As a young newcomer to Canada, navigating both a new country and profession, Sajal Takhi learned an important lesson about professional success: behind every shipment, every cross-border lane, and every international contract are people. And to connect with them, you need to understand their needs and challenges.

With over seven years of experience in asset-based transportation, plus a CITP certification and a Master’s in Finance, Sajal has combined his learning with practice to become the expert that he is today.

A natural calling to logistics and transportation

Sajal’s journey into international trade began naturally. He started by coordinating shipments across Canada and the U.S., managing complex cross-border operations and building relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors. Through this work, he became fascinated by the intricacies of global trade, whether it was handling customs clearance documentation, resolving business disputes, or managing financial risks associated with international transactions. Every challenge and every complex detail drew him in.

His academic background, including a Master’s in Finance, further fueled his interest in international trade by giving him critical skills in financial analysis, risk management, and strategic planning, knowledge that would prove invaluable in his logistics roles. A large part of his career work has been in developing market expansion strategies and optimizing operations to maximize profitability.

Impactful advice about empathy and understanding

One of Sajal’s most powerful stories comes from his early years as a new immigrant in the workforce. At 19, newly arrived from India and working in a diverse Canadian environment, he found himself struggling to connect with colleagues—a challenge many newcomers quietly face.

“Recognizing this, my supervisor told me that to succeed professionally, it was essential to understand the needs and challenges of both customers and colleagues. This advice profoundly impacted me at an early stage in my career, prompting me to cultivate emotional intelligence and empathy.”

It was a simple concept that reshaped his entire approach to work. Sajal began actively building stronger relationships. “I realized that by understanding and valuing the perspectives of those around me, I could build stronger relationships and navigate workplace dynamics more effectively. These skills have become foundational to my professional approach, as I believe that empathy and kindness are key to connecting with others and achieving success.”

Driving significant business growth and winning contracts

Throughout his logistics career, Sajal has contributed to several major projects that improved operational efficiency and drove business expansion.

Notable achievements include winning contracts from major clients such as Burnac Produce and High Liner Foods. These achievements were the result of strategic business planning, negotiation expertise, and strong customer management skills.

“By analyzing market trends, optimizing freight routes, and aligning our service offerings with client needs, I was able to present value-driven proposals that secured these lucrative contracts.”

Another milestone came during the expansion of Sharp Express Inc., where Sajal expanded Sharp Express Inc.’s market presence by diversifying operations beyond traditional reefer loads into dry freight, auto parts, and electronics. “I proactively identified new opportunities, optimized our pricing strategies, and successfully mitigated risks associated with seasonal fluctuations in demand,” he says.

Why Risk Management Became His Guiding Principle

When asked what he wishes he’d known at the start of his career, Sajal answerswith confidence:

“The importance of risk management in every aspect of business, and working as an employee as well.”

He elaborates that the importance of risk analysis lies in its ability to anticipate uncertainties and vulnerabilities, allowing businesses to proactively address issues before they escalate. By doing this, they not only protect their assets and enhance operational resilience but also foster a culture of risk awareness across the organization.

He also believes that,

“risk analysis plays a key role in optimizing financial performance by helping businesses avoid costly mistakes, reduce losses, and enhance their reputation and credibility among stakeholders.”

By systematically evaluating potential threats – whether financial, operational, strategic, or compliance-related – risk analysis enables companies to make informed decisions, allocate resources more effectively, and develop robust contingency plans.

This ability to analyze uncertainty – financial, operational, strategic, or compliance-related – is now central to Sajal’s professional toolkit, and he credits his favourite FITTskills modules with giving him deeper insight into this topic.

Risk Analysis and Cost Analysis – FITTskills training applied on the job

His favourite topics were risk analysis and management and cost and pricing analysis. After studying these areas, he was able to do a mind map of his previous company Sharp Express Inc. where he uncovered risk factors that eventually led to a downturn in the business during a high-interest rate market.

“These courses significantly deepened my knowledge, allowing me to apply advanced analytical skills directly to my work in logistics. This enhanced my ability to make data-driven decisions, mitigate risks, and optimize costs, ultimately contributing to the growth of the company and adding value to the broader community.”

An enriching learning experience

Despite balancing a demanding career in logistics and pursuing a Master’s in Finance, Sajal was able to complete two FITTskills courses for an enriching learning experience. Not long after, he decided to complete the entire FITTskills program and apply for his Certified International Trade Professional (CITP^®|FIBP^®) designation, understanding its ability to open international doors and add credibility to his CV.

“The CITP is a prestigious certification by FITT. By achieving this qualification doors are opened not only in Canada by across the EU as well. Moreover, the faculty of FITT and its strategic partner EDC are industry leaders and well-qualified.”

Pride in contributing to a wider community

Sajal considers earning his designation a proud moment. He views the CITP as a marker of prestige but, more importantly, as a way for him to contribute his learning and work experience to the evolving Canadian economy and “beautiful Canadian community.”

How the CITP is shaping his future

Since earning the CITP, Sajal has honed his international trade skills for a rounded view of logistics, finance, and risk mitigation, all assets he applies to his current role of operations team lead at A.P. Moller – Maersk. Whether he’s ensuring flawless coordination between shippers, carriers, and internal teams to meet OTP targets or reconciling load-level financials, including accessorial, fuel surcharges, and margin analysis to support financial operations, he is using his expertise and deep industry knowledge every day.

His efforts have even led to award recognition within the company—an achievement that motivates him to keep pushing boundaries and deliver excellence in the industry.

Though he is still early in his career, Sajal has accomplished a lot already. He’s won major contracts for clients, accomplished seamless logistics coordination for the world’s biggest shipping companies, and he’s attained major academic and professional milestones. Through it all, he has learned that success in international trade is not just about moving goods efficiently—it’s about understanding people, managing uncertainty, and thinking globally.

His journey stands as a powerful reminder that trade is built on relationships and strategic expertise, and strongest careers grow from both skillsets.

The post CITP Spotlight: Sajal Takhi – Operations Team Lead, A.P. Moller, Maersk appeared first on Trade Ready.

With a strong desire to travel and learn, Daiana Leandro moved to the U.S. from Brazil in 2013 as part of a one-year exchange program. Her goal was to familiarize herself with the English language, to better position herself for future travel plans.

When she went back to Brazil, she decided to enroll in university and wanted to incorporate her newly developed English speaking skills into her formal education as well. This prompted her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in international trade.

“I wanted to use language as well because I felt very good about my English language skills and decided to look for a course that would accommodate that skill.”

Beginning her international trade career and meeting her mentor

After moving back to Brazil, Daiana had a few months gap before starting university. She applied for a trainee job in international trade and was hired at Takata, a Japanese auto parts manufacturer. This is where she met Mario, who hired her and would go on to become her mentor. It was with his support and guidance that she transitioned from a trainee to an assistant, and eventually an analyst, towards the end of her four year tenure at Takata.

“I feel that it’s important to have gratitude for the people that support you and actually contribute positively to our growth.”

Once she left Takata, Daiana went on to work for various trade companies. During this time she had the chance to work in customs clearance, logistics management, and import/export operations. This experience gave her deeper insights and more visibility of international business as a whole.

“I was working with more products, and we also worked with customs which are very different, especially in Brazil, because it’s a very protective country. You need to understand lots of legislation to do that, and that was very interesting for me to understand from the inside.”

Switching sides – moving from production to transportation

Next, Daiana began a new role as logistics coordinator with freight forwarding company JAS.  This new role placed her on the opposite side of transactions she was used to in her previous roles. Now working on the transportation side, she was able to use the insights she’d gained as the importer/exporter to understand her customers’ challenges with carriers which allowed her to  empathize and ultimately better serve them.

“I knew people have limited budgets and I would go over their invoices with them checking every line item that was charged and walking them through how it was charged and why.”

Working in freight also familiarized Daiana with the strict processes and rules that are followed and all the people involved in different stages of these processes. Always with a mind to the possibilities of working abroad, she was pleased to build her know-how in the world of transportation since it’s a knowledge area that transfers well internationally.

Moving to Canada and becoming a certified professional

After having experienced so many great adventures during her stay in the U.S., Daiana and her husband were inspired to look for opportunities to travel and work abroad after completing university. They considered several options for relocation with a particular eye to countries where they would be welcomed and find decent professional opportunities.

Want to learn more about the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation? See why it’s the world’s most recognized designation for competency and credibility in global business.

During her research, Daiana discovered the FITTskills courses being offered through Nova Scotia Community College’s Advanced Diploma program for International Business, and realized that it lined up with her previous education. She was also attracted to the program by the opportunity to go on to apply for the CITP designation that FITT offers, after earning the FITT Diploma.

“One of my professors used to say that it’s not fair that lawyers study law and can call themselves lawyers. Like people who study medicine and become doctors. And for those of us who study international trade, there’s still too little recognition for us as professionals.”

“I think that having a professional designation is important to back you up. To show that you’re committed to what you’re doing.”

Ulitmately, Daiana has proven exactly that. The hard work she has put into her learning, both on the job and through her education, has helped her become a validated, competent and committed international trade professional.

“The FITTskills courses enhanced my education in international logistics by expanding my understanding of international trade. It provides thorough training in 15 competency areas, creating numerous opportunities for entering the job market or starting an international business.”

She shares that her favorite FITTskills course in was the Feasibility of International Trade course as it helped her pull together all the knowledge and skills she had gained in the past few years through both education and work, to conduct international trade research.

Doubling down on customs specialization and plans for the future

Today, Daiana is putting her skills and knowledge to work as Customer Success Specialist at Ocean Sonics – a manufacturer of hydrophones (microphones used to listen under the water). They have a large clientele worldwide and across a range of industries. Daiana’s role focuses on serving clients on the export side of the business.

“Day to day I don’t only deal with exporting items out, but with returns as well. I work with return naturalization of products that are under warranty. If I ship something to Tasmania and it needs to return to Canada I help customers to return this unit. And I work with customers to provide the best and cheapest option to save money and avoid expensive unexpected costs so that customers pay what’s fair.”

Daiana wants to learn everything that she can about customs processes as she believes that this knowledge is crucial for any business that does international trade. It allows them to smoothly navigate customs and take advantage of whatever’s available. This is why she wants to build on her CITP designation and international business training and become a Certified Customs Specialist.

“I’m in contact with the Canada Broker Association to do another course that’s going to lead me to another designation to become a Certified Customs Specialist. Building an understanding of the whole process will help me bring a lot of value.”

Daiana credits the FITTskills courses she took for providing her with crucial knowledge and hands-on experience to further her international trade career. She has plenty of ambitions for the future and becoming a Certified Customs Specialist and delving into procurement to widen supply options for Ocean Sonics are just the start.

“Many aspire to work in international trade for the travel opportunities, but the reality is that the field encompasses much more. As international trade professionals, we drive global commerce. I truly love my career it is dynamic, exciting and fulfilling.”

Her key piece of advice to anyone starting out in international trade:

“I’ll rephrase something that Mario used to tell me since day one. We never know everything. So that’s the exciting part of the job.”

The post CITP Spotlight: Daiana Leandro – Customer Success Specialist, Ocean Sonics Ltd. appeared first on Trade Ready.

Ask a CEO who has an export growth strategy in place “What do you do?”, and they will answer to their sector: “I am in: agriculture, aviation, mining, fish, French fries, breakfast cereals…” Ask their employees what they do, and they will answer to their job title: “I am a: business development manager; account manager; accountant; supply chain specialist; logistics specialist; compliance officer…”

If you work in the supply chain or logistics fields, you are an international trade professional

Generally speaking, neither the CEO nor the employee will readily define themselves as being involved in international trade, but these individuals are undoubtedly international trade professionals.

International trade is not only an activity of exchanging products and services across borders, but a true occupation and profession that takes a specialized set of knowledge, skills and abilities to perform. And having those skills and abilities recognized formally with a professional designation holds a number of compelling benefits for supply chain and logistics professionals.

No matter what your goals may be for your career or where you’d like to specialize, if your work touches on cross-border transactions, earning a professional designation will promote you as an individual, expand your competency as a professional, and open a lot of doors for your career.

In this article we celebrate five supply chain and logistics professionals, now CITPs, who have taken that step to advance their already impressive careers, inspire confidence in their colleagues and clients, validate their international business knowledge, and join a vast network of other business professionals and leaders.

Michael Wong, CITP – Director, Marketing & Logistics, CST Canada Coal Limited

As a director for CST Canada Coal Limited, Michael Wong is an industry leader with expertise in marketing and logistics. He has always been business minded, and international business was a passion of his early on. He got started as an entrepreneur while he was in university, and his career has been incredibly successful thus far.

Wong’s desire to pursue the CITP designation originated from the wish to validate his international business knowledge. The increase in credibility and business partners’ confidence is invaluable to him and to his career. In his own words, “the CITP designation is recognized across the world as a token of competence and credibility.” Without this designation, he would not be able to promote himself as an industry expert.

Wong is currently responsible for the inclusive needs of global sales, logistics, and business development for the company. Every decision he makes is impactful, whether it relates to product pricing, contract negotiations, or business development planning. With his 15 years of experience, Wong has used his knowledge and skills to achieve all of the growth targets set out for the company.

While Wong is excelling in the business world, one of the goals he is hoping to achieve with the help of the CITP designation, and the community that comes along with it, is to become the expert that others come to for help.

“The CITP community provides me with a network of other international trade professionals that I can reach out to and connect with. I would like to be able to provide advice and guidance to those in need.”

His admiration and appreciation of the designation is summed up perfectly with these words:

“They say one picture is worth a thousand words. To me, the CITP designation is worth more – it encapsulated years of dedication, failures, frustration, blood, sweat and tears, sensation, thrills, gratulation. Words can’t express the mixed emotions.”

Want to learn more about the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP®|FIBP®) designation? See why it’s the world’s most recognized designation for competency and credibility in global business.

Gabriel Cruz, CITP –  Global Supply Chain Manager, Vytelle

Gabriel Cruz, the global supply chain manager for Vytelle, was captivated by the industry as early as boarding school cadets. For him, a logistics course was his introduction to the supply chain industry, and his dedication has led to a successful career on an international scale.

His interest in the CITP designation came from its recognition in the global industry; it is an instant way for business partners and potential clients to gain confidence in his experience, knowledge, and abilities.

Cruz recognizes the importance of keeping up with constant change. He values self-improvement and a well-rounded network; the CITP designation has helped him accomplish both.

In a simple statement that really hits home, Cruz says “I believe this is a great designation.” His feelings are replicated in every individual who has pursued this path. The worldwide validation of the CITP designation ensures that his belief that it will create more opportunities for his career is perfectly realistic.

Yuen Wah Wan, CITP – Manager, International Trade Division – Saraya HongKong Co. Limited

“It is essential not only to business, but also to the well-being of mankind.”

Yuen Wah Wan’s powerful words signify the importance of international trade to every country and individual. Her journey towards achieving the CITP designation inspired her and taught her just how much there is to learn about the industry. Her interest in improving herself and enhancing her career was only compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the designation was a great way to further her studies and improve her competency and effectiveness in the industry.

As one of the first people in Hong Kong to earn the CITP designation, Yuen Wah Wan sees herself as a pioneer in her city. “The training, resources, and networking opportunities provided by FITT” were the outcomes she most appreciated.

She did not come into the industry with an academic background in business, but rather with Japanese language skills as her main contribution.

The FITTskills courses helped prepare her for her work in the International Trade Division at her company and facilitate communication between different divisions.

The FITTskills courses and CITP designation were the perfect complement for her work experience, and with her promotion to manager after three years with the company, Yuen Wah Wan is equipped to advance her career even further.

Miguel Murphy, CITP – International Trade & Supply Chain Management

Miguel Murphy is another successful international trade and supply chain management professional. For as long as he can remember, trading and commerce has been a passion of his. The industry intrigued him and never relinquished its hold.

He decided to progress through the FITTskills program in order to round out his knowledge and skills and meet the requirements needed to be successful internationally. He credits the courses for his ability to “meet the Canadian benchmark for doing business in the international arena.”

Courses such as International Trade Finance can equip a person with the ability to succeed where others fail in the industry, and Miguel Murphy recognized its value, saying:

“International Trade Finance is the glue that brings every international trade transaction together to completion.”

Miguel’s goals when applying for the CITP designation were to gain new skills and knowledge, advance career options on a global scale, and expand his network, and he recognizes the role the designation plays in increasing his confidence and the professional recognition he needs for success in a competitive and fast-paced industry.

Ossama Talaat, CITP – Supply Chain, Logistics and Trade Execution

“It’s a great honor to obtain the elite CITP®|FIBP® designation.”

Ossama Talaat is an expert in the intricacies of the international supply chain, logistics, and trade execution. As a winner of the 2009 Best Innovative Idea award from the Cargill Sugar Worldwide Innovation Idea Campaign, Talaat is already recognized as a creative thinker. Since he was given the opportunity to fully implement his strategy in a real-world scenario, his skills and competency are validated as well.

His takeaways from obtaining the designation include career advancement and an expanded network of professionals on an international scale. Adding credibility to his experience and career development were his main motivating factors for pursuing the designation, and his successes speak to the effect it has had on him as an individual and as a business leader.

We are thrilled to welcome these five outstanding international trade professionals to the CITP|FIBP community and look forward to following their careers and celebrating their future accomplishments. Why not connect with them and see how including them in your network can open doors for you?

The post 5 new CITPs in the supply chain management and logistics industries share their career stories appeared first on Trade Ready.

When planning for international exporting and the distribution of goods, a strong understanding of the fundamentals of global logistics is necessary for success. In particular, key terms, such as inbound logistics and outbound logistics should become second nature to you, as they affect the decisions you make, the strategies you employ, and the way your exporting strategy operates. It’s essential to know exactly what each term means and how it applies to your global business plans.

If you want to know the difference between inbound logistics and outbound logistics, read through our explanation below:

Inbound logistics

Inbound logistics refers to the movement of supplies and materials for the purposes of manufacturing products. For international trade, inbound raw materials and supplies for production means that the inputs of production cross borders to be manufactured.

Manufacturing occurs in the jurisdiction of the buyer of the supplies, at a manufacturing plant in another country, or by a manufacturer who has been contracted by a buyer to produce a finished good for the buyer (outsourcing). For example, clothing made by contract manufacturing plants in Bangladesh: The manufacturing plants import fabric, thread, garment accessories (e.g. zippers and buttons) from other countries to manufacture the finished product that is exported to other countries.

As another example, Canadian wheat grain is a commodity that is imported by Japanese trading companies who transport the wheat to Japan where a Japanese government agency buys the wheat and then sells it to Japanese mills for processing.

Organizations entering international supply chains must ensure that their supplier systems can sustain the added demands of international trade. Materials management is a service function, representing the consolidation of the purchasing, transportation and warehousing functions into one management responsibility.

As illustrated in Figure 4.2, the integrated chain of materials handling activities in a company’s production process may flow in the following sequence:

Materials management planning begins as the needs for materials are determined and normally end at the point of manufacture or distribution of a marketable product. It can be defined as the first half of the logistics chain. Manufacturers/buyers enter the procurement process with suppliers/sellers to negotiate contracts, define terms of shipping and specification requirements, such as supply levels (e.g. Just-in-Time, Zero Inventory and Kaizen) and quality requirements. Outsourced or offshore manufacturers who are contracted to make and supply buyers with finished goods may have more limited control over costs and other logistics factors if buyers require the use of certain suppliers and materials, or provide the materials to the manufacturer.

Buyers need to plan the logistics for orders of supplies and raw materials. This includes activities such as:

• Transportation of goods according to agreed-upon Incoterms® trade terms
• Customs processing
• Materials handling, including picking, packing, loading and unloading supplies and raw materials on and off transportation vehicles/vessels
• Inventory management, including implementing supply level programs, storage, tracking and ordering, and IT systems
• Quality control, as part of contract management and relationship building with suppliers

Want to learn more about managing your company’s supply chain, logistics and how to mitigate risks? Check out the FITTskills Global Value Chain online course.

The focus for inbound logistics is on getting the right supplies:

• In the right quantity (based on the inventory management program)
• In the specified condition (as per the specifications in the sales contract)
• To the manufacturing plant
• At the required time (when needed for production)
• For the least cost

Suppliers can also export/sell their raw materials or goods through distribution intermediaries. This indirect exporting allows the suppliers to let others, such as marketing boards, trading houses or agents, deal with the issues of international sales and logistics.

Outbound logistics

Outbound logistics refers to the movement of finished goods from manufacturers to the consumers of the finished products. Manufacturers sell their finished products domestically or sell their finished products to other consumers in other countries directly or through the use of distribution channels.

For outbound logistics, manufacturers need to make decisions about the distribution models or channels to use, select distribution intermediaries (based on the selected distribution model), negotiate contracts, define terms of shipping, and then plan the logistics, including activities, such as:

• Transportation of goods according to the agreed upon Incoterms® rules and distribution network
• Customs processing
• Materials handling, including, picking, packing, loading and unloading finished goods on and off transportation vehicles/vessels, breaking and consolidating orders
• Inventory management, including storage, warehousing, and tracking
• Customer order processing and administration, including document management
• Reverse logistics, including repair, re-use and recycling

For more information on outbound logistics, see the modules Document Management and Inventory Management in the course Global Value Chain.

Selling products internationally requires decisions about distribution channels, which is determined by the organization’s sales and marketing strategy, and the overall business strategy. Outbound logistics provides opportunities for a variety of distribution channel and physical distribution arrangements. In terms of distribution, the most used market entry strategies are:

• Direct exporting: An organization markets and sells goods or services to a foreign buyer.
• Indirect exporting: An organization sells goods or services to a domestic intermediary or a foreign intermediary that is resident in the organization’s country. The intermediary takes responsibility for finding buyers, establishing distribution routes and obtaining payments in a foreign market.

Organizations can also operate as a domestic business in the foreign country through direct foreign investment by:

• Setting up manufacturing plants, branch offices in target market
• Acquiring existing companies
• Entering joint ventures with foreign partners
• Setting up franchises or selling licences in target markets

These market entry strategies would use domestic distribution channels in the target markets and could take advantage of cost-saving transportation logistics opportunities.

The post What’s the difference between inbound and outbound logistics? appeared first on Trade Ready.

Ahmad Malek’s journey in international trade began in 2012 when he joined the Schlumberger Dubai office in the finance team of the logistics and distribution department. The oil and gas company primarily conducted business across borders, which opened doors to Ahmad’s newer opportunities. He soon made the move to the supply chain industry by joining Dubai media Inc. as Procurement Specialist. In this role, he was responsible for dealing with all kinds of purchasing and supplies within the UAE and outside, which offered him a broader picture from the buyer’s point of view.

A job that was always fun and happening

For Ahmad, his job at Dubai Inc. has given him some of his most memorable and favourite career stories. Working with TV channels and radio stations meant getting access to special events like horse and camel races or celebrating the new year at the Burj Khalifa. For him, there was never a dull moment and always something new to look forward to.

Earning the supply chain designation—a feather in his cap

Soon after completing his Master’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Heriot-Watt University, Ahmad was awarded the MCIPS, the Chartered member designation of the Chartered Institute Procurement. Ahmad considers this as one of his proudest professional accomplishments in his career so far.

Find yourself a mentor in your field

According to Ahmad, it’s impossible to overemphasize the importance of seeking the guidance of a mentor at every stage of your professional journey.

“A mentor is not only someone who teaches you what you don’t know but is someone who will help you broaden your horizons and achieve more than you expected to.”

Ahmad’s advice to all his counterparts in the industry would be to benefit from the experience and advice of a mentor. They can help you navigate the complexities and challenges that the ever-changing global business environment can throw your way.

International trade training that builds critical thinking abilities

The next step for Ahmad was to upgrade his international business skills and know-how by enrolling in FITTskills accredited training. He found the courses to be excellent resources with the latest and most relevant knowledge spanning the various aspects of international trade, from market entry and finance to supply chain and product development.

The case studies proved particularly insightful to him:

“The case studies are amazing extracts from real examples that happened, and by going through them you become familiar with potential problems that might be similar to what you have faced, and you will have a sense of the solution that others have used.”

With his keen inclination towards finance and supply chain, it comes as no surprise that International Trade Finance and Global Value Chain are Ahmad’s favourite FITTskills courses:

“Studying my favourite topics in detail gives me more confidence and keeps me up to date with the newest terms and trends in the industry.”

The next career goal that Ahmad envisions for himself is to join the Trade Commissioner services. To help him  move closer to this goal he sought to complete the FITT Diploma in International Trade and subsequently the prestigious, industry-backed CITP®|FIBP® designation.

Ahmad was awarded the designation in February 2021, and it marked the successful completion of a milestone aim that he had set for himself. Earning the elite credential adds to Ahmad’s optimism for the future as he prepares to connect with the other members of the CITP community and broaden his network.

Spurred on by a love for his profession and a keen ambition to expand his horizons, we have no doubt that Ahmad will easily exceed the goals he has set for himself.

The post CITP Spotlight: Ahmad Malek, Procurement Officer appeared first on Trade Ready.

With a relentless drive to pursue his career goals and constantly expand his skills, Rafael Ramos turned an internship after graduation into a successful import-export career a continent away.

Originally from Brazil, Rafael studied international relations and affairs in university. During his studies, he completed an internship with a maritime shipping company in Rio de Janeiro, preparing shipping documents and submitting them to the proper authorities to ensure loading, unloading and transport. Immediately after graduating, he then completed a second internship with a different shipping company. Taking on greater responsibilities, he handled some aspects of the crew exchange process, updated port lists of current ships and crews, and held financial control for services provided to crews on those ships.

With his experience from those internships, he then secured his first full-time job in international trade as an International Operations Assistant with Golden Foods Alimentos, also in Rio de Janeiro. He quickly took on responsibility for the import process and packing validation of the company’s meat, fish, beverage, appetizers and other seasonal products. Combined, these accounts represented nearly half of the company’s revenue!

“I worked closely with suppliers to develop private import labels for my company and some selected clients, which I was quite proud of,” he says.

Pursuing an international business education with a move to Canada

Looking to reinforce his experience with training specific to the practical needs of importers and exporters, Rafael moved to Vancouver to take the FITTskills program through Canadian College, one of FITT’s educational partners.

“I learned a lot about finance tools and how technology can improve my work experience, for example using EDI (electronic data interchange) to improve inventory control.”

My favourite course was Feasibility of International Trade. Learning how to create a feasibility study from scratch to penetrate new markets is extremely useful.

By completing the program, he earned both the FITT Diploma in International Trade and an International Trade and Co-Op Diploma from Canadian College.

Staying in Vancouver to expand his career

Shortly before graduating from Canadian College, Rafael started his current position as an Import Coordinator with Thai United Food Trading Ltd. in Vancouver.

He works directly with exporters on purchase orders for food and personal care products, negotiates ocean freight with maritime shipping companies, schedules container arrivals and manages related costs, and analyzes import data to forecast.

Taking a direct role in final negotiations, including the pricing, has been an aspect of his work he’s glad to have learned, and recommends new professionals prepare to handle such responsibility.

“I wish I’d known from the very start how to negotiate with different cultures. Always study intercultural business to guarantee a great relationship with your partners.”

With suppliers and customers in multiple continents, ever-changing schedules and costs, new data to analyze on a daily basis and other unexpected challenges, his work requires adaptability, as well as the ability to think on your feet and look for unconventional approaches. While some may find this overwhelming or overly challenging, it’s one of his favourite parts of his current job.

“You never know what to expect in international trade, and intercultural business makes you think outside the box. Also, some unexpected events force you to find creative solutions.”

With his FITT Diploma and work experience, Rafael also applied for and successfully added the CITP (Certified International Trade Professional) designation to his list of career accomplishments. He hopes the designation will further improve his credibility as a trade professional, and open doors for new responsibilities.

I am a very young professional who started my experience as an intern. Having an international designation emphasizes and proves my skills, and shows that I am prepared to take on and excel in new challenges.

Already on a strong upward career trajectory, Rafael’s experience and elite professional designation now equip him with all the tools he needs to take on any new challenges in the world of international trade.

The post CITP Spotlight: Rafael Ramos, CITP|FIBP – Import Coordinator appeared first on Trade Ready.

Kellen Spence, now an Account Manager with the Erb Group in Kitchener, Ontario, got his start in international trade while working in manufacturing and quality control at BlackBerry.

“I have always been interested in international trade and global supply chains. I worked for BlackBerry after high school and I watched the supply chain gradually become global, and then the manufacturing activities were outsourced to foreign markets as well. It was at that time I decided to jump straight into the international trade industry.”

After nearly five years there, Kellen accepted a new position with Farrow, one of North America’s largest logistics, customs broker and compliance companies, as a Customs Release Agent. In this role, he worked with clients to facilitate the release of their goods from customs, ensured all shipping and customs documents were completed and filed properly, and dealt directly with CBSA to solve any client issues.

As his responsibilities evolved, he then took on a new Business Development Analyst position. He helped research and prospect qualified leads, analyzed client activities to find new ways to assist, built relationships with new clients to meet their logistics needs.

Since evolving job responsibilities are increasingly common, trade continues to change at a rapid rate and resources are available, he recommends other trade professionals in a similar situation do everything possible to stay up to date however possible.

“Read! Consume as much industry content as you can get your hands on. With the advent of Youtube and other video recording platforms, I now watch as much industry related content as I can as well.”

Applying his skillset to a diverse set of logistics experiences

Over the past few years, Kellen has tackled a varied set of challenges within the logistics industry. When he first started with the Erb Group, his current employer, he worked with truckers to ensure their manifests and other documents were accurate, plan shipments based on availability, and assist them in other ways, including speaking to CBSA and CPB on their behalf regarding border crossings and compliance questions.

As an Account Manager, he now works with clients to find the best solutions to their specific opportunities and problems, and foster productive long-term business relationships with a multitude of companies.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to work on a couple of projects with a large fair trade retailer based in southern Ontario,” he explained to illustrate the kind of projects he works on. “Combining my passion for global trade and fair trade has by far been the best story to come of my career so far.”

As he worked with clients, he wanted to expand his knowledge into other areas of international trade and maximize his potential opportunities, so he took the FITTskills courses online.

FITTskills was a great experience and has given me the knowledge needed to leverage my career and develop brand new opportunities.

“I enjoyed the International Trade Finance course the most. Understanding different insurances and financial instruments that can be used to mitigate and eliminate risk is an area not usually explored within the logistics industry. It allowed me to bridge the gap between the finance and logistics business functions.”

Matching experience with the education and credentials to back it up

Once he completed all six FITTskills courses to earn his FITT Diploma, Kellen successfully applied to become a CITP (Certified International Trade Professional) to prove his competency and skills in global trade and continue to help his company achieve their goals.

“I feel extremely optimistic about the potential opportunities that the CITP designation will bring in my career. I plan to help my company build brand new services and solutions that focus on global markets. I strongly believe that the CITP designation is my platform to achieve this.”

His CITP designation, along with his other credentials, experience and education, now serve as a point of pride as he continues to make new strides in his career.

“I’m most proud of the diverse experience and education that I’ve gathered so far in my career. Having the opportunity to work in customs brokerage, international freight forwarding, and trucking has allowed me to package that knowledge along with my Certified Customs Specialist designation, an advanced certificate in freight forwarding from the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association, and now the CITP designation. I now have an excellent hand of knowledge cards to play as my career progresses.”

The post Kellen Spence, CITP|FIBP – Account Manager appeared first on Trade Ready.

Dealing with rising logistics costs

From sourcing materials to storing goods to shipping to your customers, logistics costs add up. They can be a major part of your business’s expenses, and they seem to be continually rising. If you’re not looking at how you can scale back your logistics costs, you’re hurting your business’s bottom line. While tackling these kinds of costs might seem overwhelming, there are some things you can do to manage your business’s logistics costs.

Understand your logistics costs

Reducing your logistics costs begins with evaluating them. Until you understand how your business is spending money on logistics, you can’t understand how to reduce logistics costs. Take the time to understand how much you are spending on packaging, shipping, labour and storage. Know how much each container costs you to ship, and how much you are spending on logistics for each item in your inventory.

Once you understand where your logistics budget is going, you can begin to look at how to pare back on those costs. Break apart the fixed costs that you don’t have the power to change and the variable costs. By knowing which costs you can influence, you can begin to identify where you can save money in your supply chain.

Understand your inventory

When it comes to reducing logistics costs, many experts will suggest maintaining higher inventory levels. Carrying higher inventory levels means less frequent supply shipments and you don’t risk paying more for last-minute supplies. Unless you evaluate and understand your inventory, your supply needs and your space, it can be difficult to maintain higher inventory without running the risk of overstocking.

Know which items move faster than others and what you should have more of on hand. Monitor the flow of your inventory, and keep an eye on peaks in demand that call for increased inventory. Evaluate your inventory space and determine whether you could be shelving your inventory more efficiently to store more items in less space. Be sure to keep and regularly evaluate your inventory data so you can make better decisions on your inventory levels to save on shipping and storage logistics.

Plan regular shipments

Consider when you order items or contract shipments for your business. If you are waiting until you need to ship something or until you need something in stock, you’re spending more on shipping than you need to. When you’ve analyzed your supply and inventory needs, you can begin to contract your shipping in advance to save your business money on shipping costs. Many companies will offer savings when you contract multiple shipments at once or when you contract for shipping further in advance.

When logistics companies have orders on the books in advance, they can better manage how they’re filling their shipment containers to lower their costs, which means your costs are lower. Contracting logistics in advance, or working with the same companies for supplies and shipments over and over again, can help you develop good working relationships with your logistics partners. When you have those solid relationships, you can work with your partners to lower costs, and they likely will reward you for your loyalty with better pricing over time.

Involve everyone in logistics savings

If you’re committed to keeping your logistics costs low, you’ll need to involve every team in your business. That’s because nearly every department impacts your logistics costs. Product developers can look at supply or design options that will lower your supply logistics costs and your product distribution costs. Your marketing team can keep a calendar of initiatives that are likely to bring a surge in business to help you beef up inventory in advance. Your warehouse team can find efficiencies in their operations or in their storage methods.

When all of your teams are aware of how they play a role in logistics and keeping the costs low, they can contribute to this goal on a consistent basis.

Logistics is an expensive part of every business, which makes keeping logistics costs in line essential to maintaining your business’s profits. Keeping those costs low involves constantly monitoring data that will help you make better decisions, planning your logistics as far in advance as possible and involving your teams in moderating logistics costs. By actively tracking, evaluating and controlling your logistics costs, you can save money and better protect your business’s bottom line.

The post How your small business can save money on rising logistics costs appeared first on Trade Ready.

The logistics, freight forwarding and transportation industry has some incredible conferences which help to educate, inspire, and connect people involved in the field. These conferences are a great way for industry members to network and develop key knowledge for success.

Here are some of the top conferences in North America for freight forwarders and logistics.

1. WERC National Conference

April 28-May 1, 2019 | Columbus, OH

The WERC (Warehousing Education and Resource Council) National Conference is a fantastic annual event for members of the logistics community to come and learn more about their trade. Because this conference is specific to warehousing, it is ideal for anyone in the logistics industry who is primarily involved with storage and warehousing.

A unique aspect of the WERC National Conference is its interactive simulation activities. These powerful learning tools are ideal for anyone aiming to gain practical knowledge in this area. Learning from experts in such a hands-on way can help you build on your skillset in this industry.

Finally, this conference also features facility tours and exclusive sessions with several companies. All present exciting opportunities to advance supply chain knowledge.

2. Gartner Supply Chain Executive Conference

May 13-16, 2019 | Phoenix, AZ

The Gartner Supply Chain Executive Conference is another wonderful annual event for members of the supply chain industry. Those in attendance will be treated to speeches, networking sessions, and workshops, like many of the other events.

However, this conference also has several unique components that separate it from others. For example, it features a ceremony called the “Gartner Top 25,” in which the top 25 organizations that embody supply chain excellence and innovations are honored with a special dinner. This is a great way to get to know the key movers and shakers in the field.

This event is geared toward innovation and advances in the supply chain industry. It even offers sessions with industry analysts, where you can learn the latest technology in the industry. It’s a great place to rub elbows with those at the cutting edge of the trade.

3. CTRF 53rd Annual Conference

May 26-29, 2019 | Vancouver, BC

This annual conference is a chance for freight forwarding professionals to meet and reflect on the history of the industry. It is also a chance to discuss current trends and developments in freight forwarding, and talk about the future of the industry.

This event is being held at the Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel in Vancouver, from May 26-29, 2019. It is a great way to enjoy springtime, and learn more about the supply chain industry!

The Canadian Transport Research Forum holds this conference every year. It is known as one of the leading events for transportation professionals in Canada. There are many open forums which promote discussion and propose research ideas for freight forwarding. It is a great place to learn and network for those in the transportation industry.

4. 3PL and Supply Chain Summit

June 10-12, 2019 | Atlanta, GA

Based in Atlanta, the 2019 3PL and Supply Chain Summit is a key gathering for those in the logistics industry. Some important topics that this conference will focus on include e-commerce, high and low tech solutions, urban, suburban, and rural delivery, and keeping pace with the consumer.

The event will feature speeches and panels with CEOs and important members of the logistics business. Other new features include a special networking party, an exclusive blockchain workshop and an informative session focused on temperature-controlled logistics solutions.

The conference will be held at the Westin Peachtree Plaza, right in the heart of downtown Atlanta and within walking distance of many city landmarks. It’s always great when a conference offers the chance to do some sightseeing too!

5. Cargo Logistics Canada Expo and Conference

Exact date TBA, 2020 | Vancouver, BC

Billed as Canada’s largest supply chain event, this annual expo and conference helps connect cargo owners with cargo movers. It is the perfect event to make the right connections to advance your business or career in the supply chain industry.

This conference features targeted summit events, more than a hundred speakers and industry experts, and thousands of square feet of exhibit space. In the words of the organizers, “The entire supply chain will be under one roof!”

This is the seventh annual Cargo Logistics Canada Expo and Conference, and has taken place in Vancouver all but one year, when it was located in Montreal.

If you are in the supply chain industry in Canada and you are looking to either connect with cargo transporters, or people who have cargo that needs to be moved, this is the place to be. Just imagine the incredible business opportunities you’ll have as you meet countless professionals in the field. It is the perfect event to grow your business.

Did we miss an event that you think should be on the list? What events do you plan on attending this year?

The post Top 5 North American conferences you don’t want to miss if you are in freight forwarding and logistics appeared first on Trade Ready.

Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Dimple Gandhi’s path towards an international trade career started at a young age. Her father ran a logistics company for 25 years, and as she saw how much work he needed to do to keep his business going, she wanted to learn how to help him run and grow the business as well.

“I started understanding the business structure and day by day I was eager to learn more. After office hours, I used to ask several questions to my dad every day. I understood transportation is one of the most important factors in international trade, so I started focusing there, which helped me to better understand international trade as a whole and gain my own perspective.”

As she grew older, she decided to attend university to continue her education, learning more about international trade and its many requirements. Each summer during her program, she also worked as an intern at different manufacturing companies to gain further experience in accounting and then import/export management. As the daughter of a business owner, however, she faced significant challenges in dealing with her employers and co-workers.

“For three summers I worked for free, none of the companies paid me a single penny. My employers would tell me ‘you are here to learn’ or ‘you are the daughter of a businessman’, and my co-workers always saw me first and foremost as a ‘rich man’s daughter’. This was very frustrating. I was struggling to please everyone around me and sacrificing any break during the summer, but only hearing unwanted things from everyone around me.”

“I always wanted to be independent, and these three years of sacrifice and hard work changed my life and developed my self-confidence. I learned to always look on the bright side. There are 10,000 reasons to give up, so always eliminate all the excuses and replace those excuses with opportunities. Hard work pays off at right moment, so never give up.”

The balancing act of studying while working full-time

After completing her undergraduate degree, Dimple earned a full-time position at SRV Global Freight, a freight forwarding company, where her role was to negotiate contracts and pricing for ocean, rail and other importers. She also wanted to continue her studies, which led to a hectic 18 month period in her life.

“My goal was to enhance my knowledge and gain further insights into logistics and supply chain management, and to apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical environment. I enrolled for an 18 month diploma program where I worked Monday to Friday full time and then spent my weekends in school for more than 10 hours each day, which was difficult.”

“I still can’t believe I graduated from the program with an A, which was unbelievable. Balancing my study time and work time was important. I am grateful for my SRV Team, especially my Director, Mr. Rosario Dcruz, who supported and motivated me throughout my journey.”

After completing her diploma, she then set a new goal: to study abroad and continue her trade education. Moving to London, Ontario, Canada in 2017, she earned her diploma from Fanshawe College in international business management as well as the FITT Diploma in International Trade the following year.

“Moving abroad to achieve my goal was another achievement.”

The FITTskills courses helped me to sharpen and enhance my international trade knowledge. They have all the essential content and elements an individual should know before you enter any kind of market around the world.

I personally developed my research skills – there were so many aspects which I wasn’t aware of, and this training has all the minute things which are important for business.

Earning the CITP designation to open doors in the Canadian trade job market

By earning her FITT Diploma, Dimple fulfilled the educational requirements to apply for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation and applied for the designation shortly after.

“Within 20 months, I decided to pursue my diploma, complete all of my exams and successfully complete my work experience. I worked hard and enhanced my knowledge as much as I could, so I think of this designation as a kind of reward for my enthusiasm towards this field.”

Learning that she had officially become a CITP was one of the proudest moments of her career to date.

“This feeling cannot be expressed, it’s such a proud moment for me and my Parents. This designation has proven that my three years of struggle during my undergrad was worth it. Sacrificing my social life for two years while working and studying has given me this. I’m thankful to my parents for motivating me at each stage of my learning, and my “never give up attitude” paid off.”

As she works to establish her career in Canada, she says that the CITP designation will open doors and help her earn the kind of position she is seeking.

This will help me to reach my goal and give me an opportunity to enter the global trade job market. Companies will know they can rely on my skills, knowledge and experience.

With all of the tools she needs to succeed in hand, Dimple has a bright future ahead of her and is poised to help any number of international trade businesses grow and excel in global markets.

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