Record Number of First Time Entrants for BIFA Freight Service Awards

London, United Kingdom, November 07, 2009 --(PR.com)-- From this number, a ‘magnificent seven’ first time entrants have made it to the shortlist of 30 finalists comprising 27 different (BIFA member) companies.

Peter Quantrill, Director General of BIFA, said: “This strong interest further cements the Awards’ position as the most widely respected and sought-after affirmation of quality in the UK forwarding industry.

"I applaud all those companies that have taken the time and effort to put themselves forward for an Award, and congratulate all those that have made the finalists shortlist. I encourage those that have not succeeded in becoming finalists to try again next year.

“In these difficult times, we were a little worried that companies might decide they could not afford the time to enter the competition. Therefore, it is both pleasing and encouraging that so many members of the UK forwarding fraternity took the trouble to enter.”

The seven first-time entrant finalists are: Activair (UK); Bellville Rodair International Ltd; Eagle Cargo Services; NNR Global Logistics UK Ltd; TR Logistics Group; Gist Ltd; and Pantos Logistics (UK) Ltd.

The companies that have reached the final shortlist in the eight main award categories are as follows:

Air Freight Award, sponsored by British Airways World Cargo:
Activair (UK); Chaucer Freight Ltd

European Logistics Award, sponsored by TT Club:
Dachser Ltd; DSV Road; GEFCO UK Ltd; W.E. Deane Ltd

Ocean Freight Award, sponsored by CargoWise edi:
Eagle Cargo Services Ltd; Ideal Forwarding Ltd; PFE Express Ltd; Woodland International Transport Co Ltd

Project Forwarding Award, sponsored by BBC Chartering:
Asco Freight Management Ltd; Brendon International Ltd; Panalpina World Transport Ltd; RIF Worldwide

Special Services Award, sponsored by Forward Computers:
Belville Rodair International Ltd; NNR Global Logistics UK Ltd; TR Logistics Group; Woodland International Transport Co Ltd

Staff Development Award, sponsored by Albacore Systems:
Gist Ltd; GKN Freight Services Ltd; Schenker Ltd; World Transport Agency

Supply Chain Management Award, sponsored by BoxTop Technologies:
Allport; NYK Group Europe; Pantos Logistics (UK) Ltd; Seawing Landguard International Ltd

Young Freight Forwarder Award, sponsored by Johnson Stevens Agencies:
Sharon Brough – Seko Synergy Scotland Ltd; James Crosby – Damco UK Ltd; Samantha Mitchell – World Transport Agency Ltd; Michael Walton – Schenker Ltd

This year sees the start of the third decade of the BIFA Awards which will be hosted by author, broadcaster and wit, Mrs Frances Edmonds. Frances has long entertained cricket fans and those unfamiliar with the thwack of willow against leather with her writings and television appearances. She was voted Britain’s most entertaining female after-dinner speaker in a recent survey by The Times.

The award winners will be announced at the BIFA Annual Lunch and Awards Ceremony to be held at The Brewery, Chiswell Street, London EC1 on Thursday 21st January 2010.

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Note to editors:

About the Awards:
The BIFA Freight Service Awards have been running for more than 20 years, and the ceremony has been held at the Brewery in Chiswell Street, London, since their inception in 1989. A carefully selected judging panel, consisting of sponsors and independent industry specialists, ultimately determines the winners.