JayLogistics
What efforts are taking place to maintain BDA's Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) compliance?
BDA is constantly updating our C-TPAT profile. We do regular factory inspections and audits. We closely monitor our security, making sure that cameras, lighting, passwords and key cards are up to date. On their first day at BDA, new employees are notified of C-TPAT and their responsibilities depending on their area of work. In 2011, we'll be going to the annual C-TPAT conference put on by Customs & Border Protection.
What are your main responsibilities at BDA?
In a nutshell, I'm responsible for the movement of all goods and materials throughout the supply chain. This includes: managing customs compliance; negotiating with carriers of all types, both international and domestic; scheduling deliveries; finding better ways to ship; and making sure that the shipping methods we're using are the best for our products so they get to our customers in good condition.
What attracted you to the logistics field?
To be honest, I fell into it by accident. I pulled a card from the job postings at a local community college and everything just took off from there. I've been involved in logistics or customs compliance for 20 years in one way or another.
What's the most challenging project you worked on recently?
We implemented FedEx Smart Post, which is a method of shipping that combines FedEx and USPS. Itís an easy, cost-effective way to ship low-weight packages throughout the U.S. As a result, we can offer more competitive shipping prices where applicable.
How has logistics changed since you've been in the industry?
Globalization and technology! Technology has brought end to end visibility. Globalization has opened the supply chain up to the worldómaking it much more complicated as a result.
What's the key to a smooth logistics operation?
Organization is the key. Knowing your vendors, your customers, the many product types we handle and the best carriers suited to move that product type from point A to point B. Knowing how the customer expects product to be delivered and getting it to them on time, every time. For carriers, it means not always the lowest contract cost but the best value. Also, the more we can decrease manual processes and increase automation, like with Internet-based technology the better off we'll be. Web-based technology improves visibility into the supply chain through various third parties. By creating visibility, you increase control.
What's your favorite logistics-related TV campaign?
I'll go with the FedEx "We Understand" spots. The commercial where the businessman is posing as an exchange student in China is classic [Link].
What sort of shenanigans go on in the warehouse? Forklift races? High-stakes poker?
Not quite, but we do manage to have some fun. Every Halloween we set up the Haunted Warehouse and scare as many coworkers as we can until the trick or treaters show up. And we host sample sales throughout the year. We get a kick out of how people try to cram as much as possible into their box, or hide stuff from others. There's some sneaky folks here!
What are your weekend pursuits?
Hanging out with the kids mostly. My boys are 7 and 8. Also, I play racquetball weekly and a round of golf every once in a while.
What do you enjoy most about BDA?
The support of people from the top down. Not just support, but a plan that's shared with all of us about where we're going and how we're going to get there. I think this builds a great team atmosphere. We're all in it together. In some cases, it's almost like hanging out with your pals. I used to play baseball at a fairly high level of competition and what I miss most about it was the joking around that went on in the dugout. Being at BDA in some ways is like being in the dugout.