FIATA and ICHCA strengthen collaboration

FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations and the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reinforce collaboration between the two organizations. A signing ceremony took place online today and was attended by FIATA and ICHCA representatives, as well as respective members.

FIATA represents the freight forwarding industry by advocating trade facilitation policies and promoting best practices in the supply chain to speak with a unified voice in support of freight forwarding associations and logistics companies. ICHCA is dedicated to improving the safety, security, sustainability, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and goods movement by all modes and through all phases of national and international supply chains.

The MoU facilitates close coordination between FIATA and ICHCA to help them pursue their respective organizational goals and further mutual understanding. The MoU also creates the framework for cooperation that will enable both organizations to benefit from agreed actions and initiatives to achieve common objectives.

“Cooperation with key industry organizations is critical to the safe and efficient performance of today's increasingly complex supply chains,” said FIATA President, Basil Pietersen. “The renewal of our MoU with ICHCA provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen our collaboration and review our common goals. As we set sail into this new chapter of our partnership, I am confident that we will achieve the objectives set in this new cooperation agreement.”

The identified areas for collaboration in the MoU include the engagement of all actors in safety and security-related topics, the digitalization of the supply chain, the improvement and reinforcement of operational efficiency, and regulatory and policy developments around the world that may impact on the activities of the supply chain.

“By renewing and strengthening our MoU with FIATA, the two organizations can work more effectively in pursuing our common goals and objectives,” said ICHCA International’s Chair, John Beckett. “We remain committed to our efforts to improve safety, security and sustainability in the global logistics supply chain, especially at the ship/port interface.”

FIATA and ICHCA share a long history. Their collaboration has been ongoing for more than 25 years, with their first MoU signed in 2006. Since then, both organizations have engaged in different activities and meetings: to improve the carriage of packaged dangerous goods, elaborate and publish information material relating to carriage of dangerous goods, and take initiatives to actively influence the regulatory work at the UN.