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AFIF MEMBERS SUMMARY BULLETIN
JUNE 2007

Dear Firstname,

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:: ARTICLES

Note: Check out the AFIF Website for Latest Industry Info !

Just a reminder that our website www.afif.asn.au is updated daily with new items added to our front page and archived in relevant News Folders. So please check for the latest info regularly ! Can't find it? Use the 'FIND' facility above the Globe picture on RH side of Home page
 
 

AIRFREIGHT

Qantas Proposed Second Freight Terminal
AFIF and the CBFCA met recently with Qantas Senior Management regarding the proposed start up of Qantas Sydney Freight Terminal No. 2. The group worked through some of the detailed operational and liability issues. The outcomes will be checked, summarised and distributed to members in due course.
 
IATA Resolution 600B (Air Waybill Changes)
Further to discussion at the Global IATA Cargo Summit in Mexico City in March, final draft changes have been approved to certain clauses on the IATA air waybill and subject to relevant Government approvals, will be implemented in the near future. The changes include clarification of clause 4 and the interpretation of the limitation of the liability in regard to the equivalent value of 250 French Gold Francs (17 Special Drawing Rights (SDR's)).
 
Please click here to view the proposed changes
 
European Commission Report on Developments in the Air Transport Market

The European Commission has published its report on developments in the air transport market in the 1st quarter of 2007, updating the following issues:

Highlights and key developments; scheduled capacity; air traffic; airports; aircraft and manufacturers.

Please click here to view the report

Further information may be retrieved at the following link: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air_portal/
 
Air Services Negotiations

The following information from DOTARS indicates recent bi-lateral International Air Services Negotiation outcomes which may be of interest to some of our members:

1. The Deputy Prime Ministerand Minister for Transport and Regional Services, the Hon Mark Vaile MP, announced on 12 April 2007 the results of air services negotiations held with Spain and Croatia. Mr Vaile's media release is available here: http://www.ministers.dotars.gov.au/mv/releases/2007/April/062MV_2007.htm

 
IATA Global Cargo Committee E-freight & MIP Update

Please click on the following link to view the progress on the IATA E-freight and related Message Improvement Programs
http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/2007/news/24May07DiscussionAgreedActions.pdf

 

SECURITY

Aircargo Security Declarations

As per the bulletin issued by AFIF on 1st June, some air cargo terminal operators (CTOs) have advised that security declarations are not always being completed accurately by export freight forwarders. AFIF recommends that this area of the business is supervised stringently so as to avoid potential penalties when compliance audits are conducted by DOTARS. Please click here to view the bulletin

Aircargo Security and a single Government policy

Further to our Bulletin of May 9 regarding the Budget boost for transport security, we would like to advise that industry has been actively involved in the Customs Cargo Processing Executive Steering Committee and as part of this group has been advocating the 'single-window' to Government concept.

The Chairman of AFIF would like to share some opinion with the members:

The Transport Security Budget Boost is most welcomed by Industry and we trust will enhance existing programs.

It should increase the emphasis on Government to combine border security programs imposed by DOTARS, Customs, Quarantine and any other related Government initiatives to a single policy on security.

AFIF and the CBFCA, as representatives of the interest of our Industry, are actively involved in the processof shaping policy.

The importance of these processes was highlighted recently by the US authorities releasing the requirements fora staged introduction whereby all packagesare to be
x-rayed at the point of loading onto an aircraft.

Members can appreciate that such measures will have impact on the core of ourairfreight business. Not surprisingly, it prompted an outgoing senior official of the US Homeland Securityorganisation to remark that the terrorists would have won by grinding down trade.
 
Our industry representatives will continue to strongly represent the view that security requires checks and balances along thewhole chain and will advocate thefour tiered /shared responsibility solution.

In summary:

  • Known Shipper. Shipper to comply with awareness and cooperation with mandatory requirements of supply chain security
  • Accredited Cargo Agent (ACA). Awareness and compliance regime for transport operators and intermediaries between shipper and forwarder / airline
  • Regulated Air Cargo Agent (RACA). Processes in place to check and record ID; screen documents, withhold security info; be vigilant and maintain accurate records. X-Ray an option.
  • Airline Cargo Terminal Operation (CTO): Final security check, able to x-ray individual packages or utilise explosive trace detection equipment and use of sniffer dogs.

AFIF consider that it is vital that the role of the forwarder to provide bulk cargo shipments must not be compromised by seemingly stringent but increasingly impractical measures as far as business is concerned.

 

SEAFREIGHT

'IPART' Review NSW Government Submissions due to Close
The Independent Pricing and Review Tribunal (IPART) looking into the stevedoring and port operation in NSW will draw to a close in the near future. AFIF is heavily involved in this project through various sub-committee work including the Sydney Ports User Group and CLAG (Container Logistics Action Group). AFIF has supported these groups and as reported previously, have also assisted CLAG financially to develop a detailed submission to the review, which encompasses all parties in the forwarding, broking and transport chain.
 

New Letter of Credit Rules (UCP 600) JULY 1, 2007

For many years the question of when abill of lading will be acceptable for the purpose of the international banking system has been governed by rules produced by the International Chamber of Commerce, the rules being called The Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits ("UCP"). The version currently in force is UCP 500. Article 30 of UCP 500 allows for the use, in letter of credit transactions, of bills of lading issued by freight forwarders if signed by the freight forwarder "as carrier or multimodal transport operator" or signed by the freight forwarder "as a named agent for or on behalf of the carrier or multimodal transport operator". The problems with article 30 have been addressed in new rules (UCP 600) that come into force on 1 July 2007. Along with other changes, article 30 has been deleted in its entirety and has not been replaced.
 
Pleases click here to view full article as produced by Pauline Barratt from leading NZ transport Law firm Jones Fee: http://www.afif.asn.au/pdf/2007/news/April_Marine.pdf
The Australian Institute of Export are currently presenting seminars in every major capital city on this subject and have just released dates for Sydney in July. This information is posted on our website under events and please click here to view
 

GENERAL ISSUES

FIATA World Congress - Dubai October 18 - 21, 2007
AFIF will soon receive brochures for the forthcoming FIATA World Congress to be held in Dubai. Members interested in attending should contact the AFIF Secretariat for a registration brochure. In the meantime, the joint AFIF / CBFCA umbrella organisation FIFCBA - the member of FIATA, has renominated Barry Vining to stand for election as Vice President for the Asia Pacific region to join the extended Board. Also of note, FIFCBA is bidding to host the FIATA World Congress in Australia in 2010. AFIF has been working on this project for the past two years and the Brisbane and Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureaus have lodged very strong bids which include large sponsorship from their respective State Governments. The FIATA extended Board will vote on this at the forthcoming World Congress and the aforementioned two cities will be up against Bangkok and Singapore.
 
Obituary - Ron Cesana, Cargo 2000 Manager USA

It is with much regret that we advise of the sad and untimely passing of Ron Cesana, Manager of the Cargo 2000 (C2K) project. Ron died from a sudden heart attack at the weekend. We saw him most recently at the AFIF National Conference in Cairns, Australia only two weeks ago.

Ron has for many years been the leader of the Cargo 2000 Project and just recently was part of the team responsible for ensuring that IATA E-freight and Cargo 2000 Projects work in unison for the benefit of the industry. Ron was based in the USA but has presented in many Australian and regional forums, promoting the benefits of the Cargo 2000 system. We are sure that the good work that he has been responsible for over many years will continue through his successors.

 

CUSTOMS

Alternative Cargo Reporting Model - Business Case Development
Work is progressing well on this aspect and Customs have issued the Customs Cargo Working Group with the latest proposed operation and compliance models. Senior industry reps from AFIF, CBFCA and SAL have been involved through workshops. Members will be further involved once the final draft business case is ready for wider circulation. At that time we will be encouraging industry to take a great interest in this as Government are not planning to introduce any new system without full and proper consultation and documents signed off jointly by both industry and customs.
 

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Skills for the Future Initiative

AFIF have been advised of an exciting opportunity for individuals currently employed in our industry to gain access to a grant to update or improve their skills.

The initiative named: 'Skills For the Future' will be provided by MyFreightCareer who facilitate the industry traineeship for our sector.

A$3,000 voucher is available to an individual who has not completed their HSC or an equivalent Certificate II and is over the age of 25 years, this voucher is to be used to update their skills and knowledgeand gain a nationally recognized qualification. MyFreightCareer has been accepted by the federal government as an accredited provider and will be able to provide the training and issue the qualifications under a cost neutral program.

The relevant courses can also be beneficial for member companies wanting toup- skill' their current employees with current Industry practices. This can be achieved through specific tailoring and can be delivered on or off-site for group individual sessions.

MyFreightCareer is a nationally endorsed Registered Training Organisation (RTO) offering the delivery of the following national qualifications within the 'Skills for The Future' initiative.

TDT 21102 - Transport and Distribution (Administration) Certificate II
TDT 20102 - Transport and Distribution (Warehouse and Storage) Certificate II
 
If you would like more information, contact MyFreightCareer 'Skills for the Future'
on 1300 881 075 or email: mail@myfreightcareer.com.au
 
Check out more information at the website:http://www.myfreightcareer.com.au/.
Click on:http://www.myfreightcareer.com.au/skills.php
 
We believe this to be a great opportunity for our member companies and their staff !
 
 

ACCOMMODATION & TRAVEL

A Great Deal from TATS - Fijian Cruise
Members who attended the AFIF National Conference in Cairns would remember the brilliant comedy routine performed by Kevin Millard of TATS. That company has once again come up with another great deal for AFIF members and for the first time have been able to include a fantastic Fijian cruise.
 
Please click here to view
 
Other Accommodation and Travel Deals
Please click here to go to the relevant information at our Website: http://www.afif.asn.au/news_travelhotels.asp
 
Check out the AFIF Website for Latest Industry Info !

Just a reminder that our website is updated daily, with new items added to our front page and archived in relevant News Folder. So please check for the latest info regularly !

 

:: EVENTS

AFIF National Conference - Cairns - May 24, 25

The feedback to date indicates that most participants enjoyed the overall conference, the benefits derived from the program content and the networking and social functions.

It was a little disappointing that Michael Carmody, the CEO of Customs had to be called away at short notice to the Senate Estimates hearings, however it is an essential part of his role that he attend those and Gail Batman, the NSW Regional director for Customs, delivered his presentation most proficiently. Whilst recognising the mistakes of the recent past the presentation spent some time dealing with the more positive aspects of the immediate future, particularly the development of the business case for the 'Alternative Cargo Reporting Model', which AFIF is heavily involved in.

Another undoubted highlight of the conference were the two presentations from
Jonah Nadar, author; business and leadership strategist; and covered the subject of security and work life balance. These two presentations gave delegates a great insight and much information to utilise in their business and some progressive ideas to take away.

We will shortly be issuing a newsletter including photographs and copies of speaker presentations, through our normal distribution channels, the media and the AFIF Conference website pages. Next year we will return to the Gold Coast, a very popular location for AFIF conferences in the past. See you there!

 

:: AFIF TRAINING

2007 Training Bulletin

JUNE

Book early to avoid disappointment!

International Air Cargo Security

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

SYDNEY
14
25

18
7
14

12

3

MELBOURNE
5
25

9

27
11
25

BRISBANE
6
26

30

11

ADELAIDE
19

21

28

International Air Cargo Security Awareness

JUNE

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

SYDNEY

 

17

MELBOURNE

 

BRISBANE

 

5

ADELAIDE

 

24

Dangerous Goods Acceptance (Air)

JUNE

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

SYDNEY
19-21

10-12

20-22

17-19
8-10
29-31

MELBOURNE

 

2-4

6-8

24-26

22-24

BRISBANE

 

3-5

27-29

8-10

ADELAIDE

 

24-26

24-26

PERTH

 

29-31

Dangerous Goods Re-Certification

JUNE

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

SYDNEY
13
27

9
31

13

11
4
16

MELBOURNE
4

17

20

10

9

BRISBANE
5

31

4

16

ADELAIDE

 

22

27

For immediate confirmation, book all your AFIF training
on-line via our website at http://www.afif.asn.au/

For any enquiries please do not hesitate to contact Jodie Murray the
Training Administrator at training@afif.asn.au

AFIF reserves the right to cancel courses and/or alter course dates in order to suit demand. Those who would be affected by cancellation or course date changes will be entitled to a full refund or a position on the next available course.