You might have seen the term if you’ve been browsing forwarders or comparing freight quotes.
It’s an important aspect of conscientious freight forwarding, and we’re here to tell you all about it.
Who Is BIFA?
BIFA is the British International Freight Association. It’s the main trade association for freight forwarding firms, and it seeks to give its members guidance and support, make excellent service the standard of the sector, as well as provide representation when needed.
Firms using any mode of transport to move goods can become members as long as they are registered companies, and BIFA offers consistent and invaluable education, training and development for their healthy community of over 1,600 members. Forwarders holding membership with BIFA provide peace of mind to clients that they are partnering with professionals who use internationally accepted trade conditions and that these are fully backed in the insurance sector.
BIFA is a not-for-profit organisation that is funded and run by its members. It represents the interests of freight forwarders worldwide by speaking out in the media, including calling on the government to come face to face with big decisions on topical freight issues.
How Does BIFA Support The Future Of Freight Forwarding?
Don’t worry; we’re getting to the benefits. They’re up next.
BIFA is a significant voice in the support of UK freight forwarders. Alongside the endless benefits they provide to forwarders all over the UK, BIFA established an apprenticeship in partnership with BIFA’s Young Forwarder Network – the YFN. Members who are part of the YFN learn from their peers and top dogs in the industry to enhance self-career development, improve knowledge and share experiences with professionals.
Are you an employer? Find out how to cut through the red tape and get started hiring the best talent in BIFA’s apprenticeship hub.
The Benefits of Joining BIFA
Companies joining arms with BIFA are taking a positive move towards conscientious shipping.
As a member, you can enjoy…
Professionalism and Expertise
Companies that are members of BIFA have extensive accreditation and qualifications and hold BIFA’s strong, industry-first values at heart. This also means that all BIFA members are fully compliant with internationally-accepted industry regulations and standards.
Network and Connections
With such a well-known and highly regarded name, BIFA has access to a vast network of agents and partners and promotes the services of forwarders to potential shippers at events and through information.
Knowledge and Resources
With their feet firmly in the logistics and supply chain industry door, BIFA employs extensive market intelligence and keeps members up to date with industry changes and important information through multiple channels, including a regular newsletter. This enables forwarders to provide the best service possible to their clients, avoiding delays and getting the best rates.
Advocacy and Representation
BIFA advocates for the views of its members nationally and internationally. And, if you ever need representation in the face of shipping-related legalities, BIFA is there to help you through it.
Because BIFA works with governing bodies worldwide to promote fair trade practices and protect the rights of forwarders, they also influence policy-making and regulatory changes.
The Benefits Of Using a BIFA Forwarder
We’ve covered the advantages of becoming a BIFA member, but what about working with BIFA-registered companies?
That bit’s easy.
Maximum Expertise
BIFA is a crucial organisation in the freight sector, providing training to both members and international traders in subjects such as customs and international trade procedures. BIFA is dedicated to pursuing gold-standard quality within the transport and logistics sector; members know their stuff, which means you get top-notch service.
Fingers In Pies
BIFA works to promote collaboration between firms and offers support for global logistics operations. BIFA members, therefore, have a great set of connections and will work hard to get your needs met.
Realtime Industry News
The rate of information being pumped out to BIFA members through channels such as their website, newsletter, seminars and conferences all year round enables forwarders to provide an agile and robust service to their clients, working with and reacting to any issues that arise to ensure the job gets done as seamlessly as possible.
BIFA also offer guidance on customs regulations, documentation and procedures, so you can be sure your forwarder can speed you through the process.
Help When You Need It
Dealing with a dispute or complaint? BIFA-registered firms can access legal representation.
The organisation is also active in governing bodies and institutions worldwide, casting the net of help much wider, ensuring fair trade rates and getting difficult decisions made fast through political lobbying.
How To Select A BIFA Forwarder
When looking for a BIFA forwarder to work with, you can search the directory on the BIFA website. Have a look at it here.
You can search by name or location and even filter by specialism, such as freight mode and type of cargo.
Choosing a BIFA forwarder means that you can rest assured they’re the real deal, and super professional at that. BIFA forwarders have fantastic reputations because they have the future of the shipping industry at their core, as well as sky-high levels of expertise and access to a global network of like-minded, future-thinking, rights-promoting shipping companies.
BIFA Forwarders Hold Themselves Accountable
Forwarders who have BIFA accreditation under their belt have actively taken steps towards getting you the best service possible.
BIFA members take advantage of the extensive range of training and development available to them, as well as the active news stream addressing the international trade market, and this means they can provide a well-rounded and dedicated service to their clients.
Millennium is proud to be a BIFA member. For more information about how we make the most of our BIFA status and connections and how we can help you with your shipping needs, give us a call today.