Capacity Building in MT

One of the biggest constraint within the ESCAP region on the further development of multimodal transport and adoption of logistics solutions is the limited number of trained personnel available to the industry. The provision of the full range of freight forwarding and multimodal transport services requires extensive, detailed and up-to-date knowledge of a whole range of issues, including regimes of liability and applicable international conventions, contract law, trading terms, documentary credits, customs procedures and documentation, quarantine requirements, transport arrangements, packaging and labelling requirements, dangerous goods codes, recovery claims and insurance, as well as core management capabilities, including well developed marketing skills and business acumen to run the company. In addition, due to the complexity of the tasks and responsibilities assumed by the multimodal transport operator on behalf of shippers, a thorough knowledge of case law and precedents can help in avoiding unnecessary risks and, in the case of loss, lead to a speedy and satisfactory resolution of claims.

For countries wishing to encourage freight forwarders and multimodal transport operators to move into the logistics arena, there is a need to provide training and education to deepen the understanding of the principles of logistics and the application of IT to supply chain management, with the objective of enhancing customer satisfaction and increasing the value of services.

Policy makers also need to develop greater awareness and understanding of multimodal transport and logistics services so that they could facilitate and help the industry develop its full potention.

Responding to this need, the ESCAP secretariat has prepared a training programme that includes the Training of Trainers (TOT) as well as training material that is suitable for distance learning combined with instructional workshops. ESCAP looks forward to working closely with national governments, and national freight forwarder associations, and select training institutes in order to ensure the sustainable delivery of the training material at a national level.