The trade association for UK freight forwarders believes that tomorrow heralds a new era for shipping and trade liberalisation, as shipping line conferences will no longer be permitted in any trades between the EU and the rest of the world from midnight tonight.

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has lobbied the EU Commission bilaterally and through its EU-level trade body, CLECAT, over a number of years, for a proper market in the provision of containerised liner shipping services between the EU and the rest of the world. Along with organisations representing its members’ customers, BIFA is pleased to have helped achieve this significant breakthrough.

(more…)

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has welcomed the initial findings of today’s report by the Competition Commission (CC), which calls for BAA to sell two of its three London airports and another in Scotland.

Commenting on the report, BIFA Director General Peter Quantrill said: “BAA has played an important role in the development of airport infrastructure in the UK but times have changed and it is no longer viable for it to maintain such a dominant position in the marketplace.

“Whilst the report addresses passenger service efficiency and problems with capacity, particularly in the South East of England, it is important to remember that a substantial amount of freight is carried on passenger flights. If the findings of the report are implemented, we expect our members engaged in the transportation of goods by air to benefit from the healthy competition, which we hope will lead to increased efficiency and more flexible operating conditions.”

(more…)