Freight Awards Demonstrate the Strength of Logistics

UK – London yesterday hosted the annual British International Freight Association (BIFA) Awards for achievements within the logistics industry and the event, sponsored by SDV, was agreed to be a success by all present. As usual there were highlights and the title of Young Freight Forwarder of the Year, this time presented by Virgin Atlantic Cargo, is always one which is both fiercely contested and keenly anticipated with the 2011 winner being Radius Logistics UK youthful representative, Izabela Trojanowska.

Another category always viewed annually with great interest by industry peers is that of the Project Forwarding category simply for the scope and size of some of the amazing projects undertaken. This year the award went to Asco Freight Management for their herculean efforts of support in the dark days following the BP disaster off the US coast, a victory acknowledged as most worthy this year even by their rivals for the title.

This year’s event was hosted by the doughty Christine Hamilton following an entertaining introduction by Sir Peter Bottomley MP and BIFA President who surprised many with the news he had been a humble lorry driver in the days before Parliament beckoned and a wide selection of companies fought it out for the eight general categories on offer. Uniserve deserve special mention in managing the most nominations, a total of four, and finally walking away with the European logistics award sponsored by the TT Club.

Of course it is inevitable that for every winner there are three runners up but the quality of opposition this year showed the professional UK freight industry to be ready for undoubted challenges it faces in the future. The full list of winners for the 2011 awards are thus:

Award                                       Sponsor                                            Winners

Environment                             Red Recruit                                     Yusen Logistics (UK)

Project Forwarding                    Peter Lole Insurance                        Asco Freight Management

Special Services                        Forward Computers                          Aramex

Staff Development                    Albacore IT Systems                         DB Schenker

Supply Chain Management         Boxtop Technologies                        SBS Worldwide

Air Freight                                British Airways World Cargo             Woodland Group

European Logistics                    The TT Club                                     Uniserve Group

Ocean Freight                           Cargowise                                        Ideal International

Young Freight Forwarder            Virgin Atlantic Cargo                         Izabela Trojanowska

Photo: Ed Arnott from Asco receives the company’s nomination from Christine Hamilton and Sir Peter Bottomley MP.