UK Freight Award Nominations Required

UK – The twenty second annual British International Freight Association (BIFA) Freight Service Awards competition has now opened for entries and it’s easier than ever this year for companies to put themselves forward by using the BIFA dedicated weblink HERE. For over two decades the awards have set the standard for British freight forwarders and with nine categories all high achievers in the industry will find a niche where they may feel they deserve recognition.

The deadline for receipt of the entry form or through the online registration, which confirms a company’s intention to enter, is Friday 17 September 2010 at 5.00pm. Actual submissions are due by Friday 1 October 2010 at 5.00pm and BIFA’s Freight Service Awards are open to all full and probationary trading Members of the trade Association.

Judging meetings will be held in late October to select four finalists in each category, at which stage finalists will be informed if they have made the final shortlist. Finalists will be announced at the end of October 2010, while winners will be announced at the awards ceremony luncheon which will take place on Thursday 20 January 2011 at London’s Chiswell Street Brewery. More than 400 people including BIFA members and their guests are expected to attend. The luncheon will provide a valuable opportunity for attendees to acknowledge the winners as well as networking with key figures from within the industry.

According to BIFA Director General, Peter Quantrill, the Awards represent an annual opportunity for UK forwarders to step up to the plate. He says:

“If you think you are the best in the industry then make sure you shout about it by entering the BIFA Freight Service Awards 2010 competition which has now opened for entries. If you don’t, you can’t complain if your competition does.

“While some are beginning to suggest we might have turned the corner in economic recovery, conditions remain tight and uncomfortable for many BIFA Members. I invite Members to take this opportunity to put themselves forward to be judged by the panel of independent experts. These are difficult times but I know many Members have gone above and beyond to deliver on their promises and make what the shippers require happen.

“It has become an increasingly competitive market as quantities of work available have fallen; I am convinced that entering the awards can serve to improve a forwarder’s business processes and operations.”

The nine BIFA Freight Service Awards 2010 are as follows:

• Air Freight Award – sponsored by British Airways World Cargo

• Environment Award – sponsored by Maersk Line

• European Logistics Award – sponsored by TT Club

• Ocean Freight Award – sponsored by CargoWise

• Project Forwarding Award – sponsor to be confirmed

• Special Services Award – sponsored by Forward Computers

• Staff Development Award – sponsored by Albacore Systems

• Supply Chain Management Award – sponsored by BoxTop Technologies

• Young Freight Forwarder Award – sponsored by Johnson Stevens Agencies

The winner of the Young Freight Forwarder Award will receive a cheque for £1,000; and runners-up will each receive a cheque for £200, as well as a place on a BIFA training course. This winner will also be nominated as the UK candidate for the Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year Award 2010.

Further information relating to entries and luncheon ceremony reservations can be obtained by visiting the BIFA Awards 2010 HERE.