Business, Forwarding, Freight News, Logistics


BIFA boss sees happy new year for 2025

[ January 9, 2025   //   ]

Freight forwarding and logistics is poised for a dynamic year in 2025, says the director general of the British International Freight Association, Steve Parker.
“With new trade agreements, advancements in automation, and a heightened focus on sustainability, BIFA members of all shapes and sizes are forecasting growth opportunities alongside significant challenges,” he said.
He points to the International Monetary Fund’s projection that global trade volumes will increase by 3.2% in 2025, driven by easing geopolitical tensions, expanding e-commerce, and growing consumer demand in emerging markets – notwithstanding potential future trade wars. These will provide fertile ground for freight forwarders and logistics providers to enhance their services and seize new opportunities in cross-border shipping, Parker believes.
The logistics industry is increasingly leveraging technology such as intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT)-to optimise supply chain operations, transforming shipment tracking, customs clearance, and warehouse management. Automation is expected to significantly reduce costs while improving transparency and customer satisfaction.
Parker predicts that 2025 will be the year “where digitalisation and data-driven decision-making will become a necessity rather than an advantage. The integration of real-time analytics and autonomous systems is revolutionising how BIFA members are managing global supply chains.”
Sustainability will be another top priority in 2025. Many companies are committing to carbon-neutral shipping, investing in green technologies such as electric vehicles and alternative fuels. Ports and hubs worldwide are also adopting cleaner energy to reduce emissions and align with international environmental goals.
Parkers says: ”Shippers are now looking beyond cost and speed — they want greener logistics solutions. This shift is creating both challenges and opportunities for logistics providers.”
Meanwhile, the global e-commerce market is expected to surpass US$7.4 trillion by 2025 and is further driving the need for efficient logistics and last-mile delivery solutions. Freight forwarders are rapidly adapting to the demands of faster shipping and expanded network coverage, particularly in underserved regions.
But the industry must also address critical challenges such as ever-changing demand and supply dynamics across all modes of transport, geopolitical uncertainties, fuel costs, and regulatory complexities. Additionally, labour shortages in key markets highlight the need for investments in workforce development and automation.
However, the international freight forwarding and logistics sector stands at a pivotal moment. By embracing innovation, prioritising sustainability, and navigating global trade dynamics, the industry is well-positioned for sustainable growth and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges, Parker concludes.

In a BIFAlink TV interview on 9 January, Pavel Jarza from the policy and compliance team said that some important regulatory changes were in prospect in 2025. These included the need to lodge the Entry Summary Declarations needed for Safety and Security requirements that come into force from 31 January. While ESDs are legally the responsibility of the transport operator, in many cases, forwarders and customs clearance agents might well take on this task as hauliers may not have access to the necessary information to do so. Any forwarder who did decide to make the ESD would need to ensure that they had all the necessary information before attempting to lodge the declaration.

The final stage of the NCTS5 transit rules are due to be implemented on 21 January in the UK, EU and other countries. The new rules require a six-digit HS code, but also the ending of the need for drivers to carry paper documentation. However, the latter may not filter down to law enforcement agencies so some drivers may still want to carry paper documents just in case, Pavel Jarza suggested.

Some of international trade agreements will also be up for review in 2025/26, including that between the UK and EU. While the scope of this is not yet clear, BIFA would be pushing for simplifications in areas such as safety and security, sanitary and phytosanitary declarations and other documentary requirements.

A UK agreement with the Transpacific countries is also in prospect and BIFA planned to organise webinars in conjunction with HMRC to discuss any technical issues might arise.

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