BIFA Awards Recognise Outstanding Freight And Logistics Stars

UK – The winners of the prestigious British International Freight Association (BIFA) awards nominated in 2009 were announced at the organisations 21st annual lunch held at the Brewery yesterday. In all there were thirty finalists, selected from the original nominations, who vied for the eight awards on offer.

The results were:- Air Freight Award, sponsored by British Airways World Cargo: Activair UK.

European Logistics Award, sponsored by TT Club: Gefco UK.

Ocean Freight Award, sponsored by CargoWise:Eagle Cargo Services.

Project Forwarding Award, sponsored by BBC Chartering:Panalpina World Transport.

Special Services Award, sponsored by Forward Computers: Woodland International Transport Co.

Staff Development Award, sponsored by Albacore Systems: Gist.

Supply Chain Management Award, sponsored by BoxTop Technologies: Allport.

Young Freight Forwarder Award, sponsored by Johnson Stevens Agencies: Samantha Mitchell from World Transport Agency.

Young Freight Forwarder Award winner Samantha Mitchell was singled out for special praise by BIFA Director General Peter Quantrill who said;

“At just 24, Samantha’s proud claim is to be the youngest manager ever at World Transport Agency. She has developed from an export clerk to a multi-modal freight forwarder, delivering excellent customer service and exceeding targets.

“She impressed the judges with her all-round knowledge of freight forwarding and determination to succeed. She has actively sought additional responsibility throughout her career and recognises opportunities to impress her employers and customers. I wish her the best in her future career.”

Mr Quantrill went on to talk about the great resilience shown by freight forwarders in fluctuating financial times. He was encouraged by the standard of entries and the fact so many had supported the awards despite the difficult business environment.

“The achievements of the winners included the conversion of prime cargo from sea freight to air freight, provision of niche logistics services to the motorcycle industry, developing services to the publishing industry, as well as training and IT enhancements,” he said.

BIFA is a non profit organisation which represents UK companies engaged in the international movement of freight by all modes of transport.