Current News

World Container Index - 14 Feb

The World Container Index assessed by Drewry, a composite of container freight rates on 8 major routes to/from the US, Europe and Asia is up 1.1% to $1,682.67 per 40ft container (updated Thursday, 14 February 2019).

Border Force Heathrow International Trade Communication to BIFA Members

In order to enhance the service and to make the process more efficient, Border force Heathrow will be trialling, for an initial period of 3 weeks, a process whereby the trade will be able to submit and collect Import Carnets the same day they are submitted, as is currently the case for export documents.

World Container Index - 07 Feb

The World Container Index assessed by Drewry, a composite of container freight rates on 8 major routes to/from the US, Europe and Asia is down 3.2% to $1,664.24 per 40ft container (updated Thursday, 07 February 2019).

Air Freight Demand Ends Year Up 3.5%, Despite Softening Late 2018

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released full-year 2018 data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs) grew by 3.5% compared to 2017. This was significantly lower than the extraordinary 9.7% growth recorded in 2017.

Uncollected Cargo – mitigating the risks

The problem of uncollected cargo is a perennial problem for NVOCC operators, often resulting in considerable bills on warehousing, container demurrage, and disposal costs. Apart from anything else, there is a significant drain on management resource to bring resolution.

Transitional Simplified Procedures should be for all involved in visible international trade movements, including freight forwarders

Commenting on the recent announcement by HMRC on Transitional Simplified Procedures (TSP) for Customs in the case of no deal on March 29th, Robert Keen, Director General of the British International Freight Association, says:

Letter to businesses about the UK leaving the EU

HMRC are writing to VAT-registered businesses, that trade only with the EU, with details of important actions they need to take and changes to be aware of in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal. It is the third letter to businesses on preparing for the UK leaving the EU.

BIFA launches freight apprenticeship microsite

The British International Freight Association (BIFA), the trade association for UK freight forwarding and logistics companies, has launched a dedicated website – www.apprentices.bifa.org - that will focus on helping both employers and potential recruits to better understand apprenticeship opportunities in the freight forwarding industry.

Brexit preparedness on Border Procedures

On 31 January and 1 February, the Members of the CLECAT Customs & Indirect Taxation Institute (CITI) met in Brussels. The main topic of the meeting was Brexit and all the related border procedures. Updates were given on the national practical preparedness efforts, such as procedures in ports and the Eurotunnel.

World Container Index - 31 Jan

The World Container Index assessed by Drewry, a composite of container freight rates on 8 major routes to/from the US, Europe and Asia is down 2.6% to $1,719.61 per 40ft container (updated Thursday, 31 January 2019).