Current News

BIFA Shuffles Board - New National Chair and Vice Chair elected and new Director appointed

John Stubbings has succeeded Mark Bromley as the elected National Chair of BIFA – the British International Freight Association – for a two-year period. Bromley becomes Immediate Past Chair for a two-year term.

BIFA Young Forwarder Network now fully established in the regions

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has concluded the initial series of meetings that have been taking place as part of the launch its Young Forwarder Network (YFN).

'Logistics for Europe' initiative becomes European

Following the launch of the website ‘Logistics for Europe’ in August last year by the German Freight Forwarders’ Association DSLV, today the baton was passed to CLECAT, the European Freight Forwarders’ Association. The initiative has received the full support of the wider European freight forwarders’ community. Since the launch of the website last year, more than 130 companies and associations in Germany gave their support to the industry campaign which emphasises the importance of the European Union for society and economy, while advocating the need of a border-free Europe.

Freight demand will triple by 2050 – new report

OECD report predicts air cargo will see the most rapid growth by mode, and all transport lanes will face major challenges.

Potential upgrade of the A66

Highways England is developing plans to fully dual the remaining 18 miles of single carriageway sections of the A66, a move that is claimed will bring enormous benefits to both the public and business community alike.

New HGV market up a fifth in Q1 2019

The UK’s new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market increased 21.2% in the first quarter of 2019, with 11,859 units registered, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A number of large orders and strong market incentives helped drive registrations following flat performances in 2017 and 2018.

Five more carriers join digital shipping association

The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) announced that five ocean carriers have joined as members—CMA CGM, Evergreen Line, Hyundai Merchant Marine, Yang Ming, and ZIM—in addition to A.P. Moller – Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC and ONE, It was also announced that Henning Schleyerbach has been appointed as COO of DCSA.

BIFA warns of looming deadline for Customs training funding applications

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is alerting its members to a looming deadline by which they can apply for funding from the Government’s £5 million grant scheme opened in December 2018, as part of an £8 million investment to support training and automation in the customs intermediaries sector.

Shipping Industry Expresses Concern Over Recent Trade Developments

A delegation from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) and the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) has, at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, expressed concern over recent increases in protectionist measures. Presenting two position papers to the WTO, the shipping sector has “fully committed to the preservation and promotion of free trade policies and principles around the world.”

End of Intermediaries Grant Scheme

As part of an £8 million investment to support training and automation in the customs intermediaries sector, a £5 million grant scheme opened in December 2018, lasting until 31 May 2019. With the deadline for applications approaching, HMRC asking that BIFA reminds its members of the funding available through the grant.