Big four cargo groups join forces

FOUR of the world’s largest cargo organisations have decided to form an industry advisory group to liaise with the world’s governments.

The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) all signed a letter of intent to “ensure the air cargo industry has a strong, unified voice in its dealings with worldwide regulatory authorities and other bodies whose decisions directly impact on air cargo”.

The agreement commits the four to promote the industry and to find common ground on air cargo issues, such as security, customs reform, e-commerce and the environment. They will also seek the involvement other global industry groups and the support of bodies, such as the World Customs Organization (WCO).

Michael Steen (right), vice-chairman of TIACA, said: “[The organisations] will continue to operate as they do today in terms of how they support their respective memberships. This initiative is to look at how we can combine our respective strengths, contacts and resources in the area of regulatory affairs.

“Collectively we represent the most powerful grouping of all parties involved in the air cargo supply chain. We all share a common goal to protect our members against costly and sometimes unnecessary changes in legislation and to have a practical input into any future regulatory challenges before they become mandatory. We also want to have the strongest possible voice when it comes to highlighting to policy makers the vital role air cargo plays in world trade, in employment, in consumer choice and in the growth of developing markets.”