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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CLDA continues to engage shippers of all sizes to network and build connections with our members to create long-lasting relationships.

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.

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.

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,

CLDA President

 

CLDA Appoints New Executive Director

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. For more information see www.clda.org.

Media Contact

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 – office

(860) 803-1155 – cell

 

CLDA Awards its First Continuing Education Scholarships

WASHINGTON, D.C. June 16, 2020 – 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, son of the president of Relay Express in Fairfield Ohio
• Khloe Jowers, daughter of the VP and COO of ADL Delivery in Thonotosassa, FL
• Chase Picard, son of the CEO of Hackbarth Delivery Service in Mobile, AL

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.

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 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. For more information see www.clda.org.

Media Contact

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 – office

(860) 803-1155 – cell

 

CLDA Statement on Racial/Social Injustice

Racial and social justice impacts every one of us.  For over 40 years, the Customized Logistics & Delivery Association (CLDA) has been committed to supporting and advocating critical issues that affect our members, drivers, vendors, and affiliated partners.

As we reflect upon the tragic events of the past weeks, it is clear that systemic racial and social injustice have no place in our country, our organizations, and the communities that we serve.

The CLDA stands in unity with those grieving the loss of another life to racial injustice and any number of the 100K+ that have fallen to Covid-19.

Each of us has a role to play in the pursuit of equality and justice for our fellow man. While we do not have all the answers and we cannot remedy things over night, we can still be a catalyst for change.

 

Speak Up for Our Industry

CLDA members have the opportunity to set up a dialogue with the Department of Labor and we need each of you to step up to make that happen.

Our president, Steve Howard, met with the United States Labor Secretary, Eugene Scalia last week and shared some of the issues facing our industry with him.
Secretary Scalia was very engaging and encouraged Steve discuss how our industry has risen to the challenges of the coronavirus.   He was impressed by how you have kept the wheels of commerce rolling under the most challenging of circumstances.

Having the attention of the Secretary is a critical step in getting your concerns heard at the highest levels of government. It gives support and momentum to the meeting we have in the works with Cheryl Stanton, Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division. This meeting will give us a seat at the table when it comes to the regulations affecting our industry.

Here’s where you come in: In finalizing the date for the call with Administrator Stanton, we need to present the key topics and concerns you face in your day-to-day businesses. We need to make the case for the importance of those issues and challenges to make this call happen.

We need to know what keeps you up at night.  Please send those concerns to Michael Taylor, our Government Affairs Director by May 26.  Email them to michael@clda.org. Be assured that anything you tell us will remain confidential. We will not share your name or your company’s identity. 

This is the most important meeting we, as an industry, can have. It is a chance to have serious conversations with the Department of Labor while we have the attention of Labor Secretary Scalia. We need your help to make the most of this opportunity. 

Time is of the essence so please get this done by May 26.

With your help, we can make our industry’s voice heard.  It’s a critical opportunity for all of us who keep the supply chain moving.

 

Couriers Urged to Contact Governors to be Declared Essentials Services for Public Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. April 1, 2020 -- Couriers must be declared essential service providers in every state for the sake of public safety.  Because of that need, today the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) charged each of its members and all members of the industry with contacting their governors to declare their companies Essential Service providers.  “Members of this industry must contact their governors immediately to get this declaration before they issue Emergency Orders to shelter in place,” urged CLDA President Steve Howard.  “If they wait, it might be too late and the services we provide to keep the supply chain moving could take days or even weeks to start up again.  Once governors issue Emergency Orders to shelter in place, they will be shut down and the supply chain will grind to a halt.”

Because of the pleas of couriers in Florida and Washington, state governors of those states have already declared their work as essential services. CLDA members in Minnesota, New York and California have already contacted their governors and expect to get that designation within the next few days. 

“We are asking governors in all 50 states to use their offices to declare the courier industry as an “Essential Service” under your peacetime emergency authority,” said Howard.  “Courier services throughout this country are absolutely critical to both our current pandemic crisis and our supply chain.”

He pointed out that couriers are already actively engaged in delivering supplies to cope with the current crisis including delivering: 

• COVID-19 test samples from clinics and testing facilities to labs for diagnosis
• Tissue and blood samples to diagnose and treat COVID-19 related illnesses
• Pharmaceuticals to residences, assisted living facilities, hospitals and pharmacies
• Diagnostic testing for all other non-pandemic related illnesses
• Blood and blood products from blood banks to hospitals and clinics.

In addition, Howard pointed out that courier companies are the essential last-mile delivery providers that support people working at home.  “Our members are helping these workers by delivering to homes laptops, printers, offices supplies and needed documents that can’t be emailed,” he said.

The courier industry serves a unique need that national delivery services can’t provide – deliveries in hours, not overnight.  “Our customers need our services 24/7/365 for deliveries on an immediate, as-needed basis. Due to the urgent nature of these deliveries they cannot be made by national carriers such as USPS, UPS and FedEx that deliver in days, not hours,” said Howard.

CLDA is offering help to couriers in all 50 states - whether or not they are members of the association - with guidance on how to approach the governors of their states.  Any courier may contact CLDA’s Government Affairs Director, Michael Taylor at Michael@clda.org or (703) 623-8995.

“Please contact your governors now,” urged Howard.  “The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be and the more likely that the supply chain isbrought to a halt leaving medical providers and consumers in desperate need of critical supplies.”

 

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 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. For more information see www.clda.org.

 

Media Contact

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 803-1155 – cell

 

 

 

KEEP THE SUPPLY CHAIN MOVING AND SAFE – A COVID-19 UPDATE

Dear Shipper and Affiliate Partners:
COVID-19 has placed special demands on all of us in the supply chain.  As your critical partners together with carriers and forwarders, CLDA wanted to let you know that our members are using the best practices to keep the supply chain responsive and safe.  Here is some advice from our members to protect the supply chain and the health of those receiving deliveries:

Advice for carriers and forwarders:

• Establish visitor health screening forms at your gates that include health status and symptoms.
• Provide the option of no-contact delivery and confirmations
• Equip every delivery vehicle with supplies for drivers that include gloves and hand sanitizers

Advice to drivers:

• Start your delivery day by spraying the interior passenger space of the vehicle with a disinfectant following the product guidelines
• Avoid using driver lounges or accepting food or drink hospitality at stops
• Avoid shaking hands or personally contact anyone and stay six feet or more away from others whenever possible
• Ask about illness in the home or at the dock before scheduling a delivery and as you arrive.  For those who confirm illness, request a call-back when the person has been symptom-free for two weeks
• Avoid delivering to any destination where you see a sick person inside.  Return to your vehicle and call for a reschedule on the delivery.
• Use paper signatures and pictures only for the POD to avoid passing a hand-held device between yourself and the customer
• Avoid accepting a package for delivery from the shipping party’s hand.  Ask the shipping party to place the package(s) on a surface from which you can physically pick up
• Deliver packages to the customer by leaving them on a desk or other surface instead of hand-to-hand contact
• Limit contact with all individuals by practicing social distancing while in the process of making a pickup or delivery by remaining at least six feet away
• Ask for the person’s name who just received the shipment or package and enter it yourself into your phone or hard copy manifest book
• Place any required Bill of Lading on a surface, allowing the consignee to sign in the appropriate places.  When they are completed, request that they step away from the document, retrieve it and place it on the back of your clipboard
• Use hand sanitizers once back in the vehicle and before departing for the next stop
• Contact your dispatcher if you begin to feel sick immediately to make plans for others to complete your deliveries and then report to medical professionals
• Spray the interior passenger space of the vehicle with a disinfectant following the product guidelines at the end of the day.

In addition, we urge you to use caution in the words you use with customers and staff to avoid spreading undue concern about this virus. Here is a blog post from the CLDA Director of Public Relations, Andrea Obston, with some advice on how to phrase any messages you put out.

We encourage CLDA Members to offer their services to local EMS officials and local Departments of Public Health to assist them in their response. CLDA Government Affairs Director Michael Taylor is working with Prime Policy Group to send a letter of assistance to the state EMS officials that we will also share with membership. Further, Congress just passed the second of what will be three emergency spending packages to combat the spread of the virus.

Thank you for your continuing role as a critical part of the supply chain, especially at this challenging time. If anyone has questions please email them to info@clda.org and look for further updates on the app, our website and our social media.

 

Steve Howard

Steve Howard

President

CLDA

 

Covid-19 Update

COVID-19 is impacting the supply chain and U.S. economy. Given how critical your work in the final mile is, and with with the numerous inquiries from shippers, carriers and their updates on travel and meetings, we wanted to share some advice as well as current information with you.

The following practices are prudent in the face of the spreading of the virus and we urge you to share them with your staff, employees, logistics partners and customers. In addition, please share your advice on precautions you are putting in place for your staff and customers through the CLDA app and check our website and our social media for additional information. You can download the app through iPhone’s App store or Google Play by searching for CLDA.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends these preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).

-Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Some companies have created a visitor health screening form to document those entering their gates and property that includes health status and symptoms.

In addition, we urge you to use caution in the words you use with customers and staff to avoid spreading undue concern about this virus. Here is a blog post from the CLDA Director of Public Relations, Andrea Obston, with some advice on how to phrase any messages you put out.

Your work is especially critical at this time and many people, especially though at high risk, have decided to stay home and get their goods delivered. This will put an additional burden on your companies to respond, but flexibility and responsiveness are what every one of our members delivers on a daily basis, so we’re confident you can meet the challenge.

We encourage CLDA Members to offer their services to  local EMS officials and local Departments of Public Health to assist them in their response. CLDA Government Affairs Director Michael Taylor is working with Prime Policy Group to send a letter of assistance to the state EMS officials that we will also share with membership. Further, the President signed an $8 billion emergency spending package to combat the spread of the virus.

Thank you for your continuing role as a critical part of the supply chain, especially at this challenging time. If anyone has questions please email them to info@clda.org and look for further updates on the app, our website and our social media.

Sample EMS Letter
Contact Information for EMS Directors

 

CLDA PRESS RELEASES

 

Customer Service Tips from Dennis Snow, formerly with the Walt Disney World Company, Featured at CLDA Final Mile Forum in February

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 21, 2019 – “Delivering World-Class Customer Service: Lessons from The Mouse” will be the keynote presentation at the CLDA’s second Final Mile Forum & Expo February 19-21, 2020. The three-day expo and educational forum will be held at the Hyatt Regency Miami Sheraton Grande.

Dennis Snow will be the keynote speaker. He spent two decades with the Walt Disney World Company and is now a speaker, trainer, consultant and author who helps organizations achieve goals related to customer service, employee development and leadership.  “Customers have more choices than ever, with the result that most products and services are increasingly seen as commodities,” he says.  “So, in today’s market, what can an organization do to stand out from the crowd? Differentiating your service is the key to attracting and retaining customers – while driving bottom line results.”

Based on his 20-years with the Walt Disney World Company along with many years of consulting with organizations around the world, Dennis Snow will provide Final Mile Forum participants with a “how-to” program for creating a service-driven culture. This program will provide strategic tools that conference participants can use to raise the bar of service throughout their organizations.

Those who attend the Final Mile Forum will learn:

• Approaches that help employees move from a task mindset to an experience mindset.
• A process for ensuring that organization’s “backstage” environment never impacts the “onstage” customer experience.
• Four specific strategies for wowing customers every time.

Dennis launched a division of the Disney Institute responsible for consulting with some of the world’s largest companies including ExxonMobil, AT&T, General Motors and Coca Cola. During this time, he presented to audiences in diverse locations around the world, such as South Africa, Australia, Mexico, England and Argentina. This division quickly became the fastest growing venture of the Disney Institute and experienced repeat business of nearly 100 percent.

He also spent several years with the Disney University, teaching corporate philosophy and business practices to cast members and the leadership team. While there, he coordinated the Disney Traditions program, which is universally recognized as a benchmark in corporate training. In his last year with Walt Disney World, Dennis’ leadership performance was ranked in the top three percent of the company’s leadership team.

The Final Mile Forum’s three-day agenda is designed to give leaders in the time-critical logistics, delivery and express air cargo logistics industries a front row seat on current trends and previews of the future in the supply chain.  Along with the educational presentations and exhibits, the Forum will feature opportunities for business development and one-on-one networking.  Participants will come away with tips on enhancing company performance with new concepts as well as new contacts with shippers and others in the final mile industry.

Registration is now open through clda.org.  A discount rate is available for current CLDA members renewing for 2020.  There are opportunities for sponsorship and exhibitors.  Discounts are also available to members and those who join the CLDA when they register.  For more information, go to clda.org.

Media Contact

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 – office

(860) 803-1155 – cell

The CLDA Final Mile Forum & Expo Moves to February

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 16, 2019 – The CLDA Final Mile Forum & Expo will kick off the trade show season with a move to February 19-21, 2020.  The three-day expo and educational forum will be held at the Hyatt Regency Miami Sheraton Grande at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, AZ.

“The CLDA Final Mile Forum is more than just about education and networking. It is about meeting new people in the industry and creating long lasting relationships with like-minded individuals, sharing knowledge and experience, and making life- long connections,” says the meeting’s co-chair Thomas Jowers, Chief Operating Office, ADL Delivery.  Julie Thomas, President of Priority Logistics Group co-chairs the event with Jowers.

The forward-looking agenda will give leaders in the industry a front row seat on current trends and previews of the future in the supply chain.  Along with the educational presentations and exhibits, the three days will feature opportunities for business development and one-on-one networking.  Participants will come away with tips on enhancing company performance with new concepts as well as new contacts with shippers and other in the final mile industry.

Registration will open on Oct. 21.  A discount rate is available for current CLDA members renewing for 2020.  There are opportunities for sponsorship and exhibitors.  Discounts are also available to members and those who join the CLDA when they register.  For more information, email info@clida.org.

 

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 last-mile, time-critical logistics and delivery industries.  The association serves the needs of its 3,500 members who are logistics professionals, carriers, shippers, drivers and 3 PLS. Since 1987, CLDA has provided business opportunities, advocacy and education for those involved with the time-critical and last-mile customized delivery industry. For more information see www.clda.org.

 

Media Contact

Andrea Obston aobston@aomc.com

(860) 243-1447 – office