UK financial markets off to a poor start - and BIFA sees more hurdles for forwarders
AirCargo 240 archive stories
Saturday, 16 January 2016
BRITAIN’s financial markets got off to their worst start in 16 years after shares nosedived in China, the world’s second-biggest economy.
But in what is increasingly being seen as another tough year ahead, Britain’s forwarders face further challenges in 2016.
The British International Freight Association (BIFA), the trade association for UK freight forwarders, says members continue to face challenges as a consequence of legislative changes and government policies rather than economic issues.
Director general Robert Keen said: “From a legislative perspective, two major impacts on the freight forwarding landscape in 2016 will result from the implementation of the Union Customs Code and the amendment to SOLAS, requiring the verification of gross mass of containers prior to loading.
“There is still significant confusion about the implications of both legislative changes and BIFA will continue to hold events to brief members and others to help them manage the change in processes.”
Last year (2015) was dominated by dreadful events at the Channel Tunnel, which had a significant impact on freight forwarders that use the crossing for their European overland haulage operations.
With the situation looking likely to continue, Keen added: “BIFA has repeatedly called for government action to address the problems being caused by the would-be illegal immigrants attempting to stow away on trucks.
“We will continue to press the authorities in France and the UK to step up their protection of the routes across the Channel and to fulfil their obligations to let trade move unhindered on this strategic freight route.
“In 2015, BIFA said it saw evidence that the UK government was listening to advice from the UK’s logistics sector and we welcomed the freeze in fuel duty and planned investment in the UK’s road infrastructure as being positive signs.
“However, we have expressed our dismay at the ongoing delay in a decision on the expansion of airport capacity in the south east and sincerely hope that the government will not let party political issues continue to stop progress on this crucial issue this year.”
Another important issue for BIFA members in 2016 will be education and training.
“BIFA will continue its work to make more comprehensive educational material available to BIFA members on line. We have wrestled with this topic for the past few years and have an emerging strategy which will become clear as 2016 goes on,” said Keen.
UK financial markets off to a poor start - and BIFA sees more hurdles for forwarders
AirCargo 240 archive stories
Saturday, 16 January 2016
BRITAIN’s financial markets got off to their worst start in 16 years after shares nosedived in China, the world’s second-biggest economy.
But in what is increasingly being seen as another tough year ahead, Britain’s forwarders face further challenges in 2016.
The British International Freight Association (BIFA), the trade association for UK freight forwarders, says members continue to face challenges as a consequence of legislative changes and government policies rather than economic issues.
Director general Robert Keen said: “From a legislative perspective, two major impacts on the freight forwarding landscape in 2016 will result from the implementation of the Union Customs Code and the amendment to SOLAS, requiring the verification of gross mass of containers prior to loading.
“There is still significant confusion about the implications of both legislative changes and BIFA will continue to hold events to brief members and others to help them manage the change in processes.”
Last year (2015) was dominated by dreadful events at the Channel Tunnel, which had a significant impact on freight forwarders that use the crossing for their European overland haulage operations.
With the situation looking likely to continue, Keen added: “BIFA has repeatedly called for government action to address the problems being caused by the would-be illegal immigrants attempting to stow away on trucks.
“We will continue to press the authorities in France and the UK to step up their protection of the routes across the Channel and to fulfil their obligations to let trade move unhindered on this strategic freight route.
“In 2015, BIFA said it saw evidence that the UK government was listening to advice from the UK’s logistics sector and we welcomed the freeze in fuel duty and planned investment in the UK’s road infrastructure as being positive signs.
“However, we have expressed our dismay at the ongoing delay in a decision on the expansion of airport capacity in the south east and sincerely hope that the government will not let party political issues continue to stop progress on this crucial issue this year.”
Another important issue for BIFA members in 2016 will be education and training.
“BIFA will continue its work to make more comprehensive educational material available to BIFA members on line. We have wrestled with this topic for the past few years and have an emerging strategy which will become clear as 2016 goes on,” said Keen.
Last year (2015) was dominated by dreadful events at the Channel Tunnel, which had a significant impact on freight forwarders that use the crossing for their European overland haulage operations.
