
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is a trade association that represents the UK's freight forwarding and logistics industry. It's a pretty big deal, with over 1,700 member companies.
BIFA was established in 1969 to promote and support the industry, and it's been doing just that for over 50 years. The association is based in the UK and has a strong presence in the global market.
The BIFA Freight Service Awards are an annual event that recognizes excellence in the industry. Winners are chosen based on their commitment to quality, customer service, and innovation.
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What is BIFA?
BIFA is the British International Freight Association, which represents the interests of UK-registered companies engaged in international freight movement.
It's a prime trade association that covers all modes of transport, including air, sea, rail, road, and customs brokerage.
BIFA has over 1500 UK freight forwarders as members, who offer a wide range of international freight forwarding services.
These freight forwarders forward goods on behalf of importers and exporters via all modes of transport.
They also provide other services, such as customs clearance, to help facilitate international trade.
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BIFA Membership
BIFA membership provides a nationally accepted set of standard trading conditions backed by the insurance sector.
As a BIFA member, you can be assured that your trading terms and conditions are at industry standard, as Alisped gained BIFA membership by meeting or exceeding industry standards.
BIFA listens to its members and ensures their views are properly represented by participating in national and international governing bodies, institutions, and political lobbying.
Members receive a monthly newsletter from the association, keeping them up to date with the latest news surrounding BIFA and the freight industry.
BIFA runs several conferences and seminars throughout the year to address important issues and improve the standards of its members.
BIFA provides educational courses and mandatory training programs to constantly improve the standards, learning, and professional level of its members.
Membership in BIFA gives clients peace of mind, knowing that they are trading with a company that operates under an internationally agreed set of standard trading conditions.
Having a BIFA member status also gives access to a wealth of information and support, including a monthly newsletter and website listings of BIFA members.
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BIFA Awards and Recognition
Spatial Global has won three prestigious BIFA Freight Services Awards, showcasing their exceptional expertise in the industry.
The first award, the 'Special Services Award' in 2010, recognized their ability to provide an efficient freight service for life-saving products, making a real difference to people's lives.
Spatial Global's success in transporting 45m-long lighting masts across the world on a tight schedule earned them the 'Project Forwarding Award' in 2013.
The judges praised their excellent planning in coordinating the arrival of cargo from multiple destinations to meet a fixed installation sequence.
Their impressive work on the Ariane 6 Space Project earned Spatial Global another 'Project Forwarding Award' in 2019.
By handling oversized components from multiple countries of origin and shipping them to the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, they demonstrated their ability to handle complex projects.
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BIFA Guides and Resources
BIFA offers a monthly newsletter to its members, keeping them updated on important and relevant freight forwarding information.
This is a valuable resource for members, providing them with the latest news and developments in the industry.
BIFA's website lists its members, which is constantly updated, making it easy to find a reputable freight forwarding company.
The website also provides information about BIFA's activities and initiatives, giving members a clear understanding of the organization's goals and objectives.
BIFA represents the interests of its members in the media, using its platform to call for action on issues affecting the industry, such as air freight issues in the wake of the Brexit vote.
For example, BIFA has been calling on the government to expand and support the UK aviation industry.
BIFA's website is a great resource for anyone looking for information about the organization and its members, including a list of its members and their services.
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Going Green Gives Forwarders an Edge
Going green gives freight forwarders a competitive edge. The primary benefit of going green is increased competitive advantage, as reported by freight forwarders.
Going green can be costly, but it's a worthwhile investment for forwarders who want to stay ahead. The cost of going green is likely a factor in the decision-making process for many forwarders.
Freight forwarders who adopt green practices can differentiate themselves from their competitors. This is a key takeaway for forwarders looking to gain a competitive edge in a crowded market.
Going green can be a strategic move for forwarders who want to attract environmentally conscious customers. By adopting green practices, forwarders can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and appeal to customers who share these values.
BIFA Management
BIFA Management is a unique aspect of the association. It's a not-for-profit organisation, which means it operates for the benefit of its members, not for personal gain.
BIFA is run by its members, who take an active role in managing the organisation. This ensures that the association remains focused on serving the needs of its members.
A small Secretariat manages and administers BIFA, handling day-to-day tasks and operations. This allows the organisation to operate efficiently and effectively.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many freight forwarders are there in the UK?
There are approximately 6,575 freight forwarders in the UK. The industry has experienced a moderate growth rate of 1.2% between 2020 and 2025.
Sources
- https://www.efret.eu/logistics-dictionary/what-is-the-british-international-freight-association
- https://www.alisped.uk.com/bifa-british-international-freight-association/
- https://www.spatialglobal.com/about/accreditations/british-international-freight-association/
- https://www.tward.co.uk/blog/bifa
- https://theloadstar.com/bifa-awards-celebrate-the-brightest-and-the-best-in-uk-freight/
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