Atlas Amplifier PDF - Atlas Van Lines

Atlas InternationalAtlas Canada26 Atlas Amplifier • Summer 2007TSA Enacts New Requirementsfor Air Cargo What You Need to KnowFollowing the attacks on 9/11/2001, the U.S.Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issuedemergency security requirements for shipments via air.Since then, the TSA has been working on regulations thatare more comprehensive. The new rules went into effectMarch 12 for all air shipments that originate in the U.S.“If you ship by air, you need to know your part in thesecurity process,” says Mike Jackson, Atlas InternationalTransportation Services Manager. “Security is nowmuch stricter.”Mike explains that the van operator must record the I.D.of the agent’s representative when taking possession offreight and present an I.D. when delivering freight to theairline. The I.D. must be government-issued with a photo,such as a driver’s license or passport.If a loaded carton weighs 150 lbs. or more, it must bebanded with a heavy-duty metal band or break-resistantplastic banding. “A good rule of thumb is that any freightshipped in an “E” box (42" x 29" x 26") or larger requiresbanding,” says Mike.Airlines now scrutinize documents much more closely,so it’s more important than ever that inventories are clearand legible. “Without ‘clean’ documentation, airlinesmay reject freight or hold it until the documentationis corrected,” says Mike.Because the requirements to become a “knownshipper”–one who can ship goods by passenger plane–are now more stringent, Mike says a lot of freight that usedto travel on passenger planes will get pushed to freighters.This is already putting shippers in a squeeze. “We are seeingsome cargo delays due to a lack of space on air freighters,”says Mike. “It is possible these delays could increase withthe growing demand for freighter service.”Questions? Contact Mike Jackson by e-mail:mjackson@atlasintl.com.The Future Looks BrightWhen Atlas Canada opened a tiny office (abovea restaurant) in 1963 with just three employees,no one could have predicted the fledglingcompany would grow to become an industry leader.Today, Atlas Canada is widely recognized as the largestvan line in the country, with a client roster that reads likethe “Who’s Who” of Canadian business. More important,the company enjoys a stellar reputation for high qualityservice and customer loyalty.Remaining in business for over 40 years is no easy feat.Many companies who were household names (within andoutside the moving industry) have long since vanished. Nodoubt, there are many reasons one company grows andprospers while another falters. “In my opinion,” says Presidentand COO Doug Auld, “success is a combination of keepingyour focus and changing when the times demand it.”“I honestly believe that Atlas Canada has been true toa basic business philosophy of honesty, integrity andpartnership. Unlike some of our competitors, Atlas Canadaviews its agents as business partners. That’s why we callourselves, ‘the Agent’s Van Line.’ It’s a title that makesus proud.”To this end, Atlas works in close partnership with itsagents, eliciting their participation and input into thedevelopment of new programs. The company holdsstrategic sessions with them approximately every two years.“By engaging our agents as strategic co-thinkers, it gives us achance to examine what we are doing right and where weneed to improve or change,” says Doug. “Working togetherguarantees a level of commitment that wouldn’t exist if thevan line simply issued an edict.”Outcomes from these initiatives and programs,particularly in the area of training, have resulted in higherquality service to customers. At the same time, Atlasfocuses on ways to help agents operate more efficientlyand profitably, such as incorporating new technology.Partnering with corporate clients is another Atlas Canadahallmark. “We’ve made an effort to find out what ourcustomers want and need and then worked with them tocreate customized solutions,” says Doug. “The number ofclients who renew contracts with Atlas is evidence that thisapproach works.”Atlas Canada is also proud that many of its agents havebeen with the van line from the early days. Second- orthird-generation family members now manage some ofthese companies. “Continuity, loyalty, and a progressiveapproach to business may be why Atlas Canada is here forthe long-term,” says Doug. “The future looks bright.”Atlas Amplifier • Summer 2007 27