ABS Consulting
Expertise in International & Domestic Logistics and Quality Management

Logistics Consulting, Compliance & Supply Chain Security Support

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Project References

Import Customs Compliance
Evaluated and advised on recommendations for improvements for an importer who had previously paid a large penalty to U.S Customs (CBP).  The client needed assistance and guidance on requirements and options available to now be and remain compliant.  As an additional benefit better import routing and transit time improvements were made.

Worked with multiple small and large importers in select areas of CBP import compliance, establishing correct procedures, workflow manuals and streamlining the broker and forwarder base, resulting in much improved processes for the client and additional cost savings as well.

For another large client, we developed a suitable program to perfectly fit into the client's overall business model.  Since we did not look at customs compliance issues in an isolated fashion,  but rather at their larger overall supply chain layout and systems, we created considerable new efficiencies and identified realistic opportunities which resulted in an immediate $500,000 annual freight cost savings with additional long-term savings opportunities identified.

C-TPAT Program Development & Implementation
Successfully worked with multiple U.S. importers and global forwarders to develop appropriate C-TPAT supply chain security programs, evaluations and systems to qualify for certification in the CBP C-TPAT program.  This is extensive work and constantly being updated, therefore please contact me for additional information. 

Also assisted C-TPAT certified companies with further reviews, updates, audits and successful CBP validation preparations.

Direct Distribution to Europe
Assisted in the development of contracted warehousing and truck delivery/distribution services in Germany for a furniture manufacturer.  Identified most capable service providers in Germany and assisted with the evaluation and selection process.

Developed direct-to-consignee and consolidated package shipment distribution program into the European Union for a U.S. based manufacturer, achieving improved transit times and cost savings.

Domestic and International Freight Review
Complete inbound and outbound freight expenditures review, including evaluation of service performance of each carrier/service provider.  Managed all carrier negotiations and new implementations, which resulted in considerable financial savings (over $250k) and service improvements for the client.  Request separate case study for more specific details.

Top-to-bottom overhaul, service and cost improvements of domestic LTL and high volume package shipping services for a sporting goods distributor.

Streamlining Export Documentation and Internal Workflow Process
Goal was to reduce large amount of paperwork and extensive amount of manual labor needed to prepare export shipments to be ready for carriage.  In the process most of the work was automated using simple programming techniques, and unnecessary steps eliminated that did add no value to the process.  Request separate case study for specific details.

NAFTA Export to Canada
Detailed review of the NAFTA Certificate of Origin for exports to Canada.  Products where individually reviewed and qualified under the NAFTA origination rules, and an electronic version of the certificate was created.  In cooperation with the distributors in Canada we reduced the NAFTA Certificate of Origin from original +80 pages to two separate one page documents.

NAFTA Export to Mexico
A fabric manufacturer was negotiating a major contract (daily truckload deliveries) for a specialty fabric to a Maquiladora operation in Mexico.  The client had never exported to Mexico before, and required comprehensive assistance in all areas of NAFTA (depending on the origin of the materials used in the manufacture of the fabric in the U.S. the product did or did not qualify under NAFTA).  Provided the President of this large manufacturer a complete overview of the facts, the truckload transportation options, terms of sale considerations, NAFTA qualification options, Mexican customs information, border customs broker and forwarder services and a summary of recommendations.

Domestic Parcel and LTL Shipping
Provided a complete analysis and recommendations for improvements to two book distributors on their high volume package/parcel and regular outbound and inbound LTL shipping.  Savings identified are between $150k and $300k per year for each of those distributors.

Another assignment successfully improved an e-commerce retailer and a high-tech telecommunication equipment re-sellers domestic parcel shipping and LTL services and generated significant savings for the clients.

Packing & Shipping Consolidation
Coordinated efforts and shared ideas with manufacturing engineering consultants, financial experts, production and sales staff to improve on the production and shipping flow of products being manufactured and shipped to distributors.  The implementation targeted the finished goods inventory to increase from +20 turns p.a. to around 50 turns p.a., without any increase in production or overhead cost.  Additionally we achieved considerable freight cost, packing materials and shipping/packing labor cost savings.  Request separate case study for more specific details.

Package Shipping Analysis
Identification of billing and manifesting errors (double billing, extra fees etc.). Billing verification to insure correct billing from carriers “automated billing systems” for shipments qualifying for additional discounts under Hundredweight/Multiweight (correctly identified by address and not by reference number for example).

Parcel Shipping & Manifest Systems
Detailed evaluation and implementation recommendations for multiple clients searching for an independent opinion and recommendation on what parcel shipping & manifesting systems to purchase.  An individual approach, focused only on the specific client requirements resulted in different solutions for different clients -- exactly what is to be expected when an investment is made in an independent analysis.

Export Ocean FCL
Assisted an out-door furniture manufacturer with evaluation of multiple forwarder/NVO and steamship line service contracts for export ocean FCL (500+ TEU p.a.) shipments going to Europe.  Recommendations resulted in better, more reliable service and transit times, as well as a cost savings of 15-20%.

Import of Beer from Germany
Provided a detailed analysis of best practices and lowest cost carrier and contract opportunities for importing beer from Germany.  Resulted in considerable cost savings while also gaining service improvements.

Import RFP for FCL and Air from Asia and Europe to USA
Assisted furniture manufacturer with a complete review and update of their larger volume FCL imports from Asia and Europe (plus occasional air freight).  One goal successfully accomplished, was to reduce service providers (including customs brokers) from previously five to now one.  Not to mention  much improved service levels and visibility of all import shipments, in addition to a considerable freight cost savings in excess of 10%.

Freight Audits
Multiple freight service and cost audits, identifying best freight service providers considering actual freight cost, service quality and reliability, transit times, quality of customer service and responsiveness, accurate billing and overall “ease of doing business”.  Evaluations used for future planning and improvement initiatives.

Continuous Freight & Traffic Management
Provide ongoing and on-demand logistics, traffic management and audit services for clients who do not want or need a full-time traffic department.

Distribution Center Location Benchmarking
Provided extensive research and benchmarking data for decision on re-location of a manufacturers distribution center.  The focus of this work was to identify the total financial impact of their high volume nationwide domestic LTL, domestic and international package services, domestic truckload and pool services and import air and ocean (from Asia and Europe) services on their new strategy.

CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) AMS Import Ocean and Air Initiatives
Successfully assisted multiple foreign and domestic NVOCCs and air forwarders to achieve and implement AMS compliance including International Carrier Bonds, service provider solutions, training and problem solving support.

Export Compliance
Extensive research and program developments for multiple clients needing to upgrade and improve their U.S. export compliance procedures and guidelines.  Often this included on-site training and other process improvements as these programs were successfully launched.

Verification of compliance with Export Administration Regulations, BIS Denied Parties and other related matters for U.S. exporters and their overseas customers and/or subsidiaries.

FDA Facility Registration & Prior Notice Solutions
Expert support to global food manufacturers, trading companies and logistics service providers to become compliant with these extensive new U.S. security rules issued by FDA effective as of December 12, 2003.

FMC NVOCC and OTI Support
Program development and support services for multiple U.S. and overseas NVOCC and OTIs to successfully register with the FMC (including bonding, qualifying individual, tariff publishing) and to be in full compliance with all FMC regulations. 

ISO 9000:2000
Assisted many transportation companies to successfully achieve and implement ISO 9001 registration or ISO 9004 certification.  Request flyer for more specific details.

Air & Ocean Forwarder (NVOCC) Business Development
Have assisted multiple freight forwarders and NVOCCs in expanding their scope and service offerings, recruitment, mergers & acquisitions and opening of new offices etc.

Global Transportation Research
Ongoing and extensive research and consulting on domestic and international transportation and trade.

Albert W. Saphir
3635 Summerford Drive
Marietta, GA 30062-7015
Tel: (770) 565-2838
Email: info@abs-consulting.net

Last Updated: January 2, 2006