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BIFA makes Talent in Logistics awards shortlist


BIFA is delighted to have been shortlisted in the Collaboration in People Development category of the Talent in Logistics Awards 2020. BIFA’s submission relates to the


Sharp fall-off in new UK HGV registrations alarms trade body


By Stuart Todd, Lloyd’s Loading List


There was a sharp fall-off in the UK market for new heavy goods vehicles (HGV) in the second quarter of the year with registrations down by more than 73%, according to the latest data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Only 4,151 trucks were registered in the three months


to end-June, down from 15,605 for the same period last year. While the bulk of the decline was driven by coronavirus lockdown measures, a particularly strong Q2 in 2019 – when the introduction of smart tachographs saw a large uptick in orders – was also a factor, the SMMT underlined. HGV registrations for the first six months of 2020


were down 51.4% on the previous year’s H1 levels, totalling just 13,344 units. Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, commented:


“Such a sharp decrease in heavy commercial vehicle registrations is deeply concerning given the sector’s critical role in keeping the country moving. While it is important to be mindful of the pronounced boost the introduction of new technologies had on last year’s figures, 2020 has been unprecedented.” He added: “Given the current economic


uncertainties, restoring operator confidence will be crucial in driving the UK’s recovery but also ensuring it is a green recovery, as getting more of the latest high- tech, low emission vehicles onto our roads is key to addressing environmental concerns.”


The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is the national regulator for product safety in the UK and is part of the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Its purpose is to lead and co-


Change in contact details for managing consignments In October 2019, OPSS took


ordinate the product safety system, ensuring consumers are protected and businesses can thrive. A key component of this is a risk-based approach to stopping unsafe and non-compliant goods from being placed on the UK market.


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responsibility for co-ordinating the arrangements between HM Revenue & Customs and the UK’s market surveillance authorities that identify and prioritise high risk consignments of goods. This change involved transferring management of the Single Point of Contact (SPoC) team at Suffolk County Council into OPSS. As part of the development of


these arrangements it is now updating the IT infrastructure that


hugely popular Young Forwarder Network (YFN) set up to support career development, improve industry knowledge and shape the future of freight forwarding. Initially regional networks were set up to organise local events for YFN members, but since the introduction of restrictions to suppress COVID-19, all activity has moved to a virtual platform. A number of BIFA Member


companies are also shortlisted in the Talent in Logistics Awards 2020 including Gefco UK, Ligentia, Wincanton, Kuehne + Nagel and Gist.


Shipping line letters of


indemnity Some BIFA Members have approached the Secretariat having received requests from a shipping line to sign a letter of indemnity before bookings can be accepted. Having taken advice from our


supports this co-ordination, and the email you use to contact it will change from SPOC@suffolk.gov.uk to OPSS.SPOC@beis.gov.uk. This went live on 1 October 2020. Arrangements have been put in


place for the re-direction of e-mails from the previous account to the new account until the end of the year. While this change is taking place


it will be closely monitored, but OPSS is confident that this will not impact on current service levels.


solicitor, we recommend that the letter is signed with a caveat that it does not apply if the forwarder is acting as an agent for the customer, who is then in a contractual arrangement with the shipping line. The letter of indemnity seems to


be making the legal position of the shipping line and the bill of lading terms and conditions clear, which apply when the forwarder acts as a principal but not as an agent. If you have questions, please


contact Robert Keen r.keen@bifa.org or Robert Windsor r.windsor@bifa.org


October 2020


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