Current News

Liner balance postponed

A gloomier world economic outlook and rising trade tensions have forced Drewry to downgrade its forecast for container demand over the next five years, according to the global shipping consultancy’s latest edition of the Container Forecaster.

UK freight forwarders association expresses surprise at the recent news on the UK Government's plans for Customs

The trade association for UK freight forwarders has expressed its surprise at the recent report in the Times newspaper that the UK Government is planning to invest £8 million in customs training and automation to support the extra demand for customs brokerage services in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal in March 2019.

Boiler room scam in the name of HMRC

A Solicitor, who is also BIFA Associate Members, has contacted BIFA to warn about a boiler room scam targeting freight forwarders by fraudsters claiming to be from HMRC.

Drewry survey: IMO 2020 low-sulphur rule exposes widespread concern about lack of fuel cost transparency

London, UK, 2 October 2018 – There is considerable unease among global shippers/BCOs (Beneficial Cargo Owners) and freight forwarders ahead of the IMO’s 2020 global emissions regulations, due to come into force on 1 January 2020, according to a survey conducted by global shipping consultancy Drewry.

UK forwarder triumphs on international stage

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is delighted to report that the winner of its 2017 Young Freight Forwarder Award has now been named Young International Freight Forwarder of the year by FIATA, the international federation for freight forwarder associations.

Young Freight Forwarder Award finalists spend a day at Virgin Atlantic

Three of the UK’s most talented young freight forwarders have been treated to a Familiarisation Day at Virgin Atlantic in recognition of their success in the latest British International Freight Association’s (BIFA) ‘Young Freight Forwarder of the Year’ award, which has been sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Cargo since 2011.

Freight Volumes Continue to Trend Upward in August, Up 2.3%

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs), rose 2.3% in August 2018, compared to the same period the year before. This pace of growth was unchanged from the previous month but was less than half the five-year average growth rate of 5.1%.

Warning to HGV drivers travelling on A1M and A1 in Lincs and Yorks

The Police National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) have reported several incidents recently on the A1 Route through Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and maybe further South.

New apprentice category for freight awards

The British International Freight Association - www.bifa.org – is to add a new Apprentice of the Year in Logistics category to its annual Freight Service Awards competition.

Damage limitation

The decision of 2M carriers Maersk Line and MSC to suspend the ULCV-deployed AE2 Asia-North Europe service won’t raise freight rates, but should temper the decline in the slow demand months ahead.