Broadcasted live on Wednesday, May 01, 2013.

Both shippers and ocean carriers want container shipments to flow smoothly, but despite their best intentions disruptions occur frequently. American Shipper's research suggests that most of these challenges stem from failures in managing the fundamentals such as booking, documentation and settlement.

The good news is many of these problems are avoidable if shippers and carriers get back to basics. This one-hour discussion will take a hard look at the common breakdowns in the ocean shipping process, the impacts they have on shippers, and steps being taken to improve.

Key discussion areas will include:

• Streamlining the booking process.
• The importance of documentation and invoicing accuracy.
• Critical communication and visibility.
• Dispute resolution and accessibility.

Expert panelists will include:

• Gabe Bernhard, senior manager, Whirlpool Corporation
• Patrick Halloran, director of trade and logistics, Cardinal Health
• Tom Sproat, senior vice president of customer service, Maersk Line
• Moderated by: Eric Johnson, research director, American Shipper

Broadcasted live on Tuesday, April 30, 2013.

Archive copy now available for download.

As international trade and transportation has become more complex, traditional intermediaries are struggling to keep up with the requirements of the shippers they serve. Documentation must be complete, accurate and timely. Shipments must arrive on time. Security requirements are not negotiable. Shippers need to continually reduce their costs.

American Shipper's research shows 3PLs and their customers are beginning to look past the traditionally transactional relationship to a more strategic collaboration made possible through advanced data management practices and technologies.

Key Discussion Points Will Include: The challenges 3PLs face in meeting their client's demands

•  The changing relationship between the 3PL and its customers
•  PO management as a means to enhance visibility and supply chain performance
•  Best practices for 3PLs in addressing their PO management capabilities

Expert panelists will include:

• Albert Saphir, senior trade compliance and international supply chain consultant, ABS Consulting
• Kevin Gavin, vice president, supply chain management solutions, Descartes Systems Group
• Bernard Conlon, president, Express Transport by Air/BXC
• Moderated by: Jim Blaeser, publisher, American Shipper

Broadcasted live on Tuesday, April 23, 2013.

Archive copy now available for download.

President Obama’s Export Control Reform initiative (ECR) is well under way with significant changes anticipated over the coming months. This free webinar will focus on the Administration’s recent progress on ECR, what industry can expect in the near term, and how to prepare for these and future changes.

Key discussion points include:

• The benefits of the anticipated changes and how the U.S. government is preparing for implementation
• The transition from proposed to final rules and the expected schedule for publication
• How exporters can provide their viewpoint on these changes to the U.S. Government
• How exporters can stay up-to-date and plan for the transition?
• Looking beyond reform to other potential improvements in the Export Administration Regulations
• How exporters will need to adjust their business processes
• The role GTM technology will play in supporting exporter's compliance requirements

Expert panelists will include:

• The Honorable Eric Hirschhorn, under secretary for industry and security, U.S. Department of Commerce
• Beth Peterson, president, BPE Global
• Kristine Bols, director global content, Amber Road
• Moderated by: Eric Kulisch, trade and transportation editor, American Shipper

Broadcasted live on Tuesday, April 16, 2013.

Archive copy now available for download.

The Transpacific contract negotiation season is in full swing. It's nearly time for shippers, carriers, and intermediaries to lock in their contracts yet persistent uncertainties remain and are influencing contract discussions. This interactive, one-hour discussion will illuminate those challenges and provide constructive advice on how to prepare for the year ahead.

Key topics of discussion will include:

• State of Transpac contract negotiations (and any key themes)
• Long-term, index-linked contracting practices
• New and emerging service requirements for NVOs and Forwarders
• Challenges and opportunities unique to mid-market shippers
• Global ocean trends impacting Transpac trade
• Live Q&A moderated by American Shipper

Expert panelists will include:

• Gary Ferrulli, director carrier relations, OWL
• Howard Finkel, EVP, COSCO
• Norm Koenig, director of transportation/Americas, OSRAM SYLVANIA
• Moderated by: Eric Johnson, American Shipper

Broadcasted live on Thursday, April 04, 2013.

Archive copy now available for download.

American Shipper’s recent Global Trade Management Report, co-produced by BPE Global, highlights the importance of people and processes supporting effective global trade management operations. This one-hour interactive discussion will take a deeper look at the industry trends, challenges, and business benefits supporting a renewed focus on the fundamental element of any GTM program – the people.

Key discussion points include:

• Trends in the global trade management arena
• The importance of internally preparing for new GTM technology
• Involving existing resources in the selection of a GTM platform
• Moving from a data management focus to a process management focus
• The hurdles of integrating systems across the GTM landscape
• Analyzing the ROI and cost benefit of investing in people and processes

Expert panelists will include:

• Pete Mento, director global customs and trade policy, CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
• Beth Peterson, president, BPE Global
• Virginia Thompson, sr. director import/export operations & international trade compliance, Euromarket Designs, Inc. d/b/a Crate and Barrel
• Moderated by: Jim Blaeser, publisher, American Shipper

Broadcasted live on Tuesday, March 26, 2013.

Archive copy now available for download.

American Shipper’s research clearly shows that global shippers want more active control over their global logistics processes. But these shippers need global visibility beyond traditional track and trace functionality before they can get truly hands-on. The benefits can be significant but many have found that this fundamental step is not a simple task. This one-hour interactive discussion will look at the benefits of true global visibility, the challenges shippers face, technology’s role and best practices for getting started.

Key discussion points will include:

•     Defining holistic global trade management and the role of visibility
•     Examples of global visibility challenges and best practices
•     In-sourcing versus outsourcing global logistics
•     Opportunities to integrate GTM, TMS, and WMS
•     The changing role of the 3PL

Expert speakers include:

•     David Fisher, director global logistics, Johns Manville
•     Jim Blaeser, publisher, American Shipper
•     Fab Brasca, vice president, JDA

Broadcasted live on Monday, February 25, 2013.
A bevy of regulations is due to hit the trucking industry just as the carriers are finding it more difficult to find and retain qualified drivers. Additionally, analysts predict an uptick in U.S. GDP could create a demand spike for truckload and less-than-truckload services. These dual forces have the potential to create a significant driver shortage.

A host of questions are left to be answered:

• How might this shortage affect shippers?
• What is the status of regulations affecting the trucking industry?
• How does demand fit into the equation?
• How would this driver shortage compare to those in the past?

American Shipper invites you to download the discussion on the ramifications of a potential driver shortage, with a panel of experts to guide you through this complex matter. The panel includes:

• Noel Perry, Managing Director and Senior Consultant, FTR Associates,
• Annette Sandberg, Chief Executive Officer, TransSafe Consulting
• John Larkin, Managing Director, Stifel Transportation and Logistics Equity Research
• Moderator: Eric Johnson, IT Editor and Research Director, American Shipper

Broadcasted live on Thursday, February 14, 2013.

Archive copy now available for download.

A shoe manufacturer knows that when sales for its products slow in winter, it needs to reduce production capacity. That could involve temporarily closing a production line for a time, removing a shift, or just slowing the speed of production. All tools to help match output to demand.

Ocean carriers have the same problem: how to manage capacity to bring it in line with demand. And their problems are exacerbated by a requirement to best utilize the new super-efficient “factories” (i.e. large vessels) being introduced into the marketplace.

What tools do the carriers have to manage capacity and how efficient are they at doing so?

This 60-minute session will explore how carriers manage capacity on their core trades, the impact of the new class of super-size vessels on those efforts, and tools you can use to track these developments.

Key discussion topics will include:

• Carrier strategies for managing capacity and reporting schedules
• The difference between nominal and allocated capacity
• Measuring flex points in schedules and capacity
• Tracking capacity from Asia to Europe and North America

Expert panelists include:

• Hayes Howard, president, BlueWater Reporting
• Ben Meyer, research team leader, BlueWater Reporting
• Francis Phillips, database editor, BlueWater Reporting

Moderator:

• Eric Johnson, research director and IT editor, American Shipper

Broadcasted live on Thursday, January 24, 2013.

Archive copy now available for download.

American Shipper research shows global shippers are being challenged to integrate domestic and international logistics operations. For many shippers, particularly those leveraging multiple modes, this initiative requires major changes to business processes, organizational structure, and IT systems. It is clear there are many hurdles in integrating these classically disparate operations.

This one-hour discussion will focus on the market forces causing this trend, the unique challenges in international and domestic logistics, some surprising similarities, and the role technology providers are playing in making this trend a reality.

Key discussion topics will include:

• Trends impacting global shippers and the 3PLs on which they rely.
• Complexities that make international transportation different than domestic.
• The less obvious similarities between domestic and international.
• Consolidation of TM platforms across modes and geographies.
• The emergence of SaaS platforms and their growing importance.
• Opportunities and benefits of successful integration.

Expert panelists include:

• Chris Johnson, vp research & development, LeanLogistics
• Jim Blaeser, publisher, American Shipper
• Moderated by: Eric Johnson, IT editor & research director, American Shipper

Broadcasted live on Wednesday, December 12, 2012.
Archive copy now available for download.

This 60 minute interactive session will discuss the challenges that still exist in the procurement process for ocean shippers and logistics service providers, including outdated data analysis legacies, the rigidity of annual contracting, and changing operational dynamics. The webinar will also demonstrate how a multi-dimensional optimization process empowers more agile and cost-effective procurement decisions. Panelists will provide actionable advice, best practices, and answer your questions live.

Key discussion topics will include:

• Update on the global ocean freight marketplace.
• Challenges of ocean procurement.  
• Four critical dimensions of ocean freight optimization.
• Case studies: how two companies apply optimization intelligence to prepare for contract season

Expert panelists include:

• Eric Johnson, research director & IT editor, American Shipper
• Kim Le, director, CargoSmart North America
• Kevin Bulman, senior sourcing manager, ocean transportation, MeadWestvaco

Broadcasted live on Wednesday, December 05, 2012.
Archive copy now available for download.

Order management is the next frontier for many shippers and 3PLs working towards a more sophisticated and efficient approach to international transportation management (ITM). Order management is fundamental to supply chain visibility and ultimately a key element of measuring total landed cost. As the calendar moves to 2013 and you start to plan for next year, the question is, do you have advanced order management capability, and does your international transportation management platform help you improve your total landed cost?

Key discussion topics will include:

• Trends and issues impacting ITM practitioners.
• The connection between order management and visibility.
• A renewed focus on total landed cost.
• Related findings from  American Shipper’s research series.

American Shipper's Eric Johnson will moderate a panel of experts including:

• Bjorn Bernard, vice president, SCM/TM Practice, GOPA IT Consultants
• Bill King, director solution management,  SAP
• Jim Blaeser, publisher, American Shipper

Broadcasted live on Thursday, November 29, 2012.

Archive copy now available for download.

Taken as a whole the U.S. federal government ranks among the largest shippers in the world but the disparate nature of these agencies has made it difficult to optimize this giant transportation network. Federal agencies vary widely in terms of their freight volumes, service requirements, and strategic focus on transportation management (TM), just to name a few.

American Shipper recently studied the unique challenges of the federal sector in an effort to help shed light on the opportunities for improvement in this unique market segment. The study points to efficient freight payment and auditing practices as key areas where federal agencies can optimize their TM initiatives.

Key discussion topics will include:

• Unique challenges of federal sector transportation management.
• Best practices pioneered in the private sector.
• Opportunities for the federal sector to improve transportation efficiency and effectiveness.
• The role of freight payment and audit processes as a change agent.

Expert panelists include:

• Jim Blaeser, publisher, American Shipper
• Adam Jackson, vice president, client relationship manager, Citi Transaction Services
• Richard Langer, managing director and president, Quetica, LLC

Broadcasted live on Tuesday, October 23, 2012.

Archive copy now available for download.

2013 promises to be another dynamic and challenging year for global trade compliance practitioners. This one-hour roundtable discussion will help you understand how to plan for the coming year and focus on three critical changes on the horizon in U.S. import and export management. Key discussion points will include:

• Compliance planning practices and schedules.
• Three items for the importer's 2013 agenda.
• Three items for the exporters 2013 agenda.
• Managing free trade agreements.
• Including technology advancements in your 2013 agenda.
• Live, anonymous Q&A with panelists.

Expert panelists on this webinar will include:

• Eric Kulisch, associate editor, American Shipper
• Joe Burks, director of trade compliance, Cooper Industries
• Jennifer Wade, director, BPE Global
• Greg Ertel, director, SAP Global Trade Services

Broadcasted live on Wednesday, October 17, 2012.

Archive copy now available for download.

Change is coming to Canadian Customs requirements -- Are you prepared? 

Last November an 18-month implementation timeline began, providing highway carriers 12 months to incorporate eManifest requirements into their business processes. An informed compliance period begins November 1, 2012, and remains in effect until May 2013 when eManifest-enabling legislation is expected to be in place.

During the six-month informed compliance period, carriers will not be denied entry to Canada or subject to penalties for reasons associated with eManifest non-compliance. In May 2013, eManifest highway carrier requirements are expected to be mandatory and non-compliant carriers could be subject to penalties.

Expert panelists will include:

• James J. Spina, senior project advisor, eManifest project, major projects directorate, Canada Border Services Agency
• Oryst Dydynsky, principal, DAP International Trade Consulting
• Erica Rawson, District Manager, LCB and CCS, A.N. Deringer, Inc.
• Moderated by: Eric Johnson, international editor, American Shipper

Broadcasted live on Tuesday, September 18, 2012.

Archive copy now available for download.

Regulatory enforcement actions against U.S.-based exporters are increasing at a time when the nation's leaders are calling for those same exporters to lead the country toward economic recovery.  How can exporters balance these commercial demands, while serving more customers and new markets with significant and often cumbersome compliance requirements? Is the export control reform initiative beginning to ease this burden?

This one-hour interactive Webinar broadcast will cover the latest results from American Shipper's annual Export Operations and Compliance Benchmark Study, co-produced with BPE Global and the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA). Expert panelists will put the study findings into actionable guidance for U.S. exporters.

Key discussion points will include:

• Trends in enforcement.
• Making operations and compliance activities strategic to revenue growth.
• Improving internal company awareness to gain support for your function.
• Using Global Trade Management tools to scale when resources are limited.

Expert panelists include:

• Eric Kulisch, associate editor, American Shipper
• Renee Roe, director, BPE Global
• Anne van de Heetkamp, director global trade compliance, Aptean

Broadcasted live on Monday, September 17, 2012.

Archive copy now available for download.

It’s make or break time in contract negotiations between union longshoremen and their employers at U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. But lots of questions remain before the Sept. 30 deadline expires:

• Will ILA members actually go on strike?
• What recourse does the government have to ensure ports remain operational?
• How would a strike affect North America’s entire goods movement system?
• What should shippers do with two weeks to go before the deadline?

 American Shipper invites you to download a podcast on the ramifications of a potential work stoppage, with a panel of experts to guide you through these confusing times.

The panel includes:

• Geoff Giovanetti, Managing Director of the Wine and Spirits Shippers Association
• Peter Gatti, Executive Vice President, National Industrial Transportation League
• Ed Sands, Global Practice Leader – Logistics, Procurian
• Kelly Kolb, Vice President, Government Affairs, Retail Industry Leaders Association
• Chris Dupin, Associate Editor, American Shipper
• Moderator: Eric Johnson, Associate Editor, American Shipper

Broadcasted live on Wednesday, August 22, 2012.

Archive copy now available for download.

The United States has enacted more trade regulations since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks than during its entire history. This pace of change at U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows no sign of slowing. On the Canadian front changes to Customs policy and protocol are also picking up momentum.

Importers need to do their utmost to stay on top of these numerous regulatory changes from CBP and its partner agencies to stay compliant. To help you keep pace with these complex demands, our expert panelists will highlight best practices in global trade management, including the following topics:

• Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS)
• Importer Security Filing (ISF)
• Simplified Entry
• C-TPAT
• Centers of Excellence and Expertise
• Collaboration Between U.S. and Canadian Customs
• Technology Requirements and Advantages

Expert panelists on this webinar will include:

• Eric Kulisch, associate editor, American Shipper
• Daniel Baldwin, executive director, cargo and conveyance security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Oryst Dydynsky, principal, DAP International Trade Consulting
• Cindy Yamamoto, senior vice president, global logistics product strategy, Descartes Systems Group

Broadcasted live on Tuesday, July 24, 2012.

Archive copy now available for download.

Two out of three is bad when it comes to the performance of ocean container lines. Following record losses in 2009 and record profits in 2010, the industry returned to steep losses in 2011 and faces an uncertain 2012.

The question is, how to make sense of these uncertain times? Will poor carrier financial performance affect shippers, either through rates or service levels? Is the industry facing consolidation? Is ocean freight a commoditized market?

To help you make sense of the financial maze, our expert panelists will discuss the implications of a dysfunctional and unhealthy group of liner carriers, including the following key topics:

• A recap of American Shipper’s 2012 report on carrier profitability
• A five-year examination of liner industry financial performance
• Market trends underlying carrier performance
• Analysis of EBITDA, debt, capital expenditure levels
• Implications on shippers of unhealthy carrier industry
• A look ahead to what 2012 looks like
• Live, anonymous Q&A with the panelists. 

Speakers include:

• Hayes Howard, CEO, American Shipper and ComPair Data
• Eric Johnson, Associate Editor, American Shipper and Research Editor, ComPair Data.
• Brian Nemeth, Vice President, AlixPartners
• Esben Christensen, Director, AlixPartners

Broadcasted live on Wednesday, July 18, 2012.

Global trade managers are being asked to manage new markets as North American companies look overseas for growth opportunities. Often the decision to sell into or source from a new market is made without a thorough review of logistics and regulatory obstacles.

How do we prepare for the next wave of trade growth in markets such as South America, the Middle East, and South Africa?

To help you keep pace with these increasingly complex demands, our expert panelists will be highlighting best practices in global trade management including the following key topics:

Key discussion points will include:

• Emerging trends in global and national trade regulations.
• Update on free trade agreements - successes and failures.
• Issues related to trade financing.
• Logistics management in markets lacking infrastructure.
• Live, anonymous Q&A with the panelists. 

Speakers include:

• Jim Blaeser, publisher, American Shipper
• Pete Mento, director of global customs and trade policy, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

Broadcasted live on Wednesday, June 27, 2012.

American Shipper, in partnership with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), surveyed roughly 275 transportation buyers and sellers on procurement practices, processes, technologies and results.

This Webinar will focus on some of the key findings and provide actionable guidance on how to leverage technology and other solutions to optimize transportation procurement.

Key discussion points will include:

• Year over year changes in transportation rates and spending
• Timing of procurement events and length of negotiations
• Price re-emerges as the number one concern among buyers
• Procurement automation platforms and technology
• Centralization of the procurement process

Expert panelists including:

• Moderator - Jim Blaeser, Publisher, American Shipper
• Fabrizio Brasca, Vice President, Global Logistics, JDA Software Group, Inc.
• Matthew Harding, Principal, Transportation Practice, Chainalytics, LLC

Broadcasted live on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.
This hour long broadcast reviewed the findings from the second annual Import Operations & Compliance Benchmark Study published by American Shipper and BPE Global. The panelists related these findings to actionable business practices.

Key topics will include:

• Regulatory compliance policies and practices.
• Import operations management and outsourcing.
• Supporting technologies solutions and functionality.
• Organizational structures and policies.
• Training and education

American Shipper's associate editor Eric Kulisch will moderate a discussion between expert panelists including:

• Andrea Appell, director, BPE Global
• Nathan Pieri, SVP, marketing and product development, Amber Road

Broadcasted live on Wednesday, June 13, 2012.

Shippers require sophisticated transportation management (TM) systems to compete in today's market. Until recently these technologies have been available to only the largest shippers with the size to make significant investments. Today both software vendors and 3PLs are offering programs to bring access to the masses.  

This hour-long broadcast will take a close look at how shippers are accessing these critical technologies today and the future of this trend. 

Key discussion points will include:

• Emerging trends in TM systems development.
• TM technologies and services provided by 3PLs.
• Shipper's framework for assessing the correct strategy for their needs.
• Best practices in putting your strategy into action.

Expert panelists including:

• Moderator - Eric Johnson, international editor, American Shipper
• Jeff Siewert, vice president, operations, Interra International
• Bob Leeds, industry marketing director, transportation and logistics, SAP
• David Fisher, director of global logistics, Johns-Manville

Broadcasted live on Thursday, May 24, 2012.
This Webinar will provide an insightful overview of this year's import peak season, including projected freight volumes, capacity levels, labor negotiations, freight rates, regulations and other important issues for today’s shippers. Guest speakers will discuss predictions and provide attendees with actionable best practices for managing these industry dynamics during this critical time of year.

Expert panelists include:

• Jon Gold, vice president, National Retail Federation
• Ed Sands, global logistics practice leader, Procurian
• Mathijs Slangen, maritime advisor, Seabury Cargo 
• Moderated by: Jim Blaeser, publisher, American Shipper

Broadcasted live on Tuesday, May 15, 2012.
American Shipper recently surveyed more than 250 transportation decision-makers on their freight payment practices. The results bring to light significant opportunities to create efficiencies and immediate cost savings. Expert panelists will discuss the study results and demonstrate several best practices that shippers and 3PLs can apply to streamline this unruly but necessary function. 

Key topics will include:

• Challenges and benefits of automating freight pay
• Payments means and timing
• Cost of processing an invoice
• Auditing practices and results
• Optimization based on the wealth data generated by freight payment
• The carrier's view of the settlement process

Expert panelists include:

• Fab Brasca, vice president logistics, JDA Software
• Rick Langer, managing partner, Quetica
• Jim Blaeser, publisher, American Shipper