IAMTrusted Moving Company – IAMX

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Current List of Approved ITMC Early Adopters

IAM Mobility Exchange – the online connection for the International Association of Movers, the Universal Service Provider Directory for the moving industry and the only trusted source for IAMTrusted Moving Company status. Click the graphic below to see our current list of IAMTrusted Moving Companies. Are you Trusted?

IAMTrusted Moving Company – Professionalism Assured

Built on collaboration & trust.

Our business relies on our ability to collaborate with service partners operating to professionally expected standards. This system, built on experience and trust, works remarkably well. Most transactions flow seamlessly without formal written contracts but the few exceptions create tremendous friction, inefficiency and financial risk for the industry.

Assuring Adherence to a Professional Code of Conduct

The IAMTrusted Moving Company (“ITMC“) designation recognizes IAM member companies that have made significant investments in their business to promote a culture of competence, knowledge, and conscientiousness within their staff and wish to display a tangible commitment of their trustworthiness to their industry colleagues. These companies also wish to reduce inefficiency and risk by choosing to collaborate with their peers who have also made this same commitment by earning their ITMC credentials.

IAMTrusted Moving Company Agreement

The ITMC Agreement lists the requirements that IAM member companies must adhere to as a condition of earning and maintaining their ITMC designation. ITMC Agreement is built upon the foundation of the Code of Ethics of the International Association of Movers which all IAM Members are bound by.

The ITMC Agreement stresses truth and fairness in advertising, sales and customer service practices that build and maintain customer trust and confidence in the professional moving industry. The ITMC Agreement relies on the IAMX-Validation system to document, review and validate IAMTrusted Moving Company requirements.

The ITMC Agreement requires each ITMC to agree to be bound by the processes of the IAM Issue Resolution System (IIRS).

Click here to view the complete IAMTrusted Moving Company Agreement document.

IAM Issue Resolution System (IIRS)

While most transactions between IAM member companies are concluded successfully, occasional issues may arise. These issues can be classified into 4 major categories:

  • Financial – Issues related to financial disputes or non-payment of transactions charges.
  • Operational – Issues related to operational issues related to a transaction
  • Ethics – Ethics or professional code of conduct violations
  • IAM Trademark Infringement – misuse of the IAM name, logos or trademarks.

Any IAM member company will be able to report an issue through the IIRS automated system at IAM Mobility Exchange. While all IAM members are bound by the IAM Code of Ethics, an ITMC voluntarily agrees to abide by the IIRS Guidelines which stipulate a strict timeline for issue acknowledgement and resolution. In addition, if that issue resolution cannot be achieved between the involved parties within the resolution period, an ITMC agrees to abide by any judgment resulting from an Issue referred by IAM Staff to its established resolution processes in the RPP Operating Rules and Regulations and IAM Procedures for Dispute Resolution and Ethics Enforcement.

An ITMC displays their IAMTrusted Moving Company logo denoting their status in good standing as part of their IAMX company profile. Any failure to abide by the IIRS timeline milestones and processes will result in the removal of the ITMC status.  The ITMC logo will be removed from that company’s IAMX profile until that company’s ITMC status has been reinstated.

Additional penalties may apply depending on the frequency and severity of IIRS procedure violations. The complete rules and procedures of the IIRS are outlined in the IIRS Guidelines.

IAMTrusted Moving Company – A Unique Differentiation

A key strength of the IAM is that it welcomes industry participants of all sizes and ranges of experience. This diversity fosters a stronger community of members developing and shared resources that contribute to continuous professinal quality improvement.

IAM member companies who wish to differentiate themselves and display their commitment to an enhanced standard of professional conduct as contained in the ITMC Agreement will now have the option to apply for ITMC status.

Key Benefits of Working with an IAMTrusted Moving Company

  • Trust – All qualifications including those related to ITMC Agreement are documented and validated through the IAMX Validation system.
  • Minimize Financial Risk – The IIRS procedures incentivize prompt settlement of financial transactions and provide a strict timeline to resolve financial disputes. IAM is also able to assist member companies sooner when you report early through the IIRS.
  • Assurance of Professional Conduct – An ITMC agrees to the written rules of professional conduct outlined in the ITMC Agreement and agrees to be bound by the IIRS procedures in the event that an ethics issue is raised against them. In addition, through the commitment to industry standards contained in IAM Learning training programs, staff of an ITMC will adhere to industry standards supported by the IAM.
  • Dynamic Display of ITMC Status – Unlike quality assurance programs that rely on infrequent, periodic snapshots of a company’s status, the ITMC program displays a dynamically updated designation logo based on objective metrics related to the adherence to the ITMC Agreement.
  • Objective Status Ranking – The ITMC designation is not based on subjective user reviews which may be open to manipulation. The ITMC logo depicts the current status of that company’s adherence to the ITMC Agreement in real time.

IAM Code of Ethics

IAMTrusted Moving Company Agreement

IAM Issue Resolution System Guidelines


IAMTrusted Moving Company Affirmation

The digital IAMTrusted Moving Company Affirmation Form is now available at IAMX. To complete and submit the form, you must a principal of your company that is authorized to affirm the ITMC commitments on behalf of your company. Here are the steps:

  • Sign in to IAM Mobility Exchange (IAMX). You must be an authorized Admin of the company. How to Sign In to IAMX.
  • Click on the Validation Checklist. The ITMS qualifications appear at the bottom of the checklist.
  • Be sure that you have met the following:

Once you have met all four of those requirements, the green tick marks will show approval of these requirements (Green Arrow), you are ready to submit your ITMC Affirmation Form (Click Red Arrow).


The IAMTrusted Moving Company Training Course

The IAMTrusted Moving Company Training Course is available at IAM Learning.


Frequently Asked Questions

When will the IAMTrusted Moving Company be launched?

The IAM is inviting early adopters willing to help us test and fine tune the program before the official launch of the program which is currently scheduled for April 3, 2023. Early adopters that complete their application and are accepted into the program prior to December 31, 2022 will have their annual ITMC fee waived for the 2023 year.

What are the fees associated with the ITMC program?

The annual fee for the ITMC program is US$500 for IAMX-Validated Members, Core Members and Premier Members. For IAM Value Members that are not IAMX-Validated, the fee is US$750 which includes the annual IAMX Validation fee.

What are the requirements to apply for the ITMC designation?

The requirements can be found in the IAMTrusted Moving Company Agreement.

What about my branch offices?

Branch offices of an IAMTrusted Moving Company which are located in the same country as their parent company are eligible to receive the IAMTrusted Moving Company designation. The branch offices must be IAMX-Validated members and must be listed in the IMTC Branch Member Form. They must adhere to requirements 2 thru 9 of the IAMTrusted Moving Company Agreement.

Branch offices of an IAMTrusted Moving Company located outside of the country of their parent must apply separately meeting all of the requirements of the IAMTrusted Moving Company Agreement. The annual fee for branch members located outside of the country of their parent is US$250.

What happens if my company accidentally fails to meet a requirement of the ITMC program?

Any failure to meet any of the requirements of the ITMC Agreement will result in the immediate loss of ITMC status and removal of the ITMC logo from that company’s profile in IAM Mobility Exchange.

Can I apply to reinstate my ITMC designation after losing it?

An ITMC that loses their ITMC status may apply to be reinstated by:

  • Correcting the issue that caused the loss of ITMC status.
  • Submitting a written plan to prevent recurrence of the issue.
  • Waiting a 30-day period from the date of application for reinstatement.

An ITMC that has 3 or more failures to abide by the ITMC Agreement in a 12-month period will have their ITMC status suspended for 1 year. The ITMC may apply for reinstatement by:

  • Correcting any outstanding issues that caused the loss of ITMC status.
  • Submitting a written plan to prevent recurrences of the issues.
  • Waiting a 365-day period from the date of application for reinstatement

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FIATA Review – December 2022 OUT NOW! Want to hear from the MSC, ICC, and other leading stakeholders on the FIATA digital secured FBL? Haven't heard about the latest High Level Maritime Dialogue featuring the WSC, GSF, and leading maritime analysts? Read on!

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FIATA Review – December 2022 OUT NOW!

Want to hear from the MSC, ICC, and other leading stakeholders on the FIATA digital secured FBL? Haven’t heard about the latest High Level Maritime Dialogue featuring the WSC, GSF, and leading maritime analysts? Read on!

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Happy New Year 2023! FIATA would like to wish all members, collaborators, the logistics, trade, legal, tech, and finance sectors at large, an excellent start into 2023! We look forward to working with you all this coming year and many encounters whether in Brussels, Geneva, or elsewhere!

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Happy New Year 2023!

FIATA would like to wish all members, collaborators, the logistics, trade, legal, tech, and finance sectors at large, an excellent start into 2023! We look forward to working with you all this coming year and many encounters whether in Brussels, Geneva, or elsewhere!

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How can we select packers and movers in Pakistan

Marshall Packers and Movers is the best Packers and Movers Pakistan

There are many packers and movers companies in Islamabad that offer a range of services for people who need to move their belongings within the city or to a different location. It can be challenging to determine which company is the best one to use, as there are many factors to consider, such as the company's reputation, the quality of its services, and the cost of its services.

To find the best packers and movers in Islamabad, you might consider doing the following:

Research different companies: Look for reviews and ratings of different packers and movers companies in Islamabad online or ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. This will give you a sense of the quality of the services offered by different companies.

Get quotes from multiple companies: Contact several packers and movers companies and ask for quotes for the services that you need. This will allow you to compare the costs of different companies and determine which one offers the best value for money.

Check the company's credentials: Make sure that the company is licensed and insured, as this will protect you in the event that something goes wrong during the move.

Consider the company's experience: Look for a company that has experience in moving the type of items that you need to transport, as this will ensure that your belongings are handled properly.

Ask about additional services: Some packers and movers companies in Islamabad offer additional services, such as packing and unpacking, storage, and insurance for your belongings. These services can be convenient, but they may also come at an additional cost.

I hope this information is helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Join us at the 2023 FIDI Conference in Bangkok, Thailand!

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We are very excited to invite you to the 2023 FIDI Conference, which will take place in vibrant Bangkok, Thailand, from 26 to 29 March 2023. We look forward to welcoming you at the enchanting Shangri-La Hotel for a memorable experience!

The FIDI Conference has always been the highlight of the FIDI community’s calendar, the moment where business relations are sealed and long-term friendships are born.

In 2023 we are pleased to bring the FIDI Conference to the iconic city of Bangkok, known for its vibrant street life and immersive culture. Bangkok is the perfect setting for the FIDI community to meet and enjoy.

With the usual mix of high-level business sessions, hands-on workshops and selection of fun and insightful tours we look forward to welcoming you to Bangkok. 

More information is available on the 2023 FIDI Conference website.

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FIATA HQ Meeting

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FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations ​invites ​its members ​to the ​2023 ​HQ Meeting titled ’Navigating Uncertainty’. ​

​The ​event ​will ​be ​held ​in Geneva, Switzerland ​on 18-21 March ​2023 ​at the CICG – The International Conference Centre Geneva, with the Extended Board Meeting taking place in the morning on Wednesday 22 March. Please note a Welcome Cocktail will be organised on the evening of Friday 17 March 2023.

More information about the programme, such as the HQ Meeting venue, the registration process, registration cost, accompanying persons programme, visa letter and accommodation suggestions can be found below.

FIATA members meet in person at least twice a year at the FIATA HQ Meeting and the FIATA World Congress. These face-to-face meetings strengthen the bond between the members of the FIATA community and for this new edition of the FIATA HQ Meeting, the Presidency wishes to welcome as many participants as possible in Geneva, the FIATA headquarters city. If a FIATA member is prevented from attending the event in-person due to force majeure, it is advised to contact the FIATA Events team at [email protected] for individual assistance. Please note that registration to the FIATA HQ Meeting is open until Sunday 5 March 2023 inclusive.

Should you have any questions regarding this event, please reach out to the FIATA Events team.

Programme

The FIATA HQ Meeting will officially commence at 09:00 CET, Saturday 18 March 2023, and finish at 17:30 CET, Tuesday 21 March 2023, for all delegates, except for Extended Board Members who will attend the Extended Board meeting in the morning of Wednesday 22 March 2023.

Please also note that FIATA will organise a welcome cocktail, where there will be a registration desk for the event, in the afternoon of Friday 17 March 2023. The exact location of the welcome cocktail will be disclosed in the weeks to come.

A preliminary version of the programme is already available here.

Theme

Disruptions in supply chains have revealed the vulnerability of freight-forwarding and logistics companies. The COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, rising energy costs, and other climatic disasters illustrate the extent of the challenge and the consequences for global supply chains and sustainable development. These challenges underscore the need to build resilience, particularly in the most vulnerable economies. In this context, ‘Navigating Uncertainty’ will be the theme for the 2023 HQ Meeting. 

To support Association and Individual Members cope with the new challenges, FIATA will work towards providing tools to promote resilient logistics in the face of disruptions at the 2023 FIATA HQ Meeting.
 

HQ Meeting Venue

FIATA HQ meeting will be held at the CICG on floor 0 and 1. Signage throughout the venue will direct delegates to the different sessions.

Accommodation

FIATA has negotiated special rates with the Manotel network, which offers a selection of six hotels in Geneva from 3 to 5 stars near the HQ meeting venue (CICG) and the welcome cocktail (Hôtel Royal Genève). In-person Members delegates are encouraged to book their accommodation through the following link.

Please note that Hotel Edelweiss is the furthest away from the HQ meeting venue (20 min by bus and walk). Whereas it is quicker to get to the HQ meeting venue from Hotel Royal Genève (15 minutes by bus).

Registration

Registration for attending delegates to the event is mandatory and the registration fee of CHF360 applies for in-person delegates as a participation to Food and Beverages costs during the whole HQ Meeting.

To start your registration for the event, click this link. Registration takes between 5 to 10 minutes. It is recommended to have booked your transport to travel to Geneva to complete your registration. At this stage, note that it is possible to register several delegates from the same Association or Individual Member, simply make sure to enter the information of all attending delegates accordingly.

Registration to FIATA HQ meeting is open until Sunday 5 March 2023 inclusive.

Once your registration is complete, you will receive an invoice by email for payment via the FIATA dedicated payment platform. In all cases, participation in the HQ Meeting is subject to payment and receipt of registration fees by Friday 10 March 2023.

Additionally, participation fees for all activities in the Accompanying Persons Programme are due by Friday 3 March.

 

Refund

Please note that refund requests are eligible up to Tuesday 28 February. After this date, no refund request will be considered as FIATA will be liable for incurred costs.

Exception: Participants who have been denied their VISA application have up to Tuesday 7 March to ask for a refund.

Travelling to Geneva in COVID times

For more information about COVID travel restrictions, please check the Federal Office of Public Health website for information on entering Switzerland from abroad. Please make sure to regularly check this website in case the situation evolves over the coming weeks.

For information, to see what rules apply to your own particular situation when entering Switzerland, consult the online tool Travelcheck created by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.

 

Visa letter

For delegates who need a visa letter to attend the FIATA HQ Meeting, please make sure to provide all requested information in the registration process. FIATA recommends initiating the visa request process the soonest possible as the process can prove to be lengthy. FIATA will support applications to its best efforts.

 

Accompanying Persons Programme

New this year: the organisation of a special Accompanying Persons programme, taking place from Friday 17 March to Tuesday 21 March, at their expense.

For Friday 17 March, FIATA HQ has organised a full day trip in Chamonix for Accompanying Persons to discover the wonders of the mountainous French Alps at the price of CHF249 per person. Participants to the HQ Meeting are also invited to register to this day, should they wish so, as it will take place the day before the official opening of the congress.

On Saturday, 18 March, FIATA has organised a special trip to the ‘Village‘ outlet near Lyon at the cost of CHF129 per person.

On Monday 20 March, Accompanying Persons are offered the possibility to visit the UN Headquarters in Geneva, at the price of CHF15 per person.

On Tuesday 21 March, Accompanying Persons can visit the Red Cross Museum at the cost of CHF16 per person.

Attending all above-mentioned activities costs in total CHF409.

Registrations to these special activities shall be done through the HQ Meeting official registration platform.

As usual, Accompanying Persons will be invited to attend all HQ evening social events: the Welcome Cocktail on Friday 17 March and the Partners’ and Sponsors’ night on Monday 20 March.

 

Transport in Geneva

The Geneva public transport system is quite efficient and diversified: buses, trams, trains, and yellow taxi-boats on the lake are available.

By staying in a hotel, you are entitled to receive a personal and non-transferable Geneva Transport Card for free, which will allow you to use the whole public transportation system of Geneva for the length of your stay for free. Just ask for it upon arrival at the hotel reception.

Transport – from the airport to your hotel

If you decide to book your accommodation through one of the recommended Manotel hotels, look for the train station at the airport, get off at Geneva Cornavin, and you will be a 10 min walk away from your hotel.

Transport – from your hotel to the HQ meeting venue

If you decide to book your accommodation through one of the recommended Manotel hotels, please note that all these hotels are within a 20-minute range via walk and bus from the HQ Meeting venue. You will be a five-minute walk away from the closest bus stop to travel to the HQ Meeting venue. To travel to the HQ Meeting venue, hop on line 15 (brown signage), “Môle” stop for Royal, Auteuil, and Kipling Hotels and hop on line 15Butini” stop for N’VY and Jade hotels and get off at the “College Sismondi” bus stop for a five-minute walk to access the HQ Meeting venue).

Transport – from your hotel to the welcome cocktail

If you decide to book your accommodation through one of the recommended Manotel hotels, please note that all these hotels are within a 5–10-minute walk to the welcome cocktail venue.

Transport – from the HQ meeting venue to the airport

To get from the HQ Meeting venue to the airport, it is easiest to take the bus.

The bus stop is just around the corner from the venue (click here to check itinerary) and hop on line 5 (light blue signage), “Varembé” stop, and get off at Geneva airport.

 

Health regulations

It is imperative that you familiarise yourself with the health regulations of Switzerland and any other country through which you may travel. We urge FIATA Members to verify that their travel insurance includes COVID-related coverage for health care, travel, and other related matters.

 

Weather forecast

The weather in Geneva in March is very cold with temperatures between -1°C and 11°C; warm clothes are a must.

You can expect rain for roughly half of the month of March in Geneva. We’re expecting roughly 8 to 15 days of rain, so your rubber boots and umbrella are going to see plenty of use this month if you’re keen on staying dry.

You can expect a few days of snow in Geneva during March. It’s important to get out your winter boots and warm mittens to stay warm should you expect to explore Geneva and its surrounding.

 

Dress Code

For the FIATA HQ Meeting, it is recommended that you wear clothing and shoes that make you feel comfortable as you will be sitting the entire day of the conference. It should be layered, allowing you to dress up or down as room temperatures can vary.

 

Travel adaptor

It is recommended to pack a travel adaptor plug. It is important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency. For Switzerland, there are two associated plug types, types C and J. Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins and plug type J is the plug that has three round pins. Switzerland operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

 

COVID Disclaimer

FIATA is committed to offering a safe environment to all attendees and relies on the participating delegates to practice safe behaviour during the event, such as social distancing and other community or personal requirements, in order to mitigate any spread of a communicable infection including COVID-19. Moreover, please note that FIATA will provide hand sanitisers in several locations at the HQ Meeting venue.

Should the COVID situation change in the period prior to the event, FIATA may revisit this policy.

 In the event of a COVID situation that would prevent FIATA from holding the event as planned, FIATA would organise a virtual HQ event at the same initial dates.

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High Level Maritime Dialogue – Building Back Better Together

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Geneva,17 November 2022 -The second edition of the High-Level Maritime Dialogue titled ‘Build Back Better: Shock-Resistant Supply Chains’ on 7 November, was hosted by FIATA, moderated by its Working Group Sea Chair and Senior Vice President, Mr Jens Roemer.

‘’Shipping lines and forwarders will have to learn to cope with unexpected service challenges as a new reality’’- Global Shippers Forum

In the context of high uncertainty and volatility, this unique set-up brought together high-level stakeholders from across the maritime supply chain to explore common goals and practical solutions in a constructive manner, to strengthen the maritime supply chain for greater resilience. The speaker line-up involved:

  • Mr James Hookham, Secretary General, Global Shippers Forum (GSF)
  • Mr John Butler, President and CEO, World Shipping Council (WSC)
  • Ms Antonella Teodoro, Senior Consultant, MDS Transmodal, UK (MDST)
  • Mr Alan Murphy, Founder and CEO, Sea Intelligence
  • Ms Andrea Tang, International Trade Lawyer, International Federation Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)

Supply chain shifts as a response to changes in demand trends and global shocks

Supply chains have responded to a dramatic rise and fall in demand in recent years. Lessons are to be learned to prepare for uncertainties plaguing the future. “The problems encountered are not new; they exposed the vulnerability of the supply chain when planning and forecasting were not possible. The shocks brought by the pandemic cast a spotlight on the role of logistics, as well as its importance for the economic and social well-being of consumers”, said Ms Tang.

Supply chain shifts were considered, as well as the rise and fall in freight rates. It was noted by Ms Teodoro that “supply chain shifts were observed both in terms of geography and composition. When carriers repositioned capacity to the most profitable routes, new entrants attempted to service the gaps they left behind”. Mr Butler emphasised that “there is stiff competition in the shipping sector”, and that “carriers followed demand and did not create it”. Ms Teodoro recommended that ‘‘regulators should monitor such competition trends and transparency in the maritime supply chain closely to promote resilience”.

The need for infrastructural reform was unanimously agreed upon, noting hinterland congestion as an important contributor to the difficulties in the maritime supply chain. Mr Murphy commented that “instead of just consumer demand, the congestion in 2021 was exacerbated, as up to 15% of global liner capacity was stuck at bottlenecks. The reduction in demand has reduced congestion which is presently at 7.5% and could revert to pre-pandemic levels by spring 2023”. The importance of making governments aware of supply chain issues was emphasised by Mr Hookham: “if the sector is to make any arguments, now is the time to do so”.

In conclusion, Mr Roemer reminded participants that “the clock cannot be turned back but stakeholders and regulators must learn from mistakes of the past. No single stakeholder should be overconfident to impose plans that are not complementary with the overall system.”

Collaborating for decarbonisation

It was agreed that decarbonising the supply chain is an urgent priority for all stakeholders, constituting a key area for collaboration between the respective stakeholders. As highlighted by Mr Butler, ‘‘the industry is leading the way when it comes to implementation with shipping lines and energy companies investing in decarbonisation’’. The industry would benefit from an appropriate regulatory framework, governmental support, and advocacy for which stakeholders must come together to help the whole supply chain comply with Paris Agreement goals.

Shippers remain concerned about the cost of decarbonisation which will ultimately be borne by them. FIATA sought transparency in new decarbonisation initiatives, noting the need for forwarders to be able to provide their customers with choices as regards offsetting their emissions. It was emphasised that inclusivity is necessary, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). FIATA emphasised that “SMEs should not be left behind, as they are the backbone of many developing economies. As they tend not to have access to longer-term contracts, they are more heavily impacted by shocks and uncertainty.”

Concluding the dialogue, decarbonisation was put firmly on the agenda as a theme for greater collaboration, whilst other areas of possible collaboration noted included sustainability, digitalisation and safety and security.

FIATA Media Contact
Amanda Stock
Communications Officer
Tel: +41 22 715 45 53
[email protected]

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New FIDI Affiliate – Windmill Forwarding BV, Den Haag, the Netherlands

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19 July 2022

We are pleased to confirm the following company has successfully obtained FAIM certification and is now a FIDI Affiliate:

  • Windmill Forwarding BV, Den Haag, the Netherlands

The company has joined FIDI Netherlands.

The up to date directory of FIDI Affiliates and affiliated Branches is available via Find a FIDI Affiliate

Subscribe now to our newsletter to stay up to date with FIDI and our Affiliates.

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FIDI Custom Guides for more than 20 countries have been updated

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The import and export guides for Bahrain, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico, Myanmar, Oman, Panama, Philippines, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand and Venezuela have been updated.

You may find them on the customs guides page.

If you have any questions or comments about the FIDI Customs Guides, please contact Marie-Pascale Frix, Business Intelligence Manager, at marie-pascale.frix@fidi.org

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Maritime stakeholders’ joint letter to the EU about container shipping competition rules

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FIDI and the International Association of Movers (IAM) as representatives of fellow international moving and relocation industry associations OMNI, LACMA, and PAIMA, International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association (FIATA), International Union for Road-Rail Combined Transport (UIRR), European Tugowners Association (ETA), Global Shippers Forum, European Barge Union (EBU), European Shippers’ Council (ESC), FEPORT, and the European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services (CLECAT), all representing the owners and forwarders of cargo, port terminal operators and other parts of the supply chain dependent on container shipping, are demanding an immediate start to the review of the European Union’s Consortia Block Exemption Regulation for the container shipping industry.

The Regulation exempts container shipping lines from many of the checks and balances of EU competition law and permits them to exchange commercially-sensitive information to manage the number and size of ships deployed and the frequency and timing of sailings on trade routes around the world.

European businesses and other parties in the supply chain including FIDI Affiliates have suffered huge disruption to the movement of goods by container shipping since the Regulation was last renewed in April 2020, with many sailings being cancelled or diverted to other ports, and ports being bypassed (‘skipped’) at short notice. At the same time shipping rates have more than quadrupled on many routes and continue to remain 3 to 4 times higher than in 2019 before the pandemic.

The effects of lockdowns on the production of goods and the shifts in demand due to the effects of the Covid pandemic were certainly significant. But the ability of the shipping industry to collectively manage these impacts, and at the same generate profits totalling over $186 billion in 2021, at the expense of the rest of the supply chain, and ultimately Europe’s consumers, demonstrate that something is wrong. The benefits of the exemptions from general competition law enjoyed by the shipping lines are not being shared fairly between the lines and the rest of the economy, and this in itself constitutes a compelling reason why the Block Exemption should be reviewed urgently.

In a joint letter to the European Commission, the signatories point to the revelations and recommendations of investigations conducted in the United States by the Federal Maritime Commission, resulting in May in the passing of a new Ocean Shipping Reform Act, addressing many of the grievances of users and services suppliers to the container shipping lines.

The Regulation’s review will allow all interested parties to submit evidence and arguments as to how the Commission should act to ensure the deep-sea container shipping market operates in a way that is fair and transparent to all parties in the maritime supply chain. This should include consideration of new measures and mechanisms and should allow sufficient time for these to be considered and implemented before the expiry of the current regulation in April 2024.

You can download a copy of the joint statement below.

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