THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT ASSOCIATION (B.I.F.A.)

BIFA's role is to provide a focus for the international freight distribution industry, and its mission is:

"To provide effective representation and support for the UK international freight services industry; to promote good practice and total quality in the provision of freight services by all members, and to encourage the membership to observe the highest standards of professional competence".

• Web : http://www.bifa.org
• Tel : 020 8844 2266

BIFA members, frequently known collectively as freight forwarders, offer a wide range of services within these disciplines. Most importantly a freight forwarder is independent of the physical carrier, and thus is able to choose the best option(s) for the customers' distribution needs.

One of a freight forwarder's strengths is the ability to group together (consolidate) cargoes, making them up into full loads for warehouse-to-warehouse transport and distribution to the individual buyers.

There are some 1400 BIFA members located throughout the United Kingdom. These companies have to meet strict criteria in order to qualify for membership, thereby enhancing the value of using only BIFA-registered companies for the movement of your freight. These criteria include:

• Submission of annual financial returns
• Adoption of the Association's Standard Trading Conditions
• Adequate liability insurance cover
• A demonstration of industry competence and commitment to staff training

The Association operates through a structure of Policy Groups and Advisory Bodies each representing a sector of trading activity. These Groups report to the Association's Board of Directors, that in turn is supported by a democratically-elected Council of Members.

BIFA - The British International Freight Association - Membership of BIFA is currently in excess of 1400 trading members, and is continuing to grow. Since its change of name from the Institute of Freight Forwarders in 1989, BIFA has made substantial progress in its representation of freight forwarders, and has widened its appeal to embrace all those companies involved in the international movement of freight, including international road haulage companies, consolidators, NVOCs (Non Vessel Operating Carriers), couriers and express parcel carriers.

BIFA's activities fall under 4 main headings, as detailed below

For more information on any aspect of these please contact the office of the Director-General, telephone 020 8844 2266.

Representation & Lobbying - The views of BIFA's members are listened to in many quarters and it is BIFA's job to see that they are properly presented. This is achieved through active participation in, for example, FIATA (the worldwide governing body of freight forwarders) and many national institutions such as HM Revenue & Customs, SITPRO, The Institute of Export, the Confederation of British Industry and various government departments. These organisations recognise BIFA as the representative body of the industry and consult it on many subjects.

Information & Advice - The business of freight forwarding is very complex. It is important, therefore, for members to be kept up-to-date on all aspects of the industry and on any matters which may affect their companies. This web site and the Association's monthly newsletter, BIFAlink, play an important role in this regard. BIFA also runs a number of events and seminars throughout the year to ensure that those subjects requiring special attention receive proper coverage - visit this site's Events pages to view full information on these. Additionally the Association issues a range of publications (see the Resources pages of this web site) aimed at keeping its membership informed.

Promotion - Promoting the activities of the freight forwarder in the world of commerce is one of BIFA's main activities. The valuable contribution made by the industry to international trade is often under-estimated and enhancing perceptions of the forwarder's role is necessary. Assisting those new to importing and exporting to identify a suitable freight forwarder is achieved through BIFA's substantial membership database, which may be accessed from this web site via the Directory section. This enables enquirers to search for BIFA members by name, location, or by their speciality - which may be product- or service-based.

Training - Freight forwarding is a specialist profession and BIFA provides a full range of training courses, available to both BIFA members and non-members. Courses to enhance the skills of freight forwarders and others in forwarding practice, management, and specialist subjects such as Customs, aviation security, dangerous goods etc. are run throughout the year in a variety of locations. Full details of all BIFA courses are available on our Training Courses pages.