BIFA to Update Standard Trading Conditions

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is in the process of revising its Standard Trading Conditions (STC), with the updated version expected to be officially released later this year. This update comes as part of BIFA’s ongoing commitment to keep industry standards aligned with current legal requirements and operational realities.

Why is BIFA Updating the STC?

The existing STC, last updated in 2021, contains language and clauses that are now considered outdated, particularly following the UK’s exit from the European Union. The revised conditions aim to:

Clarify customs responsibilities: The update will provide clearer guidance on customs-related liabilities, which is increasingly important as post-Brexit regulations continue to evolve.
Simplify language: The new STC will use modern, straightforward language to improve transparency and make the terms easier for all parties to understand.
Strengthen legal compliance: The revisions will ensure that the terms comply with current laws, including The Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977, offering balanced protection for freight forwarders and their clients alike.

Timeline and Transition

BIFA is currently finalizing the revisions with input from industry members, legal experts, and insurance professionals. Once the new STC is officially published, there will be a six-month transition period during which freight forwarders and their clients can adapt contracts and operational procedures to the updated terms.

What This Means for You

As a client, you can expect:

Improved clarity on who is responsible for various customs-related activities during shipment.
More understandable contract language, reducing ambiguity and potential disputes.
Continued protection under legally compliant terms designed to reflect today’s freight forwarding environment.

We will monitor BIFA’s progress closely and keep you informed as the revised STC becomes available. Our team will also provide support to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your logistics operations.

If you have any questions email us at info@ukffcl.com

Red Sea Attacks Disrupt Global Shipping and Increase Risk for Importers and Exporters

Latest Red Sea Update

17 July 2025

Recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea have led to renewed concern over the safety of one of the world’s most important shipping lanes. Two ships, the MV Magic Seas and Eternity C, were struck and later sank earlier this month after being targeted by Houthi forces in the southern Red Sea. These attacks resulted in loss of life and significant damage to vessels and cargo, and they have added fresh disruption to global supply chains.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, is a vital corridor for container traffic between Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The recent escalation has now widened the designated war-risk zones, increasing insurance costs and raising the risk for vessels operating in the area.

How This Affects Global Shipping

As a result of the increased threat level, war-risk insurance premiums have risen sharply. Coverage that once cost 0.4% of a vessel’s value is now closer to 1%. For example, insuring a ship valued at 100 million US dollars may now cost around 1 million dollars for a single voyage through the region. These added costs are now filtering down through the supply chain, affecting freight rates and transit schedules.

Some shipping lines are continuing to use the Red Sea route, often with added security protocols. Others are diverting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope. This alternate route avoids the danger zone but increases voyage time by 10 to 14 days, depending on destination, and significantly increases fuel and operational costs.

Limited Naval Support and Ongoing Uncertainty

Although the European Union and other countries have deployed limited naval patrols, coverage is thin. There are not enough warships to provide consistent escort services across the region, and the threat of further attacks remains. Commercial shipping must rely on internal security measures, dynamic route planning and close monitoring.

The United Nations has acknowledged the situation and is increasing reporting on maritime security in the region. However, a long-term resolution is still unclear.

What Importers and Exporters Should Know

For businesses moving goods by sea freight through the Red Sea, current conditions may affect transit times, freight rates and scheduling. This includes shipments between Asia and Europe, as well as East Africa and the Mediterranean.

At Future Forwarding, we are actively monitoring the situation and working closely with our global network of carriers. We provide flexible routing options, real-time tracking, and updated transit information to help you make the best shipping decisions for your business.

If your supply chain is impacted or you would like to explore air freight, alternative sea routes or customs clearance support, please contact us directly.

If you have any questions or need tailored support, please contact your account manager or email us at info@ukffcl.com

Latest U.S. Tariffs: What Global Importers and Exporters Need to Know

11 July 2025

The topics of freight forwarding, supply chain management, and tariffs are crucial in today’s global economy.

Importers and exporters are facing another wave of changes as the U.S. government moves ahead with new tariff policies, set to take effect from August 1, 2025. As a global freight forwarding partner with operations in both the UK and USA, Future Forwarding is monitoring the developments closely to help clients adapt with minimal disruption.

Key Tariff Changes Coming August 1

1) 35% Tariff on Imports from Canada
The U.S. has confirmed a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, citing political and border-related concerns. However, products made in the U.S. under USMCA provisions remain exempt. If your supply chain includes Canadian-made goods, it’s critical to assess USMCA eligibility or consider alternative sourcing.

2) 50% Tariff on Copper Imports
The U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on copper and semi-finished copper goods, including components used in construction, electronics, and infrastructure. This could impact both raw material sourcing and manufactured products. Clients moving copper or related items should consider accelerating shipments ahead of the August 1 cutoff.

3) Reciprocal Tariffs (25–40%) on 20+ Countries
Tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% will apply to a broad list of countries. Affected nations include:

Europe: Germany, France, Italy, Spain
Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines
Middle East & Africa: Turkey, Tunisia, Algeria
Americas: Brazil, Mexico
Others: Sri Lanka, South Africa

Still Under Review

200% Tariff on Pharmaceutical Imports

A proposed 200% tariff on imported pharmaceuticals remains under consideration. While not yet final, the U.S. has indicated a possible 12–18 month transition period for businesses to reconfigure supply chains. Key exporters to the U.S. pharma market include India, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, and China.

How This Impacts Your Supply Chain

These changes are likely to drive up landed costs, reroute logistics flows, and increase transit time in some sectors. For companies relying on cross-border trade, working with an experienced freight forwarding partner becomes even more essential.

At Future Forwarding, we are actively supporting clients with:

Route optimisation across air freight, sea freight, and road freight
Shipment acceleration before tariff deadlines
Customs documentation and tariff classification reviews
Warehousing, bonded storage, and distribution solutions
Trade compliance and supply chain management planning

If you have any questions or need tailored support, please contact your account manager or email us at info@ukffcl.com

Why Cargo Insurance Matters in Global Freight Forwarding

When it comes to shipping goods internationally, cargo insurance often gets overlooked. Many importers and exporters assume their freight is covered automatically, but this is rarely the case. As a freight forwarder, Future Forwarding understands the real risks involved in moving cargo across air, sea, and road. That’s why we always recommend that our clients seriously consider cargo insurance, including for air freight and sea freight, as part of their supply chain management plan.

What is Cargo Insurance?

Cargo insurance protects your goods while they are in transit. Whether you are using air freight, sea freight, or road freight, cargo can be exposed to a wide range of risks. These include theft, damage due to handling or weather, accidents, container loss at sea, fire, and even delays that cause time-sensitive goods to spoil. Cargo insurance is your safety net, helping to reduce financial loss in case something goes wrong during freight forwarding.

Why Cargo Insurance Is Essential

When using freight forwarding, it’s important to understand that carriers have limited liability. For example, shipping lines, airlines, or trucking companies often pay compensation based on weight, not value. If you are shipping high-value goods, the standard compensation will likely fall far short of covering your actual loss. Freight forwarding with robust cargo insurance is crucial.

Imagine your container of electronics is lost during ocean transit. If the container weighs 1,000 kg and the carrier’s liability is £2 per kg, your maximum compensation is £2,000, even if the goods inside are worth £50,000. Without cargo insurance, you absorb that loss entirely.

Common Misconceptions

Some importers believe their suppliers are responsible for insurance. Others assume that their general business insurance covers goods in transit. However, in most cases, neither is true. Insurance needs to be arranged separately, and it’s best done before the shipment leaves its origin.

Another common myth is that damage or loss rarely happens. While freight forwarding is generally reliable, things can and do go wrong. Ships face rough seas, trucks can be involved in accidents, and airports can misroute or mishandle cargo. In our years of experience, even with careful planning, we’ve seen everything from water damage to stolen pallets and delayed goods due to natural disasters. Air freight, sea freight, and road freight all have risks that cargo insurance can mitigate.

Real Examples

A company shipped food products from the UK to the Middle East via air freight. A delay at the airport due to a customs hold caused the goods to spoil. Luckily, they had taken out cargo insurance that covered spoilage due to delays. The claim was processed, and the client was reimbursed quickly.

In another case, a container shipped by sea freight from the USA to South Africa was affected by a fire on board the vessel. The ship declared General Average, meaning all cargo owners had to contribute to the losses. Those who had no insurance had to pay a share out of pocket to recover their goods. Our insured client avoided these costs entirely.

How We Can Help

At Future Forwarding, we offer cargo insurance as part of our freight forwarding services. We ship globally by air freight, sea freight, and road freight, and we know the importance of protecting your cargo through every stage of the journey.

Our logistics services also include customs brokerage, warehousing, online tracking, and full supply chain management tools. We make it easy to integrate insurance with your shipping plan, helping you reduce risk and protect your bottom line with reliable insurance options for air freight and sea freight, as well as road freight.

Final Thoughts

No matter how experienced your freight forwarder is, accidents and delays are a part of global logistics. Cargo insurance is a simple, affordable way to give yourself peace of mind and avoid major financial loss.

If you are an importer or exporter and want to know more about protecting your goods in transit, speak to the team at Future Forwarding. We are here to help with everything from air freight to road freight, and offer support every step of the way. Cargo insurance is key in ensuring the protection of your shipment.

To request a quote or speak to one of our freight specialists.

Cargo Insurance

New Northern Ireland Labelling Rules

From 1 July 2025, businesses moving retail goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will face new labelling requirements. These changes form part of the next phase of the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS), introduced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). At Future Forwarding Company, we specialise in freight forwarding and supply chain management. The intricate details of imports, exports, and road freight operations are crucial to us. We also provide customs compliance consulting to ensure seamless operations for our clients. As a freight forwarder, we want our clients to have a clear understanding of these changes and how they may impact your imports, exports, and road freight operations.

Why This Change Matters

The new legislation aims to protect the flow of goods into Northern Ireland while meeting obligations under the Windsor Framework. Goods moving under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme must now be labelled “Not for EU.” This is to make sure products intended for sale in Northern Ireland do not accidentally enter the EU market.

For retailers and suppliers who rely on a stable supply chain and efficient freight forwarding, staying compliant with these rules is critical. Incorrect or missing labels could delay shipments, cause customs issues, or lead to rejected goods.

What Products Are Affected

The new labelling rule applies to a wide range of food products and composite goods, including:

Pre-packed meat and dairy
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Fish and seafood
Composite products such as sandwiches, ready meals, and bakery items

If your business imports or exports any of these items to retail premises in Northern Ireland, this change will likely affect your operations.

Key Dates for Your Calendar

The main implementation date is 1 July 2025. From this day forward, affected goods must be clearly marked “Not for EU” before being moved to Northern Ireland.

There is a 30-day transition period. Any goods placed on the Northern Ireland market before 1 July 2025 are exempt from the labelling requirement until 31 July 2025. After that, all affected products must meet the new labelling standards.

What You Need to Do

Now is the time to review your supply chain and product packaging. Retailers, importers, and exporters should begin planning with their suppliers and freight forwarders to ensure packaging changes are in place before the July deadline.

Steps you should take include:

Checking if your goods fall under the new labelling rules
Updating packaging processes to apply “Not for EU” labels
Coordinating with your freight forwarder to ensure all shipments meet the new requirements
Reviewing documentation and customs procedures in advance

How Future Forwarding Company Can Help

As a trusted freight forwarding partner with experience in customs compliance consulting and UK-EU logistics, Future Forwarding Company can help you stay ahead of these changes. We manage imports and exports across the UK and Northern Ireland and understand the impact these changes can have on your supply chain.

Our team is ready to support you with:

Product classification advice
Documentation checks
Road freight logistics planning
Supply chain coordination
Customs compliance consulting

We work closely with retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers to keep goods moving efficiently and legally. If you need help adapting your logistics processes or updating your packaging to meet the new rules, speak to one of our specialists.

Where to Find Official Guidance

For full details, DEFRA’s guidance is available at:

Government Guidance

This covers which products are affected, how the labels must appear, and how the scheme applies to different types of businesses.

Final Notes

With the 1 July 2025 deadline approaching, we recommend that businesses start preparing as early as possible. Future Forwarding Company will continue monitoring developments and keep our clients updated. If your business relies on regular road freight or retail product movement into Northern Ireland, planning now will help avoid disruption later.

For any questions or support on adapting your freight operations, contact us today. We are here to keep your supply chain moving.

Contact us today to speak to one of our freight specialists.

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Middle East Airfreight Disruption

Ongoing Impact on Cargo Movements

24 June 2025

Regional instability in the Middle East is currently causing major disruption to airfreight operations. The ongoing conflict has continued to affect activities significantly. While a phased ceasefire has been announced between Iran and Israel, the situation on the ground remains fluid, and airspace restrictions and airline suspensions are still widespread

Current Status

Airspace closures remain in place over Qatar, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Syria, and Lebanon. The UAE has imposed intermittent closures as conditions shift, disrupting airfreight routes.
Major airline suspensions with impact continue across the region. British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and others have either grounded flights or rerouted cargo services.
A flight from Manchester to Doha diverted back to the UK yesterday following Iranian missile attacks on a U.S. base in Qatar. This highlights the unpredictable nature of the situation, affecting airfreight decisions.

Freight Impact

Extended transit times due to rerouting via Egypt, Turkey, or the Caspian region affecting airfreight scheduling.
Reduced cargo capacity with freighters operating under pressure and limited belly space available for airfreight.
Higher rates, surcharges, and handling costs at diversion points impacting airfreight pricing.
Ground handling delays and customs congestion at alternative hubs, further complicating airfreight processes.

Our Response

Our operations team is closely tracking the situation and working with carriers to manage disruption as effectively as possible. We’re actively reviewing alternative routing and doing our best to support time-critical shipments.

We understand this may affect ongoing or upcoming shipments. If you believe your cargo is impacted, or if you’re planning urgent movements into or out of the region, directly contact your account manager.

We appreciate your patience as we work through this evolving situation.

If you have urgent shipments or need to discuss airfreight rerouting options, please contact us today.

Freight Forwarding UK

If your business involves importing or exporting goods, you already know how important it is to move cargo efficiently, securely, and without delay. At Future Forwarding Company, we specialise in freight forwarding in the UK, working closely with clients to make international shipping simple and stress-free. Whether you’re new to freight or already shipping regularly, this guide will help you understand how freight forwarding works and how it can benefit your business.

What is Freight Forwarding?

Freight forwarding is the process of managing the shipment of goods from one location to another. That includes everything from booking transport space, preparing documentation, handling customs clearance, and tracking your shipment from start to finish. As a UK-based freight forwarder, we act as your logistics partner, organising each step of the journey so your goods arrive where they need to be, on time and within budget.

Why Freight Forwarding Matters in the UK

The UK is a major gateway for global trade, with access to international shipping routes by sea, air, and land. Since Brexit, shipping to and from the UK has become more complex, with new customs rules and documentation requirements. That’s where we come in. We help importers and exporters stay compliant, avoid delays, and keep their supply chains moving.

Our Services for Importers and Exporters

Whether you’re bringing goods into the UK or sending them abroad, we provide tailored freight solutions based on your needs. Our services include:

Sea freight for cost-effective bulk shipping
Air freight for urgent deliveries
Road freight for European shipments
Customs clearance and import/export documentation
Cargo insurance for added peace of mind
Warehousing, distribution, and last-mile delivery
Real-time tracking so you always know where your goods are

We work with a trusted global network of carriers and agents to ensure your shipments move smoothly from origin to destination.

Why Choose Future Forwarding as Your Freight Forwarder in UK

We understand that your shipments are more than just cargo, they’re a key part of your business. That’s why we offer reliable service, clear communication, and support from start to finish. Our clients appreciate our attention to detail, fast response times, and the way we handle issues before they become problems.

Our team has years of experience helping businesses navigate customs processes, reduce costs, and plan smarter shipping strategies. Whether you need help with a one-off shipment or long-term logistics support, we’re here to help.

The Future of Freight Forwarding

The freight industry is evolving at a rapid rate. From automated customs systems to sustainable packaging and carbon tracking, we’re embracing new technology to make shipping smarter, greener, and more efficient.

At Future Forwarding Company, we’re committed to helping our clients adapt and thrive in this changing landscape.

Let’s Move Your Business Forward

If you’re looking for a freight forwarder in the UK who understands your business and takes the time to get things right, let’s talk. Whether you’re importing components or exporting finished products, we’ll make sure your goods get where they need to be, without the headaches.

Contact us today to request a quote or speak to one of our freight specialists.

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UK Port Congestion Escalates: What’s Behind the Delays & How to Protect Your Supply Chain

The Port of Southampton and several other key Northern European ports are currently grappling with serious congestion, leading to UK port congestion and shipping delays. Importers and exporters across the UK are already feeling the impact, from longer lead times to rising shipping costs. But what’s driving this disruption, and what can your business do to stay ahead?

In this article, we break down the root causes of the congestion, its implications for UK trade, and what supply chain managers can do to mitigate risk..

What’s Causing the Congestion at UK Ports?

1. Overflow From European Ports

Ports across mainland Europe, particularly Rotterdam and Antwerp, are experiencing operational disruptions, including strikes and staffing shortages. Many vessels are being rerouted to UK ports like Southampton, Felixstowe, and London Gateway to avoid delays. The result? UK ports are now struggling to absorb the overflow.

2. Labour Disputes and Industrial Action

Ongoing or recently resolved strikes at continental ports continue to create uncertainty. While some labour actions have subsided, the risk of renewed disruption looms, with ripple effects reaching UK shores.

3. Trade Realignments from the USA – China Tensions

As tensions between the USA and China persist, global shipping routes are shifting. Recent spikes in Chinese exports to the USA, due to tariff pauses, have placed extra pressure on transshipment hubs in Europe, many of which feed into UK ports.

4. Infrastructure and Yard Capacity Issues

High yard utilisation rates (above 90% in some terminals) are slowing down container handling. The influx of diverted cargo has overwhelmed some port facilities, reducing turnaround times and impacting scheduling for hauliers and forwarders alike.

How Does This Impact Your Supply Chain?

Longer Transit Times

Vessels may queue for days to unload, delaying container deliveries across the UK and into Europe. That impacts everything from warehouse scheduling to final-mile distribution.

Higher Costs

Delays mean increased demurrage and detention fees. Alternative routings and expedited shipping options may also come at a premium

Inventory Risk

If your goods are time-sensitive, specially retail or seasonal items, congestion-related delays could result in missed sales windows or overstocking later.

What Can You Do to Stay Ahead?

1. Stay Proactive with Future Forwarding

Talk to us as your Logistics provider regularly. Ensure you have visibility on vessel ETAs, congestion updates, and inland transport availability.

2. Consider Alternative Routes

If feasible, use less congested ports like Teesport or Liverpool, or explore rail freight solutions through the Channel Tunnel or Eurohub routes.

3. Review Inventory Strategies

Maintain safety stock of critical products where possible. Consider increasing buffer times for your most important shipments.

4. Budget for Flexibility

Anticipate cost increases in Q2 and Q3. Build in flexibility for potential surcharges or re-routing expenses in your shipping budget.

Disruption Will Continue — But Preparation Pays Off

With no clear resolution in sight for labour disputes and global trade imbalances, congestion at UK ports is expected to continue into the summer. Businesses that plan ahead, diversify their logistics strategies, and stay informed will be best placed to avoid costly delays.

Need tailored logistics support?

Our team can help reroute your cargo, manage customs efficiently, and keep your business moving, even in challenging times.

Published: May 22, 2025

Asia-Pacific Airfreight Realigns Amid U.S. Tariff Shifts and De Minimis Policy Changes

Ongoing shifts in U.S. trade policy are significantly impacting airfreight flows between Asia and the U.S., including China. Exporters and logistics providers are adjusting their strategies in response to evolving tariffs and De Minimis regulations affecting airfreight operations.

China-U.S. Airfreight Demand Declines Post-De Minimis Policy Termination

Following the termination of the duty-free de minimis exemption for low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong on May 2, 2025, airfreight capacity between China and the U.S. has dropped nearly 30%. This policy change has particularly affected e-commerce platforms which rely heavily on air cargo for direct-to-consumer deliveries.

Although a temporary 90-day tariff reduction deal between the U.S. and China has been implemented, lowering tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, the long-term outlook remains uncertain. Major freight operators are adjusting their strategies, including redeploying freighters to other markets such as Latin America.

Surge in Southeast Asia Airfreight Demand Ahead of Imminent U.S. Tariffs

In contrast, Southeast Asia is experiencing a sharp increase in air cargo demand as exporters expedite shipments to the U.S. before additional tariffs take effect on July 9. The situation highlights the importance of airfreight connectivity between Asia and the U.S., including impacts from De Minimis changes. Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia have seen a surge in bookings, leading to strained capacity and higher airfreight rates. Logistics providers report tightening space availability across Southeast Asian gateways, with some lanes experiencing transit delays and early peak-season pricing levels.

Thailand is actively seeking to establish a fair trade relationship with the U.S., aiming to avert a potential 36% tariff scheduled for July. The Thai government has proposed measures to improve U.S. market access and prevent transshipment violations amid the changing airfreight landscape.

Strategic Recommendations for Shippers Amid Ongoing Volatility

Given the current volatility in trade policies and airfreight demand, Future Forwarding advises shippers to:

Book Early: Secure space in advance to navigate capacity constraints, especially from Southeast Asia.
Explore Alternate Routings: Consider alternative shipping routes to mitigate delays and cost increases.
Monitor Tariff Developments: Stay informed on policy changes to adjust supply chain strategies promptly.

News

Update: 20 May 2025

Air Freight Current Market Outlook 2025

Global Air Freight Demand in 2025

Pressures and Challenges

What This Means for Importers and Exporters

Looking Ahead