IIFA is the sole representative body and official voice of Freight Forwarding* in Ireland. Established in 1962, it has 100 members who between them employ more than 3,000 people and handle more than 90% of Ireland's €148 billion international merchandise trade.
Through its membership of the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) and Trade Facilitation Ireland (TFI) the association participates in discussions on local issues affecting international trade.
Representation at international level is conducted through IIFA's membership of FIATA - The International Federation of Freight Forwarders' Associations.
Described by FIATA as the 'Architect of Transport', the Freight Forwarder acts as professional intermediary between the client and the transportation services utilised, and has the specialist knowledge and expertise needed for the consolidation, storage, handling, packing, and distribution of physical merchandise.
The Freight Forwarder will also service the client's ancillary requirements, including customs clearance, duty payment, and documentary credit arrangements.
The association's overall aim is to ensure that the concerns of members and their clients are heard and acted upon, thus ensuring that the flow of physical trade between Ireland and the rest of the world is as efficient and cost-effective as possible.
IIFA is aware of the strategic importance of its role in a country where 82% of manufacturing output is exported, much of it by the 1,000+ overseas companies that have located here. The association is pledged to raising the professionalism of the Freight Forwarding sector in Ireland through its educational and representative roles; and by fostering the highest ethical standards among its membership.
Freight Forwarding in recent years has undergone a massive transformation in response to the demands and opportunities presented by technology and globalisation. Logistical services, modern information and communications technologies, and total supply chain management are integral to a modern service sector now very far removed from its traditional image of warehouses and docks.
The Freight Forwarder's role will continue to evolve with technology and trade. Already, some local companies are providing services to clients in other countries. In the years ahead, it is anticipated that freight forwarding will develop as a valuable export service in its own right.
*Freight Forwarding is often confused with road haulage, shipping, or air cargo. While it is professionally involved with all of these, Freight Forwarding is a distinct service in its own right, dedicated to the efficient movement of physical trade across international borders.
Freight Forwarding* is the business of deciding the best modes and methods for moving specific goods according to a specific requirement, on a worldwide scale. The Freight Forwarder has often been described as a travel agent for cargo, however they are more widely known as the "Architect of Transport".
In the same way that an architect is employed to design and supervise the building of a house, the freight forwarder advises his client (manufacturers, exporters) on the best available options for the movement of his cargo. Advice is given regarding appropriate methods to physically transport the goods (via land, sea or air) and also specialist considerations regarding consolidation, storage, handling, packing, and distribution unique to different cargo types. Forwarders are also familiar with the import rules and regulations of foreign countries and the necessary documents related to foreign trade. The Forwarder then takes instructions from the client based on that advice and knowledge to oversee the performance of the various carriers involved in moving cargo to the end consumer.
The Freight Forwarder will also service the client's additional requirements, including customs clearance, duty payment, and documentary credit arrangements. Through the need of finding suitable quotes for his client the Freight Forwarder would have strong connections and relationships with carriers and service providers of all kinds. These relationships, coupled with their own knowledge of the industry, enable Freight Forwarders to save their client much time and avoid potential hazards by offering the best advice and securing a rate suitable to each client's unique needs.
Freight Forwarding may have once conjured up images of men clad in overalls working on the docks, however today Freight Forwarders are highly educated individuals with the necessary knowledge to safety transport goods across international borders. They are proficient with the latest information technology enabling them to track shipments across the globe in order to safely reach their destination.
*Excert from IIFA FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding - Module 1
