The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has surveyed its members as part of its research on how prepared the UK’s freight forwarding and logistics sectors are for the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020.
In a BIFA press release, the Director-General, Robert Keen explained that an essential role of the association was engaging its members to ensure they are kept fully informed of developments and that their views are shared with the government and industry regulators.
“The trade association is being asked questions from a variety of government departments and agencies, as well as a House of Commons Select Committee, and the results of the survey will further inform our responses to those enquiries,” he said.
In an earlier survey, back in May, it was revealed that the majority of those quizzed would prefer an extension to the transition period if no trade deal was agreed by the 31 December deadline and UK trade with the EU is conducted on WTO lines.
BIFA recognised that as a clear message that its members and their clients still had huge reservations on if they would have the capacity to handle any major changes to trade deals in 2021, such as new customs documentation and procedures.
The survey covered other issues such as staffing, and the need for further information on future systems and procedures that are required by BIFA’s members, as well as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the preparedness of members.
DG Keen concludes: “Obviously, the biggest possible response to this survey will increase its credibility with government and we are urging our members to take the time to complete the survey, which must be done before September 9th.”
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