BIFA - Waste of space??

[0867]

This is going to be seen by the Ivory tower in Feltham as whining but, what the hell! At a recent IATA meeting airlines decided to reduce the volumetric conversion from 6000cc to 5000cc with no consultation with forwarders. Personally, I was a tad miffed that this sort of decision could be taken with no reference to the people that have to pass on the inevitable rate increases.

BIFA's response?? Total silence! The only people to react were SNAGFA, the French forwarders association. Is it just me or are BIFA a complete and utter waste of time and effort and is it now time that they actually started to stand up for their members or close down? Personally I believe that with the exception of the top 5 the only thing anyone else gets from BIFA of any value are the trading conditions.

So, the question is. BIFA live or die?

First vote. Die.

Hopefully to be replaced by a trade organisation that could give a damn about it's members.

[0867]

I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed with the response to this poll.

This change by the airlines should concern everyone in the freight industry and indeed in passenger too. If this is a blanket application by all airlines then we, as forwarders, have no option but to utilise the same conversion factor and pass the increase on. If it's not a blanket application then it will start a "volume war" between airlines which will see those that stick to 6000cc profiting by having holds full of cargo and those that go to 5000cc seeing some lean times ahead.

Outcome:

1. UK exports become more expensive (again).
2. Passenger fares on some airlines will have to increase to compensate for lost freight revenues on some sectors.
3. All you cargo only types may find that you have holds that are used for main deck or specialist cargo only.
4. Where rates are marginal with sea freight. Sea will win!

And what have BIFA done or said during all this? Nothing!

It's not like airlines aren't profiteering already with War Risk Surcharge at 9p / kg and fuel surcharge at 3p / kg. I have no objection to airlines making a fair profit from freight but at least be honest about it chaps! Stick your freight rates up by 5% if that's what you need but spare us the "add on" surcharges. These are always billed as temporary but end up staying for long after their validity has expired.

And again, BIFA's view on it. Deafening silence!

Message to Feltham: Start earning your keep or do the decent thing and unholster your revolvers and put us out of our misery by committing virtual suicide. You won't, of course, because there's no decent lunches in doing something constructive for a living.

Gentlemen, lobby on behalf of your members or step aside and let more capable people do the job.