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Freight forwarders ensure that internationally traded goods are transported from their point of origin to their destination economically, on time and in good condition. The process of designing and executing these logistics requires negotiating rates with road,rail, sea and air providers, creation of compliant documentation and strict adherence to ever-changing regulations. Executing on these processes efficiently is critical to business today.
For over 60 years, the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA), which is headquartered in Toronto, has established a high level of professionalism within the freight forwarding industry in Canada. Through the years, the Association has grown from an intimate group of eight Montreal freight forwarders to a national organization of approximately 236 members with a well-defined identity and is today the ‘Voice of Freight Forwarding in Canada.’
Greater recognition of CIFFA and its members has been achieved through awards such as the annual Forwarders’ Choice Awards gala event held in each of the three regional cities, Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Several key initiatives developed by the Association’s 12 committees, and working groups, together with the 16-member Board of Directors deal with critical issues in the industry sector. CIFFA members participate in government/industry working groups such as those dealing with Advance Commercial Information Marine and Air and the Known Shipper regulations.
In addition to a code of ethics, members must adhere to the CIFFA Standard Trading Conditions (STCs). Updated in 2005, the STCs, first introduced in 1986, spell out the responsibilities between freight forwarders and their customers.
As freight forwarding is foremost a service industry, CIFFA has always recognized that one of its prime requirements is to provide Professional Development programs to maintain standards of excellence. Doug Burek, Director, Education says,
“We are a people business and we can only give excellence in customer satisfaction if we are knowledgeable and educated.” CIFFA offers a Professional Education Program in Freight Forwarding, consisting of (1) the Certificate Program and (2) the Advance Certificate Program, taken over two years. CIFFA programs and class materials, which are sold worldwide, are considered the prime-learning tool for many colleges in Canada and freight forwarder associations in other countries.
The Professional Freight Forwarder designation program (PFF) has been designed to recognize those professional freight forwarders who demonstrate ongoing professional development, completion of the Education Program and/or relevant industry experience.
Intensive, practical, half-day International Trade Workshops provide member employees with the knowledge and tools they need to serve customers in our global village.
Dangerous goods training from both the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) airfreight and ocean freight are offered as well. Recently CIFFA introduced to members an internet-based bilingual IMO e-training program.
Another mandatory requirement for CIFFA members, since 1987, has been Errors and Omissions coverage in their liability insurance in the amount of $250,000 per occurrence. CIFFA monitors members’ compliance with this standard, which is well above the international norm.
The past 60 years have witnessed tremendous change for the freight forwarding industry with the advent of containerization, multimoldalism, strategic alliances and integrated carriers and forwarders. To safeguard the interests of the trading and transport community, CIFFA’s challenge is not only to monitor the ever-changing world marketplace but also to influence positively government regulatory and statutory changes.
Its advocacy for these legislative modifications results in a proactive engagement with organizations such as Transport Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In support of the Coalition for Secure and Trade-Efficient Borders, CIFFA has been working with other associations and member companies to ensure the Smart Border Accord between Canada and the U.S. will deliver effective results.
To address issues that directly affect members on a daily, tactical and strategic level, daily e-bulletins have been an integral part to keeping members “in the know”. Some 4,000 professionals rely on these electronic updates to stay current with news in the global village.
Freight forwarders are global logistics providers with a thorough knowledge of every mode of transport. Playing an integral role in the supply chain, their skill set engulfs a plethora of disciplines. For CIFFA members and their customers, “CIFFA Means Business.”
May 2009
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