SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 15, 2015 — AIAG, a not-for-profit organization that works collaboratively with automotive and manufacturing companies, suppliers, and service providers to help them operate at peak performance, is partnering with Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services (STTAS) to bring comprehensive customs and import/export training to AIAG members and other global industry participants. Sandler &Travis is the largest customs and international trade services provider in the world.
“This is a great opportunity for AIAG to complete its supply chain portfolio and collaborate with STTAS, the world’s leading expert in customs and all things related to importing and exporting,” says Joel Karczewski, AIAG’s vice president of commercial services.
The expansion into international trade training is a logical complement to AIAG’s popular annual Customs Town Hall event, scheduled for November 5, 2015 and now in its 19th year. Karczewski says the training also goes hand-in-hand with the work being done by AIAG’s member-supported import-export work groups under the AIAG Supply Chain Steering Committee, as well as AIAG’s Wayne State University supply chain training, MMOG/LE training, and NAFTA and Harmonized Tariff trainings.
“Through the new partnership with Sandler & Travis, AIAG’s supply chain training is more comprehensive, covering everything from customs through logistics,” says Karczewski. “This is going to be a huge benefit to AIAG members and the industry as a whole.”
“STTAS is delighted for the opportunity to partner with AIAG to bring our internationally recognized education programs to its membership,” STTAS President Anu Gavini says. “As a key provider of global trade compliance services to automotive industry professionals for 25 years, we understand the importance of reducing the risks of international trade while enjoying the benefits of shorter cycle times, lower duties and taxes, and lower corporate costs. Our training programs will assist AIAG members in meeting these goals while operating in an atmosphere of informed compliance.”
Training will be available as webinars or one-day classes, depending on the topic. The classes can be conducted on-site at a company’s facility or participants may come to the AIAG headquarters in Southfield, Mich. In addition, the courses offer CCS credits for those pursuing a Certified Customs Specialist designation through the National Customers Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA).
For more information on the new customs and international trade training from AIAG and Sandler & Travis, visit www.aiag.org or contact AIAG customer service at (248) 358-3003.
About AIAG
The Automotive Industry Action Group is a unique not-for-profit organization where OEMs, suppliers, service providers, government entities, and individuals in academia have worked collaboratively for more than 30 years to drive down costs and complexity from the supply chain. AIAG membership includes preeminent manufacturers and many of their parts suppliers and service providers. For more information, visit www.aiag.org.
About STTAS
Sandler & Travis focuses exclusively on providing global trade compliance management and import-export consulting services to clients around the world. The company’s 750 trade professionals working from strategic offices throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America help clients comply with the ever-changing and complex rules, regulations, and laws covering international trade. From solving a single import-export related issue in-country to full-service contract Global Trade Compliance Management, STTAS advises clients on compliance best practices, guides global business processes, and provide hands-on business operations support by designing and executing solid compliance programs. For more information, visit www.sttas.com.