BIFA uses Multimodal 2016 as its prime annual event to showcase the Association’s offerings to logistics visitors from all over the country.
The trade association for UK forwarders will be exhibiting on stand 1250, and all of the senior management, as well as BIFA’s four Regional Consultants will be on hand to meet visitors and provide any advice or information they may require.
BIFA Director General, Robert Keen says that among a number of seminar and workshop sessions being staged to keep visitors up-to-date with the latest logistics trends will be hands-on learning opportunities on new legislation such as the EU Customs Code and the Home Office Haulier Accreditation Scheme.
Panel discussions will cover topics including the impact of mega ships, e-freight challenges, the future of rail freight and the future of airports in the UK.
BIFA’s Policy & Compliance Manager, Robert Windsor, will form part of a panel of five experts in the discussion entitled ‘The EU’s new Union Customs Code explained’. This one-hour workshop session will be held on Wednesday May 11th, starting at 12:00.
As Multimodal approaches, BIFA reports that it is in good shape financially and operationally with significant momentum, a membership of over 1,500 companies, and a clear strategy that leaves it well positioned to continue to provide effective representation and support for the UK and international freight services industry.
Keen adds: “The UK freight industry continues to be presented with a broad spectrum of challenges related to developments at home and abroad, leaving UK freight forwarders and logistics companies with plenty on which to focus their attention.
“BIFA members continue to see developments across all modes that affect the manner in which they do business.
“Last year’s announcement about the mandatory verification of container weights from 2016 has left many BIFA members that handle ocean freight considering what the impact will be, as does the creation of ocean shipping alliances by the major container lines in a bid to drive up freight rates.
“Members see UK port development grow apace, with major developments being announced by all the major container ports, as well as the port of Dover.
“In air freight, the news continues to be dominated by the debate on UK aviation capacity; aviation security and e-freight, and we have seen a decision taken to prohibit the carriage of lithium metal batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft.
“On land, members face the ongoing problem regarding a lack of qualified HGV drivers.
“May also sees the implementation of the European Commission’s Union Customs Code (UCC).
“Against this ever-changing background, BIFA through its secretariat, policy groups, regional representatives and committees, as well as its board and council continues to serve its membership and delivers on their behalf. Multimodal 2016, gives us a great platform for that.
“I invite those making their way to Multimodal 2016 to visit us to say “hello” and let us explain why BIFA Membership can be a win-win for them!”
