BIFA FREIGHT SERVICE AWARDS CELEBRATE TWO DECADES OF SUCCESS

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) - bifa.org - is seeking entries for its annual Freight Service Awards competition.

The BIFA Freight Service Awards 2008 celebrate 20 years of holding the competition and this year will include a new award category – the Environment Award – that is open to companies wishing to present a specific ‘green’ initiative or case study, which shows consideration for the environment or demonstrates a reduction in carbon footprint.

According to BIFA Director General, Peter Quantrill, the new category reflects the very different business conditions in 2008 compared with 1989, when the Awards were launched. He says: “The greening of the supply chain is now very much on everyone’s radar. Consumers, politicians and lawmakers, as well as shippers and their employees, are keen to play a role in reducing the harm that carbon emissions can create for the global environment. Our new category recognises those members who have stepped up to the plate and undertaken efforts to work towards a green target and should encourage those who are setting out.”

As well as the new Environment Award category, which is sponsored by CargoWise edi, two categories have been renamed: the Deep Sea category becomes Ocean Freight; Training and Staff Development becomes Staff Development.

As well as encouraging and rewarding high standards and professionalism, these awards also represent the ultimate recognition of special achievement in different sectors of the freight forwarding and logistics industry.

Now in their 20th year, BIFA’s Freight Service Awards are open to all members of the trade association, which represents UK companies engaged in the international movement of freight by all modes of transport.

Sponsored by a number of blue chip companies, including two new sponsors this year - namely logistics software provider CargoWise edi and a global solutions provider, Kewill - each of the nine award categories is recognised as very prestigious, and winning an award has become more coveted year-on-year. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday 7 October 2008. Finalists will be announced at the end of October 2008, while winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 22 January 2009.

The ceremony luncheon continues to be a key annual event on the industry calendar. This event will take place on Thursday 22 January next year at The Brewery in London’s Chiswell Street and will be hosted by broadcaster and former Minister for Transport, the Rt Hon Michael Portillo, with more than 450 BIFA members and their guests expected. It will provide a valuable opportunity for attendees to acknowledge the winners as well as networking with people from within the industry.

Comments Mr Quantrill: “The awards keep on getting better and better. Each year, we are delighted at the quality of the entrants who are aspiring to be recognised as the best in the industry. That is why each year the standards improve. In this my second year, I am looking forward to yet another successful competition with a large number of entrants.

“Every year, after the awards have taken place, many members tell BIFA that they wish they had entered. So this year, make sure you do enter and help make the Awards, now in their second decade, the best ever!”

The nine BIFA Freight Service Awards 2008 are as follows:
• Air Freight Award – sponsored by British Airways World Cargo
• Environment Award – sponsored by CargoWise edi
• European Logistics Award – sponsored by Kewill
• Ocean Freight Award – sponsored by Southampton Container Terminals
• Project Forwarding Award – sponsored by Ruslan International
• Special Services Award – sponsored by BoxTop Technologies
• Staff Development Award – sponsored by Maersk Line
• Supply Chain Management Award – sponsored by TT Club
• Young Freight Forwarder Award – sponsored by Johnson Stevens Agencies


Further information relating to entries and luncheon reservations can be obtained by visiting the Events section of the BIFA website www.bifa.org

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

About the Awards:
The BIFA Freight Service Awards have been running for 20 years, and the ceremony has been held at the Brewery in Chiswell Street, London, since their inception in 1989. The winners are ultimately determined by a carefully selected judging panel, consisting of sponsors and independent industry specialists.

Media reference:
Ref: Ian Matheson/Jane Finlay, Impress Communications
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About BIFA
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) represents UK companies engaged in the international movement of freight by all modes of transport. A not-for-profit organisation, BIFA is funded by subscription and run by its members for members. It operates with a full-time Secretariat, which administers and manages the Association’s affairs. BIFA provides an effective and proactive organisation dedicated to improving standards of professionalism within the logistics and supply chain industry.

This release was published on openPR.