to beat the odds and get back to business at the CLDA Final Mile Forum & Expo during the keynote session of rock and roll thought leader, Sandy Gennaro. Gennaro will share the lessons he learned as a drummer to the stars; lessons that helped him survive the shark-infested waters of the music business. He’ll apply that wisdom to the world of logistics, sharing with conference participants strategies for honing leadership skills, managing change and retaining and motivating team members.
CLDA’s Final Mile Forum & Expo is expected to be the logistics industry’s first national conference to be held in-person following the COVID-19 pandemic. It will take place June 23-25 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and will feature educational sessions, networking events and a front row seat to the industry’s latest innovations.
World-class drummer Sandy Gennaro recorded and toured the world with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers for over a half century. Artists such as Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Monkees, Bo Diddley, Johnny Winter, Montrose, The Pat Travers Band, Mark Farner, Benny Mardones and Robin Gibb worked with Sandy in the recording studio and on stage.
“Sandy might seem like an unlikely presenter for this conference, but we were impressed with how universal the lessons he learned in the world of rock are for those in the logistics sector. We know our conference participants will be blown away by his energy and fabulous tales about the rock legends who created the background music of our lives,” said Conference Chair Thomas Jowers. “Sandy has inspired conference participants at events sponsored by FedEX, the US Space and Rocket Center, New Era Health Plans and the Women’s Council of Realtors, so we are certainly in good company.”
In addition to Gennaro, this year’s other high-profile speaker will be U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), who will be the featured presenter at the Final Mile Forum Advocacy Breakfast on June 24. Sen. Braun, a veteran of the logistics industry, will bring an insider’s view of the legislative environment in Washington to all CLDA Advocacy Fund donors.
The full event will include:
Education topics at the event will include:
Registration is now open on the CLDA website, with CLDA members receiving a discount of more than 35 percent on their registration. There are already 33 vendors with reserved spots in the CLDA Exchange Hall, but there are still a few booths available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve one of those spots, contact Hana Watkins, CLDA’s Director of Operations, at hana@clda.org. To learn more about the event, visit clda.org/fmf.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that connects and leads members of the time-critical logistics and delivery industries. The association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and help them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices. For more information visit clda.org.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 – office
(860) 803-1155 – cell
WITH THE EXIT OF MAJOR CARRIERS, THE COURIER INDUSTRY HAS AN OPPORTUNITY DELIVERING FOR THE GROWING VAPING AND E-CIGARETTE SECTORS
WASHINTON, D.C., April 13, 2021– Recent regulatory changes to the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act have created an opportunity for those in the courier industry. The changes make the delivery of vaping and e-cigarettes more challenging, but one industry expert says they also open the door for those in the courier industry.
“These carriers have the flexibility and trust to handle these products,” says Jim Bramlett, Chief Executive Officer at 5 String Solutions in Leawood, Kansas. “These are carriers for the pharmaceuticals industry, so they understand what it takes to operate in this kind of controlled environment.” 5 Strings Solutions offers a network platform that provides real-time data exchange between shippers and their partners. They are active members of the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA).
The increased requirements have meant that all of the major carriers are refusing to deliver for the vaping products industry. Not only have UPS and FedEx announced that they will no longer handle these products, but DHL, Lasership and OnTrac are also refusing to work with this industry.
This has caused many online vapor retailers to look for shipping partners among private logistics companies. The new PACT Act law changes went into effect in late March and apply to any carrier that transports vaping and e-cigarette products. The law requires that any carrier that transports these products and delivers them to a consumer’s home must verify the age and identity of the customer at purchase, check IDs, obtain adult customer signature at delivery, and maintain records of delivery sales for four years after the date of sale, among other things.
“Because of these complexities, I believe that this is a space that couriers could jump into,” says Bramlett. “The large delivery companies have been passing on this because it takes too much time to ring the bell, verify that the person signing for this is of age, capture their signature and keep it on file for four years. The big carriers prefer drop and run.”
Bramlett acknowledges that the business may not be right for every courier. “I’ve spoken to some who say, ‘“I’m in the health and life-saving industry delivering pharmaceuticals. I just can’t get there. This doesn’t match with my company’s ethics.’ Others may be put off by requirements the PACT Act puts on them to make sure the products don’t end up in the hands of younger consumers. These are all part of each company’s induvial decision-making processes and obviously have to be considered before taking on this business.”
For those couriers that are not interested in dealing with the restrictions around home delivery, there is another part of this vertical that may be right for them: working with manufacturers to get their products to retailers. “As a rule, these small retailers are only looking at stocking 16 to 18 orders a day,” he says. “Couriers will need to find ways to aggregate those and move them out effectively. Shippers want to use someone who can take it from a central point and take it to, say Los Angeles, and then have someone else (a courier) take it to retailers. This part of the last-mile supply chain is a very comfortable place for couriers. They are used to managing these kinds of challenges. Customized deliveries are what they do.”
“The members of this industry are known for their ability to adapt to the unique demands of shippers. For those who are interested in pursuing it, this could be an opportunity,” says CLDA President Steve Howard.
Bramlett believes the courier industry has an opportunity with these deliveries if they can create systems to manage the extra requirements imposed by the PACT Act. “This is a wake-up call to the courier industry,” he says. “This business is yours for the taking and there’s more behind it. Regional couriers are experienced in the challenges of working with controlled substances, nimble enough to adapt to their requirements and fueled by the creativity that has always characterized this industry.”
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that connects and leads members of the time-critical logistics and delivery industries. The association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and helps them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 – office
(860) 803-1155 – cell
CLDA’S FINAL MILE FORUM EXPECTED TO BE INDUSTRY’S FIRST NATIONAL LIVE EVENT POST-PANDEMIC
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 6, 2021 – Registration is now open for what is expected to be the logistics industry’s first national live event following the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 CLDA Final Mile Forum & Expo will take place June 23-25 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. It will feature educational sessions, networking events and a front row seat on the industry’s latest innovations.
The theme of the event is “Beating the Odds: Getting Back to Business,” and the program will include:
“We are looking forward to catching up with industry colleagues and reconnecting with old friends. After a year of virtual interaction, it’ll be great to connect in-person again,” says Final Mile Forum & Expo Chair, Tom Jowers. “The 2020 Final Mile Forum in Miami was our best attended conference in 15 years, and we’re expecting this one to generate the same kind of enthusiasm.”
Registration is now open on the CLDA website, with CLDA members receiving a discount of more than 35% on their registration. There are already 23 vendors with reserved spots in the CLDA Exchange Hall, but there are still a few booths available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve one of those spots, contact Hana Watkins, CLDA’s Director of Operations, at hana@clda.org. To learn more about the event, visit clda.org/fmf.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) is a non-profit professional association that connects and leads members of the time-critical logistics and delivery industries. The association serves the needs of its 2,900 essential service members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers, air cargo logistics providers, 3PLs and vendors servicing today’s supply chain companies. The CLDA gives its members access to a diverse network of logistics professionals looking to create new business opportunities and share decades of practical insights. They provide an avenue for amplifying members’ voices on key issues and help them participate in the regulatory discussions shaping the industry. The CLDA keeps members informed and educated on trends, current issues and best practices.
Media Contact
Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com
(860) 243-1447 – office
(860) 803-1155 – cell
