2020

Pandemic boosts China-Europe rail freight

BIFA notes the article in the online publication Container News that April was the busiest month to date for China-Europe freight trains with 976 trains setting off during the month - a 47% year-on-year increase.

Warehousing space at record levels in second quarter

According to the latest data released by international real estate advisor, CBRE, the UK logistics market has recorded the highest quarterly take-up figures on record for the second quarter of 2020, with a total of 12.78 million sq ft being taken up compared to 7.83 million sq ft in the second quarter of 2019

Amid continuing capacity crunch, May's air cargo volumes show slight pickup, says IATA

The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) recent release of data for global air freight markets in May shows that there was a slight improvement in the air cargo market.

BIFA is collaborating with Drewry on freight rate benchmarking

BIFA is collaborating with Drewry and helping to bring the maritime information provider's confidential freight rate benchmarking service to the trade association's members.

Ocean freight rates rise to five-year high

Asia-Europe spot prices climbed again last week as demand in Europe continues to recover in a container shipping market with still constrained capacity, taking average global prices to their highest level since 2015, Drewry analysis reveals.

Freight association offers free bitesize training for youngsters

The British International Freight Association’s (BIFA) next event following the relaunch of its Young Forwarder Network (YFN) online will feature some free ‘bitesize’ training run by BIFA trainers, Graeme Wilkinson and Carl Hobbis.

UK government and UN commit to protect seafarers and help stabilise global shipping market

UK will hold first summit to address the impact of coronavirus on shipping crew changes.

HM Treasury suspend HGV Levy for one year

Collection of the levy will be suspended for 12 months from 1 August 2020 to facilitate economic recovery after Covid-19.

Update on Extended Payment Arrangements for customs duty and import VAT from HMRC

Since April we have provided you with updates on the temporary measures the Government has put in place to support businesses experiencing financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19.

Maersk sets $500 misdeclaration fee for wrongly-sized out-of-gauge cargo

In a further effort to crack down on misdeclared cargo, Maersk Line will introduce a $500 fee for special and out-of-gauge cargo if the actual dimensions of the cargo differ from booking details.