The Global Logistics Specialist (GLS) program is a ship-to-shelf training solution for those involved in the international movement of goods. It is the only program of its kind on the West Coast and has been overwhelmingly successful since its debut in January, 1997. This award-winning program has had unprecedented support from the transportation industry and leading trade associations continue to support GLS students through scholarships.
The program is designed in a flexible format. Through innovative delivery methods combined with active class participation and site visits, you will work with and solve real transportation issues. The program is taught for the industry by the industry and you will have the opportunity to interact and network with professionals and leaders from various segments of the supply chain.
The designation is endorsed by industry professionals as a comprehensive educational program for individuals entering or seeking advancement in the supply chain and logistics industry. The GLS designation enhances marketability and opportunities for advancement in this exciting field. This is the only program that offers the Global Logistics Specialist (GLS) professional designation.
GLS courses are approved for Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) with the Institute of Supply Management.
Learn from reputable professionals with acknowledged expertise in the industry.
Enroll in all six modules at the same time.
Gain an overview of how international freight moves from source to destination, what transportation modes are involved in an international shipment, how companies are using integrated logistics to gain a competitive edge by adding value for the customer while saving cost, and how technology revolutionizes transportation operations of today.
Containerization of cargo has fueled the boom in world trade. Learn the history of containerization and how it changed the world of shipping.
Learn how goods are distributed around the world, who the players are, how they interact, basic cost considerations for shippers, and the time/cost factors in choosing transportation modes.
Learn how modern information systems enable the development of the increasingly sophisticated transportation and logistics operations. Understand how companies are trading information for inventory and what you need to know about logistics technology from both a user and a provider’s perspective.
Gain an overview of the entire order process. Review basic documentation requirements and methods of payment, with a view toward real-life issues, such as cargo stowage and handling as it relates to insurance protection and claims presentation.
Gain knowledge in conventional logistics problems from the shipper’s perspective. Learn how successful manufacturers and retailers use innovative approaches to supplier relations.
Learn the essentials in all modes of transportation, both asset-based and non asset-based. Each session contains up-to-date, practical information delivered through innovative hands-on instruction, site visits, and case studies. This training concept, unique to the industry, is designed to enhance the learning experience and provide a comprehensive understanding of the logistics process.
Appreciate the need and how to tie together all the various logistics disciplines taught in the GLS program. Learn the evolution of logistics concepts, strategies, and planning. You will be introduced to the differences between a logistics strategy and a logistics plan. In addition, you will gain an understanding of management by objectives and the importance of a mission statement, goals, and objectives.
(Includes Site Visit)
Understand how a marine terminal operates, what it takes to move cargo across the docks, and how terminals will cope with the post-panamax ships, new legislation, and environment challenges. Gain insight into the organization and design of marine terminals.
ITS Terminal (International Transportation Service)
Gain an understanding of the steamship environment and the ocean carrier’s service offerings. You will learn about the ocean carrier’s competitive environment to include the various pricing and regulatory issues in today’s marketplace.
The trucking industry is an essential component of the supply chain for transportation and distribution of finished goods and raw materials. Trucks provide a vital transportation link from the seaports, rail yards, and airports to the manufacturing plants and distribution centers for both domestic and international products. This session will focus on truckload, less than truckload, and intermodal port and rail trucking sectors. Learn how trucks interface with cargo at the ports and rail. Understand the requirements of the US DOT/FMCSA for motor carriers and drivers. Learn what factors to consider in selecting your motor carrier.
Explore the swiftly changing domestic rail/intermodal marketplace including the role of intermodal marketing companies (IMC). Students will learn about the history of intermodal transport and gain an understanding of features and benefits relevant to alternative shipping methods.
Understanding the processes, equipment, software, and terminology related to domestic warehousing and distribution as applied to both “in house” and 3PL warehousing operations. Real-world case studies will be reviewed to understand the issues and challenges of warehousing operations.
Specialty Warehousing covers the various forms of bonded warehouses controlled by US Customs and Border Protection. You will learn the reasons for use of the various bonded warehouse operations. You will also learn the entry process as it relates to bonded warehouses and how costs, rates, and fees are determined.
Gain an understanding of where the NVOCC/OTI (Ocean Transportation Intermediary) fits into the shipping chain, what services it provides, and how an NVOCC differs from other industry intermediaries. Learn about the types of OTI's and what to look for when working with an OTI.
Learn the role of a customs broker and receive an overview of the import process in today's swiftly changing environment.
Understand how air cargo operates and the roles of integrators, consolidators, and forwarders.
Learn about the operation of small package companies. Look at how customer demands are driving technological change.
Understand the role and importance of the freight forwarder. Learn how freight forwarders select ocean and air carriers on behalf of their clients.
Gain a practical approach to the legal and financial issues relating to the international and U.S. domestic movement of cargo. Legal and financial issues relating to warehousing and distribution in California are addressed. Learn about the common pitfalls of a domestic and international freight shipment and how to protect your interests through planning, negotiating, contracting, and managing risk. A practical application of real-world examples and scenarios illustrating recovery for loss and damage of cargo will be discussed. Letters of credit in international transactions are covered.
Practical discussion of letters of credit and their utility in the real world of global trade, with a focus on how they really work and benefits to the buyer and seller, coupled with information on alternative payment mechanisms.
Examine the impact of US trade policy, trade treaties, trading blocks, and trade agreements on the regional trade volume, how governmental regulatory bodies affect the flow of goods, and who regulates the flow of goods in and out of the United States.
Learn about the changing role of the US Customs and Border Protection Service (CBP), driving informed compliance, and partnership with the trade. Take a look at the CBP from the government's point of view and understand today's methods of exporting goods from the United States.
Learn about trends in the production and demand for goods and services and the responses to these trends, including policy options that can impact goods movement stakeholders and the international trade industry.
Gain an overview of goods-movement related transportation infrastructure in Southern California. Explore the importance of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to the US economy. Trends and forecasts for cargo moving through the ports will be presented, along with estimates of truck and train traffic serving the harbor area and the region. Capacity shortfalls and operational concerns will be discussed and concepts for successful transportation infrastructure development will be presented.
Environmental stewardship is a dominant issue from corporate boardrooms to logistics practitioners. Companies are concerned about where and from whom they source materials for their products and the impact of goods movement goods to the environment. This creates new requirements for retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, and supply chain transportation services providers. The greening of the port supply chain started at the San Pedro Port complex and has moved to other ports and transportation gateways. This class will provide a case study of the supply chain stakeholders (rail, vessels, trucks, marine operations) at the San Pedro Bay port complex and how they have reduce environmental impacts. A new role for the logistics practitioner is reducing the carbon foot print of their supply chain. The class will provide an overview of green house gas issues and energy in a new carbon constrained world.
Learn how to balance between operational reality and the need for quality customer service. You will also gain an understanding of the power of personalized service as a means of achieving a competitive advantage. Learn about the impact of information technology on the logistics industry and how it benefits all transportation customers.
Information technology is changing the face of the international trade logistics industry. Change is measured on a daily basis instead of on an annual basis. A brief look into future trends will provide you with an overview of the positive effect that global network integration will have on all logistics partners.
Guest industry speakers will be invited to present on special topics related to goods movement and international trade and transportation issues.
Special topics will be discussed and presented to provide an understanding of industry developments.
Understand the operational environment involved in port security planning and coordination. Current initiatives will be discussed.
The final capstone module will pull all that you have learned in the previous five modules together. This class will provide you with the tools needed for the final case study project to be completed by multifunctional teams and include team presentations. You will learn how to develop and implement an integrated logistics plan.
