Maintaining Quality & Service Despite Turnover

After a few high revenue years filled with COVID surcharges and premium rates due to capacity constraints, the belts now need to be tightened, and every nickel accounted for.  Non-revenue generating team members are often the first staff to be reduced.  The challenge is maintaining high quality consistent service despite reduction in headcount.

To meet this challenge some logistics companies have hired Sobottka Consulting to manage key programs on a part-time or project basis.

Maintaining CTPAT compliance through annual review of the minimum security criteria and audit to ensure work instructions are followed ensures positive triennial reviews by the CTPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist.  The consultant manages identifying required updates to procedures and working with the process owners to implement changes, completing risk analyses for business partners in country and abroad, updating training and ensuring all team members are trained.  Each year the consultant reviews and updates the security profile in the CTPAT portal.  The consultant is available to address inquiries from customers, establishing SVI monitoring for customers business partners, and all supply chain security questions and concerns.

Monitoring FTZ and CFS compliance through periodic audits ensures audits by Customs are smooth and free from non-conformance.  Review of the work instructions and record keeping ensure processes are updated and implemented proactively.  Review of warehouse and desk processes ensure all team members are following the published work instructions and security policies. 

ISO Quality, Environment, Sustainability, and Safety certification also requires periodic monitoring and auditing that the consultant can complete through remote or on-site auditing as the budget allows.  Customers sometimes require third party audits or the completion of questionnaires which could be challenging for staff not familiar with the Quality lingo.  The consultant can lead the preparation and facilitation of audits, and response to any non-conformities with ease.

An audit checklist can be developed from any standard, requirement, or regulation.  With years of experience in freight forwarding operations, ISO certifications, and a myriad of regulations, rely on Sobottka Consulting to monitor and improve your processes and programs.