The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) has celebrated the achievements of young freight forwarders representing national associations at its annual World Congress.
More than 1,000 attendees at the Kuala Lumpur Congress congratulated the winner of the Young Freight Forwarder of the Year (YIFFY) Award, Bradley Davis of Canada.
TT Club, the specialist insurance provider to the international freight transport industry, has sponsored the award throughout its nineteen-year history.
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Mike Yarwood, Senior Loss Prevention Executive, TT Club, announced the winner and presented the award with a brief speech, in which he cited the important achievements in training made by FIATA and its members.
FIATA and TT Club believe that investment is needed in the development and education of young logistics professionals so that they are ready for the succession challenges facing the global industry.
The YIFFYA competition provides opportunities for all candidates, of which there were twenty-two this year, to demonstrate and develop their knowledge of the industry through the submission of a 6,000-word dissertation outlining an import and export shipment from their native country.
Four regional finalists are selected each year and are invited to attend the FIATA World Congress, providing each finalist with invaluable learning and networking opportunities.
The overall winner of the award is invited to attend two, one-week training sessions with the TT Club at one of their regional headquarters in London, New Jersey or Hong Kong as well as a year’s subscription to the International Transport Journal.
The four regional finalists for the 2017 competition were:
- Region: Africa/Middle East Tinasche Chiwanza – Zimbabwe (SFAAZ)
- Region: Americas Bradley Davis – Canada (CIFFA)
- Region: Asia/Pacific Nian Wan – China (CIFA)
- Region: Europe Nina Brose – Germany (DSLV)
The judges stressed that the dissertations this year were of a particularly high standard and the work of the entrants admirably proved the complexity of processes carried out within the global supply chain and the logistics skills employed in its service.
Dissertations focused on subjects such as the transport of Zoological Animals, Olympic Team Equipment, Agricultural Chemicals, Wine and Raw Tea, a clear example of the variety of challenges the industry is facing to provide crucial trade services.
The TT Club sponsored award is presented in recognition of operational excellence in the logistics field and was established by FIATA with the support of TT Club to encourage the development of quality training in the industry and to reward young talent with additional valuable training opportunities and enhanced visibility.
TT Club has been a sponsor of the award since its inception and remains firmly committed to the importance of individual training and development within the global freight forwarding and logistics community, which is regarded by FIATA as a strategic important cooperation.
Commenting on the quality of the work presented to the judges this year, Yarwood said: “From a highly professional and broad array of entries the YIFFY Steering Committee selected a shortlist of four regional finalists.
“These four young professionals were then asked to deliver a short presentation on their dissertation topic to the steering committee at the World Congress.
“I would like to congratulate all four finalists for their polished presentations and especially, of course to our winner Bradley Davis.
“We are pleased to be continuing our sponsorship of this unique award into 2018. Once again, we hope that the competition will prove to be successful in terms of attracting outstanding candidates from across the globe.”