DC Velocity - July 2015

inbound

Think you can wield a welding torch? Step up alongside the best craftsmen from lift truck maker The Raymond Corp. of Greene, N.Y., and you’ll soon find out how good your skills are (or aren’t).

Nearly 30 Raymond employees reported for the company’s first-ever welding contest in March, inspired by a similar competition held yearly in Japan by Raymond’s parent company, Toyota Industries Corp.

Welders had to be ready to complete a written test, a skills test, and a practical test where each participant had to weld a pressure vessel.

The top three finishers won a plaque and cash prize, and the company won something even more valuable—a chance to review the contest results and identify areas where its workers needed to hone their skills.

“Our company has one of the largest welding departments in New York state, which means continuous improvement and skills knowledge are a priority,” said Raymond welding manager Ruben Sitts.

The company also contributed lessons learned from the exercise to help with the implementation of new tests at the New York State SkillsUSA welder competition, a student competition supported by $25,000 worth of steel, welding equipment, and supplies donated by Raymond, Airgas Inc., and Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

So you think you can weld …

Companies that want to cut both their greenhouse gas emissions and logistics costs
can learn how to do just that thanks to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF),
which has just released its “Green Freight Handbook.”
The 67-page document offers readers a guide for establishing a freight sustain-
ability metrics baseline, assessing the best opportunities, and gaining support for
launching green freight initiatives.

“We wanted the handbook to be a practical tool that reflects best-practice
approaches to sustainable freight,” said lead author Jason Mathers, senior manager
for supply chain logistics at EDF. “Information was sourced from leading research-
ers, as well as logistics practitioners from globally recognized brands.”
Among other tips, the handbook outlines five strategies companies can use to
green up their freight operations. They are:

1. Get the most out of every move. Combine freight and adapt packaging to maximize cube utilization.

2. Choose the most carbon-efficient transport mode, favoring ocean over air, and rail over truck.

3. Collaborate. Root out opportunities for savings through discussions with internal departments and with suppliers, customers, vendors, and even competitors.

4. Redesign your logistics network, optimizing your network to maximize cost savings and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Demand cleaner equipment and practices. Urge your logistics service providers to use cleaner trucks and cargo handling equipment, and employ other air pollu-tion-reducing practices at busy transport hubs.

To read the full report, download the free document at http://business.edf.org/ projects/green-freight-handbook/.

“Green” freight practices cut costs

Several women working in the logistics profession—and those who help them achieve their professional goals—received some recognition in May and June, as two separate ceremonies celebrated their contributions to the field.

In May, the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) awarded its 2015 Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award to U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, honoring his commitment to the Obama administration’s “Ladders of Opportunity” initiative for strengthening communities by helping more citizens move into the middle class.

“There aren’t enough women
and minorities working in
transportation,” Secretary Foxx
said at the award ceremony.
“WTS is a critical partner in our
efforts to promote diversity in
this critical economic sector.”
The organization also award-
ed its 2015 WTS Woman of
the Year award to Rita Brogan,
a 30-year transportation
industry veteran who was the
first woman to be appointed
Seattle Metro Transit’s super-
intendent of public transporta-
tion development.

Last month, the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) awarded its LeaderShip Award 2015 to Eli Vassenden, a 30-year shipping industry veteran who is currently serving as chief operating officer for ship management at the Grieg Star shipping company of Oslo, Norway. The award recognized her contributions to the maritime industry.