UK Freight Forwarders Offer Cautious Welcome to Government Initiatives
BIFA Director General, Peter Quantrill says: “The announcement that the increase in fuel duty planned for January 2012 will not go ahead is good news for our members’ bottom lines. However, we would still like to see the introduction of an essential user rebate and a review of the fuel duty increase planned for August 2012.
“The Government’s decision to invest in road transport infrastructure is also welcome news to our members given the importance of the road haulage mode in the collection and delivery of customers’ cargoes. However, we remain concerned that the road widening schemes do not cover sufficient areas of the country between which our members offer freight trunking services.”
BIFA says that despite this week’s news, ongoing uncertainty over fuel prices and the problems caused by congestion remain major concerns of its members.
In another transport mode, BIFA has welcomed the announcement by the Secretary of State for Transport about the importance of the railfreight sector as a driver of economic growth and generator of valuable benefits for society.
Quantrill adds: “Justine Greening’s statement appears to support moves to increase the use of rail which is an initiative many of our members are now involved with actively. The statement also appears to bring forward the likely development of additional key railfreight routes from the UK’s major ports.
“BIFA has regularly urged those in power, not to overlook the important role of railfreight as part of a balanced freight transport policy. The measures announced will give confidence to our members considering this mode as they would appear to support the development of 24/7 network access for railfreight, as well as the identification of strategic freight paths for growth.“
About BIFA
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) represents UK companies engaged in the international movement of freight by all modes of transport. A not-for-profit organisation, BIFA is funded by subscription and run by its members for members. It operates with a full-time Secretariat, which administers and manages the Association’s affairs. BIFA provides an effective and proactive organisation dedicated to improving standards of professionalism within the logistics and supply chain industry.
“The Government’s decision to invest in road transport infrastructure is also welcome news to our members given the importance of the road haulage mode in the collection and delivery of customers’ cargoes. However, we remain concerned that the road widening schemes do not cover sufficient areas of the country between which our members offer freight trunking services.”
BIFA says that despite this week’s news, ongoing uncertainty over fuel prices and the problems caused by congestion remain major concerns of its members.
In another transport mode, BIFA has welcomed the announcement by the Secretary of State for Transport about the importance of the railfreight sector as a driver of economic growth and generator of valuable benefits for society.
Quantrill adds: “Justine Greening’s statement appears to support moves to increase the use of rail which is an initiative many of our members are now involved with actively. The statement also appears to bring forward the likely development of additional key railfreight routes from the UK’s major ports.
“BIFA has regularly urged those in power, not to overlook the important role of railfreight as part of a balanced freight transport policy. The measures announced will give confidence to our members considering this mode as they would appear to support the development of 24/7 network access for railfreight, as well as the identification of strategic freight paths for growth.“
About BIFA
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) represents UK companies engaged in the international movement of freight by all modes of transport. A not-for-profit organisation, BIFA is funded by subscription and run by its members for members. It operates with a full-time Secretariat, which administers and manages the Association’s affairs. BIFA provides an effective and proactive organisation dedicated to improving standards of professionalism within the logistics and supply chain industry.