“One major factor that sets CIFFA’s freight forwarding courses apart is that our programs focus on the essential competencies required of a freight forwarder, that is why they have attracted more than 15,000 industry professionals.”
This week, we had the privilege of interviewing Stephen McDermott, the Director of Education and Marketing of the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA).
CIFFA has been collaborating with Globalia Logistics Network since last year, offering exclusive and competitive prices for their esteemed forwarding courses. CIFFA’s freight forwarding courses are designed by professionals with experience in a variety of logistics topics, who have been providing students with the highest level of professional education over the years. Courses are intended for people working in the transportation and logistics sector who would like to further their careers. Moreover, these courses are also perfect for newcomers in this sector who want to start their journey in this industry on a strong footing.
Globalia Logistics Network has just opened registration for the highly sought-after International Transportation and Trade course. Members can already enrol for the course that will start on 2nd October 2023. During our conversation, Mr McDermott provided us with a comprehensive overview of CIFFA’s freight forwarding courses, highlighting their importance and the exceptional reputation they have earned within the industry. He also shared insights into course content, collaboration with Globalia, and much more.
Q. How did your idea of launching logistics courses come about?
A. CIFFA’s logistics courses were initially formulated to adequately train our 300+ member logistics companies in Canada. Furthermore, the courses serve as initial training for new employees and are also advantageous for individuals seeking to advance their careers. More importantly, our courses are presently taught in 16 post-secondary colleges within international business and supply chain programs. Our freight forwarding courses focus on the essential competencies required of a freight forwarder, giving us a competitive advantage over standard logistics courses.
Q. When did CIFFA start offering freight forwarding courses?
A. CIFFA was founded in September 1948 in Montreal, Canada, by a small group of logistics specialists who recognized the need for an industry association that could cater to the professional requirements of its members. We have been offering freight forwarding courses for more than four decades.
Q. What are the benefits of your courses for freight forwarders?
A. For anyone looking forward to a promising career in the supply chain industry, enrolling in CIFFA’s freight forwarding courses can be of immense help. Our courses can give employees in this sector a great advantage in the job market. Moreover, with the increasingly important role of this industry in the present-day economy, our logistics courses are also helping individuals to find employment in this sector. The correct training in all the essential aspects of the freight and logistics sector can help to develop the skills that are needed to meet the requirements of the customers and optimize the supply chain operations.
Nowadays, best forwarding companies are implementing dedicated employee training programmes to increase productivity and attain a high level of employee retention. Both these factors are absolutely crucial for the sustained growth of small and mid-sized logistics companies. Our logistics training courses keep learners updated with the requirements of logistics 4.0 and help secure their positions in the industry.
Q. How many students have you had to date?
A. Since 2013, our courses have attracted an impressive membership base, with over 15,000 industry professionals taking advantage the comprehensive knowledge and expertise provided. Globalia’s Online Academy offers two of CIFFA’s freight forwarding courses: International Transportation and Trade and Essentials of Freight Forwarding.
Q. How did CIFFA build such a high reputation?
A. CIFFA is approaching its 75th anniversary in 2023. Since our establishment, we have forged deep connections and partnerships within the industry. Our education programs play a crucial role in imparting essential skills and competencies to our members’ employees. We constantly leverage our experience and actively seek feedback from students and the industry to ensure the creation of top-notch education programs. As a result, our courses consistently garner remarkable approval rates from students, reflecting their high quality and effectiveness.
Q. Who are the ideal candidates for these courses?
A. Our courses are meant for learners looking to start a career in the transportation and logistics sector, new employees at logistics organizations, and individuals seeking to advance their careers in various ways. The main advantage of our courses is their suitability for newcomers in the industry. The comprehensive courses provide them with the essential skills and knowledge required to perform competently in this sector. Moreover, experienced forwarders who wish to stay updated with industry trends can also benefit greatly from these courses.
Q: What is your opinion regarding the collaboration with Globalia?
A: The partnership with Globalia Logistics Network has been outstanding, as they have shown a strong dedication to offering education to their global members. Since our collaboration began last year, where we introduced the International Transportation and Trade Course and Essentials of Freight Forwarding Course, we have been extremely pleased with this highly beneficial partnership.
“For anyone looking forward to a promising career in the supply chain industry, enrolling in CIFFA’s freight forwarding courses can be of immense help…Our logistics training courses keep learners updated with the requirements of logistics 4.0 and help secure their positions in the industry.
Q. What sets your logistics courses apart from other course providers?
A. One major factor that sets us apart is that our programs focus on the essential competencies required of a freight forwarder. Other course providers do not delve into that level of detail. In addition, all other courses are designed with the logistics manager in mind but is also applicable to all employees within any logistics company of any size.
In essence, CIFFA’s logistics training programmes offer comprehensive preparation for people aspiring to excel as international freight forwarders. The students gain the necessary skills to effectively plan and execute shipments, understand routes, rates, and carrier options, generate accurate quotes, arrange shipments, and manage transportation documentation. Furthermore, our courses can be taken remotely, allowing students to take the course at their own pace. Online logistics courses are more accessible and can be completed at a relaxed pace, thanks to the enhanced accessibility of virtual classrooms.
Q. Who formulates the logistics courses?
A. A team of experts on the topics covered in the courses who work and teach within the profession write the course content. It needs to be added in this context that their expertise is regularly sought to ensure that the courses remain up-to-date and relevant.
