While many international freight forwarders still operate in a traditional agency relationship with their clients, today freight forwarders are also recognized as “carriers” when they enter into contracts of carriage with shippers and issue their own marine bill of lading or a FIATA B/L.  While the distinction has created opportunities and benefits for the forwarder, it has also created challenges commercially, legislatively and from a security standpoint.

The CIFFA Seafreight Committee’s mandate is to protect and promote the interest of the membership in these areas and to inform, enlighten, and educate members on issues of concern to those active in the marine mode.

Through the association’s activities with government agencies (CBSA, CFIA, T.C.), industry groups, and its active role in FIATA, we are in an excellent position to meet the needs of our mandate.

The CIFFA Seafreight Committee is chaired by Chris Gillespie, President & CEO of Gillespie-Munro Inc.  He can be reached at cgillespie@gmunro.ca.