Introduction
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is a trade organisation that represents the international freight service industry of the UK. BIFA currently has over 1,100 company members and 5,000 individual members employing in excess of 70,000 employees operating over 25,000 vehicles.
BIFA operates through a structure of Management Committees and working groups. The governing body is the Executive Board which meets six times per annum and comprises largely the chairmen of the management Committees and Working Groups. In addition, an Advisory Council meets twice a year and includes senior executives drawn from outside the Membership.
The role of the Association includes support for the principles of free trade world-wide; the development and maintenance of a healthy international freight services industry within the European Union by all modes of transport.
Code of Practice
As a member of BIFA Landbridge Shipping is required to comply with the BIFA code of practice. This code has been put in place to ensure all customers using a BIFA member company receives the best possible quality of service.
The code of practice was introduced to promote and safeguard the interests of the general public by establishing and maintaining a high standard of professional behavior. Furthermore, the code should encourage public confidence in the profession particularly through prevention or correction of any abuses which might undermine this confidence.
The code is further intended to promote the interests and welfare of freight forwarders and secure high standards of professional conduct and practice.
In the event of a member breaching the code of conduct, BIFA has the power to issue cautions, warnings or reprimands. In more serious cases it may consider suspension or expulsion.
Training
One of BIFA's major functions is the provision of training and development for the freight industry, catering for the needs of both corporate and professional members. They offer a variety of short courses, vocational training (such as NVQ's, SVQ's and modern apprenticeships) and professional qualifications.
BIFA will also advise and deliver a company's corporate training needs. They will match a company's need to available courses and provide a trainer for in-house courses or advise of other providers in the area.
They can also advise individual members on their career path development, advising on possible routes including certificates, degrees, short courses, vocational learning and multi-media learning.
BIFA are also involved research and development of future training requirements and technologies. These include high-tech and multi-media packages and new approaches that are more effective, for example the latest in high-technology learning: AIM
Representation and Lobbying
An effective trade association such as BIFA can be used to benefit both the member company and the industry as a whole.
BIFA seeks to both influence and advise the legislature of both the United Kingdom and the European Commission involved in the decision making process for the industry.
BIFA entitles every member to contribute to the running of the affairs of the industry. Local area committees, divisional committees and working groups on key matters ensure a powerful member-controlled organisation.
Code of Practice
As a member of BIFA Landbridge Shipping is required to comply with the BIFA code of practice. This code has been put in place to ensure all customers using a BIFA member company receives the best possible quality of service.
The code of practice was introduced to promote and safeguard the interests of the general public by establishing and maintaining a high standard of professional behavior. Furthermore, the code should encourage public confidence in the profession particularly through prevention or correction of any abuses which might undermine this confidence.
The code is further intended to promote the interests and welfare of freight forwarders and secure high standards of professional conduct and practice.
In the event of a member breaching the code of conduct, BIFA has the power to issue cautions, warnings or reprimands. In more serious cases it may consider suspension or expulsion.