CIFFA is pleased to announce two winners of the 2024 CIFFA Scholarship Program: Hannah Murphy and Ava Hihn. This scholarship was created to raise awareness of global logistics as a career path and to encourage advanced education in international trade, logistics, and commerce. Hannah’s essay on the importance of continuing higher education to navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving global landscape truly resonated with the judges. It perfectly captured the vision of the scholarship, and CIFFA commends Hannah’s strong commitment to both her educational and professional growth. Hannah is described by her instructors and employer as “organized, dedicated, a reliable team member, a person of great integrity and someone who is deeply engaged in the learning process.”
Ava is described by instructors and employers as “exceptional” in her academic performance, leadership skills and dedication to her field of study. She is “a natural leader who inspires her peers through her collaborative approach and enthusiasm.” Her essay on Higher Education in Global Logistics thoroughly explored the multi-faceted approaches and strategies for success in the field.
CIFFA awarded cheques for $4,000 each to the scholarship recipients.
“I’d like to offer congratulations on this well-deserved recognition to both of our scholarship winners, to whom we wish a successful and rewarding academic year ahead,” said Bruce Rodgers, Executive Director of CIFFA.
CIFFA’s Scholarship Program aims to promote higher learning in international trade, logistics and commerce and increase awareness of freight forwarding as a career among children of CIFFA Regular Members’ employees. Scholarships in the amount of $4,000 are awarded to two individuals each year. Applications are accepted between June and August each year. Winners are announced at the September National Board of Directors meeting.
TORONTO, May 6, 2024.– CIFFA is pleased to announce the winner of the 2024 Donna Letterio Leadership Award, Monica Kennedy, Owner and President at ITN Logistics Group of Companies.
CIFFA introduced the annual Donna Letterio Leadership Award in December 2015, in memory of former CIFFA President Donna Letterio, who passed away in August 2013. The award recognizes a woman in the global freight logistics sector who has demonstrated, as Donna did, professionalism, commitment, leadership and a passion for excellence in her career and in her life. CIFFA will present the award during its gala dinner event in Montreal this June. In addition to the award, CIFFA will prepare a cheque in Monica’s name for $1,000 which will be presented to Bladder Cancer Canada.
In the nomination form, Kennedy is described as a successful business entrepreneur and an individual with outstanding values and vision who has devoted almost 50 years to the logistics and transportation industry and has been certified by the WBE (Women’s Business Enterprises) in Canada and the USA since 2020.
Kennedy has been recognized by several employees as a mentor who believes in providing meaningful growth opportunities for outstanding individuals in the company, and a person who does not expect anyone to do anything she wouldn’t do herself.
Kennedy demonstrates strong negotiating skills to her staff enabling them to work out solutions and showing people how to solve problems. She handles stressful situations with dignity and fairness, and always exhibits positivity, regardless as to what is thrown at her, making the entire team at ITN feel safe.
Kennedy is the loving matriarch of a blended family (two of her own and three of her late husband), with nine grandchildren in all.
“CIFFA would like to extend our congratulations to Monica for this well-deserved recognition. Monica’s unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership and her relentless pursuit of excellence makes her a true role model, impacting those who know her in business and in life,” said Bruce Rodgers, Executive Director, CIFFA.
TORONTO, ON. — CIFFA has elected six new board members at its Annual General Meeting, held April 24, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, on the second day of CIFFA’s 75th anniversary conference, which was themed “Leading the Path Forward”.
The New Board members are:
“We are very pleased to be adding such experience and diversity to our expanded Board. These knowledgeable leaders in supply chain will assist in establishing future direction and guidance as we continue to focus on the challenges and interests of our members,” said Bruce Rodgers, Executive Director, CIFFA.
CIFFA National Board of Directors President Arnon Melo welcomed the new Directors to the Board of Directors.
“On behalf of CIFFA and the entire board, I am thrilled to welcome these new Board members and express our gratitude for their decision to join us. This board values open dialogue and diverse perspectives. Every voice matters, and individual insights are both welcome and essential.
We are proud of our longstanding history, and many have dedicated years to shaping the path we’re on. However, the landscape of our industry is ever evolving. As we encounter new challenges and opportunities, fresh ideas, unique viewpoints, and passion are crucial to serve our members effectively and to amplify CIFFA’s role as a leader in the global supply chain,” he said.
The full list of CIFFA’s Board of Directors can be viewed here. (Download PDF Copy)
Dear Minister, Honourable Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, Ontario.
CC: Honourable Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford
CC: Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport Canada
I am writing on behalf of CIFFA, a logistics association representing the interests of over 330+ regular member firms with tens of thousands of employees in the fields of freight forwarding, freight brokering, customs, drayage, and warehousing in Canada. Our association plays a crucial role in the logistics industry, which is a vital component of Canada’s economy. One of our core pillars is educating for the future.
Recently, the federal government and IRCC announced caps on international students for colleges and universities. In addition, the provincial government eliminated important one- and two-year programs in international / global business management as being eligible to teach these international students. CIFFA, and other associations like CITT, have spent years fostering relationships with these Colleges to ensure their educational offering is integrated into these programs, which are now being severely impacted. This decision will eliminate thousands of trained workers per year from the logistics talent pool in Canada.
The Canadian National Supply Chain Report notes that labour shortages in logistics is a critical priority. In December 2023, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, announced the establishment of the National Supply Chain Office to strengthen Canada’s supply chains, and increase economic competitiveness emphasizing our industries’ importance. Ontario’s own prospects for employment in multiple NOCS codes in logistics, freight forwarding, customs and supply chain are listed as “Good to very Good” over the next 3 years.
While we understand the government’s focus on “in-demand jobs” in fields like skilled trades, health, human resources, hospitality, child care, and STEM, we submit that the logistics industry should also be recognized as “in-demand.”
CIFFA partners with public and private colleges, where our industry-developed education is taught in 1 to 3- year international / global business programs. These comprehensive courses are specifically designed and validated to provide graduates with the skills needed to enter supply chain careers. By limiting international student programs in the logistics sector, the government risks hindering the development of a skilled workforce who are essential for the continued growth and success of the logistics sector.
During the pandemic, the logistics industry was praised for its life-saving work, highlighting its critical importance to Canada’s supply chain and economy. Logistics companies and their employees were identified as essential workers. We urge the government to reconsider its position on these international / global business programs in logistics and supply chain and designate them as “in-demand jobs”.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a favorable response.
Sincerely,
Stephen McDermott, Vice President Education CIFFA / TraversEd
® CIFFA is a Canadian logistics association representing the interests of its Freight, Customs and Warehousing regular members.
Every year, CIFFA offers an award to a young freight forwarder who best demonstrates industry knowledge and skills to become a true international freight forwarding professional in the future.
After a review process of industry experience and a written dissertation demonstrating technical knowledge, CIFFA is pleased to announce that Rashaad Francisco D’Gama Rose of DSV Global Transport and Logistics has been selected as the 2024 Canadian Young Logistics Professionals Award winner.
Rashaad studied Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at Mohawk College and Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics at Seneca College. He also holds the FIATA Diploma. Before joining the DSV Global Transport and Logistics team two years ago, where he currently holds the position of business support specialist, Rashaad had indirect logistics experience working in sales and customer service for manufacturers and distributors. Being conscious of the impact of the logistics industry on the environment, he is passionate about balancing environmental and fiscal sustainability in the industry. As his career progresses, Rashaad hopes to advocate for policies which are designed to reduce the carbon footprint by using sustainable fuels, supply chain optimization, mode shift and renewable energy in buildings, while ensuring the growth of the world economy.
Rashaad decided to participate in the Young Logistics Professional (YLP) competition because he’s truly passionate about researching the various complexities of supply chain management. This competition challenged him to look at the current circumstances of global freight forwarding through the perspective of every stakeholder. This subsequently presented him with the unique opportunity to network within the DSV organization to gain hands-on experience as he developed the argument for his dissertation. His findings from CIFFA and FIATA also significantly influenced his decision, as he was empowered with practical tools, educational materials, and the expertise of several logistics professionals throughout our programs. His participation in the YLP competition delivered much more than a chance to write a dissertation. He gained a valuable opportunity to speak with the most knowledgeable freight forwarders of our industry to gain insights as to how we can keep the flow of our global supply chain moving.
As this year’s Canadian winner, Rashaad will receive a cash prize of $1,500 and will represent Canada at the FIATA Americas regional competition. This requires the submission of two dissertations. If selected as the Americas regional winner, Rashaad will compete at the 2024 FIATA World Congress in Panama City, Panama in the fall. His registration fees, hotel accommodation costs during the Congress and travel costs of up to US $1,000 will be covered by the TT Club and FIATA.
Additionally, CIFFA would like to acknowledge the good efforts and exceptional work of the Young Logistics Professionals Award competition runner up, Dhiraj Kochar. Dhiraj has been working in the logistics industry for 3 years and currently holds the position of pricing analyst at DSV Air & Sea, where he began as a trainee. Although Dhiraj holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, which laid the foundation for his career, his passion lies in logistics, freight forwarding and supply chain management. Dhiraj has received the FIATA Diploma and has completed a post-graduate education in supply chain and project management. At DSV he has had the privilege of working across multiple departments and collaborate with DSV offices in various cities. Dhiraj’s outgoing nature complements his skills of effective communication, customer service, teamwork and analytical thinking.
(For more information on the Young Logistics Professionals Award)
CIFFA is pleased to announce our latest issue of the Forwarder Magazine is Hot off the Press.
This issue is dedicated to CIFFA’s 75th anniversary-its founding, early members, committees, events and evolution since 1948, the year the organization was founded.
Lots of pics-yearbook-style celebrate the member successes and stakeholder relationships CIFFA is proud to champion!
Happy anniversary CIFFA! (Read the Special Issue) and click on our sponsors that made this all possible.)
Force majeure, a term originating in French, means “greater force”. Related to the act of God term, it implies an unforeseeable, external force beyond one’s control, like a hurricane or earthquake. Adopted into the legal terminology, the force majeure clause in contracts enables parties to suspend or vary the terms of performance, and removes their liability for unforeseeable and unavoidable catastrophes that interrupt the expected course of events and prevent the fulfillment of obligations under the contract.
Some recent incidents, for example the re-routed Ever Cozy vessel in Israel, brought to our attention questions of delay and performance. However rare, if these incidents do happen, they remind us of the real financial and reputational consequences parties to a contract face. The unpredictability of these events stresses the importance of awareness of the force majeure clause and its inclusion into the contract to protect the rights and obligations of the parties.
The force majeure clause generally covers natural disasters – hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. but, unlike acts of God, it also covers human actions, like acts of war or man-made diseases.
The concept of force majeure originated in French civil law and is an accepted standard in many jurisdictions that drive their legal systems from the Napoleonic Code, although the application of the concept can also be strictly limited. In common law jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, or Canada (except for the province of Quebec), force majeure clauses are acceptable but must be more explicit about the events triggering the clause.
In some jurisdictions, three “tests” determine if the force majeure clause can be used as defence – the event must be unforeseeable, external (to both parties) and unavoidable, although, given the increased awareness of cyber or nuclear threats or pandemics, for example, the question of foreseeability in legal sense is still up for debate. It can, therefore, be difficult to prove these conditions in international tribunals. However, other jurisdictions may apply these concepts differently.
Additionally, in an attempt to clarify the meaning of force majeure, the International Chamber of Commerce applied a standard of “impracticability”, which means that it would be unreasonably burdensome and expensive, if not impossible, to carry out the terms of the contract. It is worth mentioning that the International Chamber of Commerce does not include the term force majeure in its Incoterms® 2020.
In summary, although the force majeure clause may not always be completely clear and transparent, and may, by its nature, favour the “big guys” with more power and financial resources, its inclusion in the contract makes a lot of sense as it enables parties to better manage risk and protect themselves if something sudden and unthinkable happens.
Join CIFFA’s online virtual workshop on December 11, 2023 as we provide an overview of the application of the force majeure clause in contracts. Register here.
In an era dominated by rapid technological advancements and automation, the value of soft skills and critical thinking in the workplace has never been more pronounced. Yet, a concerning trend persists – a deficiency in these essential attributes among employees. As global logistics organizations continue to emphasize knowledge in the complexities of importing and exporting, they risk neglecting the intangible qualities that are crucial for success in today’s complex and interconnected world.
The Soft Skills Shortfall:
Soft skills encompass a broad spectrum of personal attributes, including communication, teamwork, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. These traits are indispensable for fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. However, as the emphasis on technical proficiency grows, the development of these soft skills has taken a backseat.
Many employees entering the workforce today are armed with impressive credentials, in particular College diploma’s and the CIFFA certificate in international freight forwarding, but often fall short in areas such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and empathetic leadership. This discrepancy poses a significant challenge for businesses striving to create a harmonious and productive work environment.
Critical Thinking: The Missing Puzzle Piece:
Critical thinking, often described as the ability to objectively analyze and evaluate information to make informed decisions, is another vital skill that has been overlooked. In an age of information overload, being able to discern credible shippers, ask on the fly questions related to hidden hazards, and form well-reasoned conclusions is more crucial than ever.
Without robust critical thinking skills, employees may fall prey to misinformation, make hasty judgments, or struggle to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. This deficiency not only hinders individual growth but also undermines the overall effectiveness and resilience of an organization.
The Impact on Innovation and Problem-Solving:
Innovation thrives on diversity of thought, collaboration, and the ability to challenge the status quo. Soft skills, particularly communication and teamwork, play a pivotal role in facilitating this environment. When these skills are lacking, the potential for groundbreaking ideas and creative problem-solving is severely restricted.
Furthermore, without critical thinking, employees may find themselves stuck in conventional modes of thinking, unable to devise innovative solutions to complex challenges. In a world where adaptability is a cornerstone of success, this deficiency can be detrimental to organizational progress.
Addressing the Gap:
To bridge the soft skills and critical thinking gap, organizations must take proactive measures. This includes:
To address this gap, CIFFA offers an interactive online self-paced course called GRAD FORCE SKILLS that prepares the learner to meet these challenges head on. Register today.
Click here for a brochure on GRADFORCE, or here to watch a short video on how CIFFA can help.
In the interconnected web of global supply chains, the issue of forced labor casts a long, dark shadow. The logistics industry, tasked with the movement and distribution of goods across borders, is not exempt from this pervasive problem. This blog aims to shine a light on the presence of forced labor within the logistics sector and to provide a rallying call for companies to take meaningful action.
Forced labor, a stark violation of human rights, takes many forms within the logistics industry. From coerced debt bondage to human trafficking and modern-day slavery, workers find themselves ensnared in situations of immense vulnerability. This practice, though often hidden, leaves behind a trail of suffering that demands our attention.
The insidious nature of forced labor requires a discerning eye. Recognizing the signs is crucial. Whether it’s the confinement of movement, deplorable working conditions, or withheld wages, the indicators are there. Through real-life stories and examples, we uncover the harrowing realities that victims of forced labor face daily.
Legal and Ethical Obligations
The world has spoken, and the message is clear: forced labor is an affront to human dignity. International standards and legal frameworks, such as the ILO’s Forced Labour Convention (No. 29) and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, establish the moral imperative for companies to act. It is our collective responsibility to uphold these principles.
Supply Chain Due Diligence
To combat forced labor effectively, we must first understand its intricacies within the supply chain. Thorough mapping and risk assessments uncover the vulnerable points where exploitation may occur. Rigorous supplier vetting and regular audits are essential components of due diligence, ensuring compliance with labor standards.
Supplier Engagement and Collaboration
Transparency and collaboration are at the heart of any successful anti-forced labor effort. Engaging suppliers in open dialogue establishes a foundation of trust and accountability. By partnering with suppliers who share our commitment to eradicating forced labor, we forge a path towards a more ethical supply chain.
Collaborative Initiatives and Industry Partnerships
Individual efforts, while commendable, are not enough. The battle against forced labor requires collective action. Industry-wide initiatives and partnerships offer a platform for companies to unite in their commitment to eradicate this scourge from our supply chains.
Worker Empowerment and Education
Empowering workers is central to dismantling the chains of forced labor. Education and awareness programs provide the knowledge and tools needed to identify and report abuse. Establishing grievance mechanisms creates safe channels for workers to seek help and justice.
Training and Capacity Building
The journey towards a forced labor-free logistics industry demands training and capacity building. From the ground level to the boardroom, education is key. Implementing policies that prioritize human rights and ethical labor practices reinforces our collective commitment to change.
Join CIFFA’s online virtual workshop on November 30, 2023 as we provide an overview of the application of the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act and its relevance to Canadian companies, as well as the Canadian laws aiming to eradicate forced labour and child labour from Canadian supply chains, to ensure Canadian companies do not contribute to human right abuses.
In an era where sustainability is paramount, the logistics industry plays a crucial role in shaping a greener, more efficient future. As the demand for eco-conscious practices continues to rise, logistics companies are seizing the opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint. In this blog, we’ll explore innovative strategies and practical steps that the logistics industry can take to embrace sustainability and drive positive change.
By embracing sustainability, the logistics industry has the power to not only reduce its environmental impact but also drive innovation and enhance operational efficiency. Together, we can build a future where logistics operations are synonymous with eco-conscious practices, creating a cleaner, more sustainable world for generations to come.
If you are interested in training that will help your organization in moving to this goal, CIFFA offers a short course that provides guidance to get you on your way.