BIFAlink
Customs procedures and the systems that underpin them, and it is expected that the subject will continue to be a prominent feature for many issues to come. Associated with that, we have used BIFAlink to support the other work we do to try to ensure that Members truly understand and assess the risks involved in acting as a Customs agent, either direct or indirect. The driver training and healthcare activities of Transaid, BIFA’s chosen charity for many years, have also featured regularly, and we celebrate the charity’s 25th anniversary with an article in this issue. BIFA’s training activities occupy many column inches and reflect on how our work in this area has developed over the last eight years, both in the variety of courses and how they are delivered. When the pandemic lockdown brought the highly successful regular training programme to a halt, we were able to use BIFAlink to advise how we were taking training online. Additionally, extensive coverage has been given to: the role of apprenticeships and the development of a freight forwarding specialist apprenticeship, and the launch of the innovative Young Forwarder Network in March 2019, a forum for early talent and those new to the industry. Standard Trading Conditions During the last eight years, BIFA’s Standard Trading Conditions have been updated; the publication gives a valuable platform to explain in detail each clause of the STC, which is a major benefit of BIFA membership, as well as to regularly reinforce the message that the protection provided by them can only be relied upon when they are correctly incorporated in commercial contracts. March 2022, saw the beginning of the latest round in a series of articles on the STC covering each of the 28 clauses in detail. BIFAlink continues to provide a useful medium for informative articles covering legal and insurance matters. The past 100 issues have regularly featured insight contributed by one of our associate members with specialist knowledge, for which the trade association is extremely grateful. The correct application of complicated legal issues such as liens, force majeure and switch or split bills of lading, feature significantly, as do the insurance considerations surrounding the handling of dangerous goods and the contentious issues of good cargo packing practices. We hope you enjoy reading BIFAlink , which is now available in its traditional paper format or digitally, and that its content is always of relevance to your work. It has often been seen as BIFA’s ‘Crown Jewels’, but we always welcome constructive criticism, as well as tips and suggestions that will help us to maintain the publication’s reputation. Contact Sharon Hammond (s.hammond@bifa.org) with your comments. We would like to end by thanking the companies that decide to promote their services by advertising in BIFAlink , some of whom have featured in every one of the last 100 issues, as well as in issues published before the 301st. We can only assume that the longevity of their advertising support means that their sales messages are getting through and bearing fruit.
provide articles on the environment and the work of logistics service providers. The Multimodal Exhibition and Conference has been a staple feature, often featuring on the front cover, and it has been interesting to see how BIFA’s presence and influence at the event has grown, with us now having our own freight village each year populated by BIFA Members. Freight Service Awards The BIFA Freight Service Awards also occupy considerable column inches of many of the last 100 issues, and the publication provides the perfect platform to promote the awards to Members, celebrate the finalists and winners, and showcase some of their excellent work. June 2016 saw the UK vote to leave the EU and the consequences of that decision for companies handling the UK’s trade with the EU has preoccupied the editorial team, as it has BIFA Members, for the last eight years and is likely to continue to do so. 2019 saw the first cases of COVID-19. The incredible impact of the pandemic on Members’ activities, as well as global supply chains, has also been a regular subject for the pages of BIFAlink, which never missed a publication during the various restrictions and lockdowns. Perhaps the issue that has been written about most often are the radical and ongoing changes to the UK’s
WIN TWO TICKETS TO THE SOLD- OUT BIFA AWARDS CEREMONY! To celebrate the 400th issue of BIFAlink , scan the QR code to enter our quiz. One winner will be drawn at random from the correct entries. Closing date 31 December 2023.
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