BIFA award winners take a bow

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has revealed the winners of its Freight Service Awards competition 2015.
Robert Keen, BIFA director general, speaking at the 27th freight services awards luncheon ceremony, said: “I know that every year BIFA members look forward to attending the Awards luncheon as I do. It has always been a great way to start a New Year in business.”
The winners in the 11 awards categories were:
The Project Forwarding Award – sponsored by Peter Lole Insurance Brokers
Winner: Greenshields Cowie & Co
“The company demonstrated its whole company coming together to provide logistics services for a significant humanitarian aid project. The team handled the continuing high pressure extremely well, and responded quickly to the requirement to deliver frequent charters under a closed borders situation.”
The Specialist Services Award – sponsored by Forward Computers
Winner: Dynamic International Freight Services
“The judging panel considered the company put forward an excellent presentation detailing the development of its specialised carnet service which it offered in tandem with the movement of goods. This has proved particularly attractive in the film and television industry, as well as to participants in overseas events where time is of the essence.”
The Staff Development Award – sponsored by Albacore Systems
Winner: 512 (Sheffield)
“The judges felt that 512 showed commitment to staff development with the implementation of a significant graduate and management training scheme. The scheme encouraged staff to meet customers on a face-to-face basis, leading to staff growth and fulfilment, as well as bringing new blood and fresh ideas into the forwarding industry.”
The Supply Chain Management Award – sponsored by BoxTop Technologies
Winner: The Woodland Group
“The judges were impressed with the company’s innovative approach of simplifying the supply chain within the sports industry. Having identified a clear gap in the market, Woodland Sports Logistics offers its customers a one-stop-shop, from sourcing ethically-produced products to managing the shipping, storage, and fulfilment process.”
The Sustainable Logistics Award – sponsored by Red Recruit
Winner: Unsworth Global Logistics
“This company was chosen as the winner for its dedication and flexible approach to developing ‘greener’ solutions for its customers. By identifying and implementing an ingenious car racking system it has created an innovative shipping method which improves efficiencies, with greater cost-savings, whilst saving the environment through a reduction in carbon footprint.”
Individual category
The Young Freight Forwarder Award – sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Cargo
Winner: Liam Byrne of ACC Freight Management
“In four years he has firmly established himself in the international freight industry, particularly in European road transport. Responsible for both sales and operations, Liam has sought to ensure continuous improvement in both his own, and his teams’, service delivery. Liam now prides himself as part-owner of ACC Freight Management.”
Modal categories
The Air Cargo Services Award – sponsored by IAG Cargo
Winner: Transglobal Freight Management
“The judges considered the company’s commitment to increase efficiencies and services through technology by embracing the XML format in the production of electronic documents to be worthy of an award. The investment both in time and staffing is offering tangible service benefits to its customers, and has put the company at the vanguard.”
The European Logistics Award – sponsored by TT Club
Winner: PSL Freight
“The company invested in both its staff, and in quality systems to deliver a new rapid response offering. As well as providing an improved service, with much faster turnaround times for existing customers, it has also generated new routes and new customers.”
The Ocean Services Award – sponsored by Cargoguide International
Winner: Panalpina World Transport
“The judges considered that the company demonstrated a successful five year strategy for expansion of its ocean services division in specific industry vertical sectors. Through a successful implementation of its plan, this mode of transport has grown to a level where it has become a vital component of its total solutions offering.”
Specialist categories
The Cool Award – sponsored by American Airlines Cargo
Winner: Kuehne + Nagel
“Through its K+N PharmaChain programme, Kuehne + Nagel has shown a commitment to the cool chain that adds true value not only to its customers, but also to the whole supply chain. Its use of cutting edge technologies to provide wireless temperature monitoring for pharmaceutical shipments has provided greater reliability, reduced delays, less wastage, and real cost savings.”
The Extra Mile Award – sponsored by Descartes
Winner: Moto Freight
“Its approach to customers demonstrated an ethos throughout the company to go that extra mile, right down to the individual level. By providing an extremely personalised service 24/7, whether locally or overseas, especially as a small company, shows a real commitment to customer care.”