Global Shippers’ Forum seeks NGO status

Global Shippers’ Forum seeks NGO status    The Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF), an alliance of national and regional organizations representing shippers, said it is taking steps to become a “better organized, coordinated and consistent global voice for shippers on key issues impacting global transport.”
   In an announcement made at the conclusion of the International Transport Forum in Leipzig, Germany, GSF said it has been incorporated under the laws of the United Kingdom as a not-for-profit corporation.
   “Our first order of business will be to seek recognition and accreditation as a non-governmental organization,” said Chris Welsh, GSF’s secretary general. “With international NGO status in hand we will be able to more fully participate in the key international bodies where decisions are taken which impact shippers everywhere.”
   He specifically mentioned the International Maritime Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, International Labor Organization and World Customs Organization.
   The Global Shippers Forum also said it has elected Bob Ballantyne, president of the Canadian Industrial Transportation Association, as the first chairman of the newly incorporated global body.
   “Our goal is to promote a safe, secure and competitive freight transportation system that will enhance global trade and prosperity,” Ballantyne said.

Lu

   Founding board members of the GSF, besides Ballantyne, are:
   ' James Hookham, managing director of policy and communications of the U.K. Freight Transport Association.
   ' John Lu, chairman of the Asian Shippers' Council.
   ' Bruce Carlton, president and chief executive officer of the National Industrial Transportation League.

Carlton

   “The 'bottom line' for the GSF is in fact the bottom line: shippers pay the bill in all modes of transportation,” Carlton said. “Decisions made by carriers, governments, and international and intergovernmental organizations on the environment, safety, security and underlying competitive framework will have a direct impact on shippers' balance sheets and income statements.
   “We represent good corporate citizens dedicated to performing according to industry's best practices, with informed and appropriate regulation and minimal direct government intervention,' he said. 'The best way to achieve these outcomes is freely competitive markets, for carriers and shippers alike.'
   The NIT League will host the GSF’s annual meeting in Atlanta on Nov. 15-17.
   The GSF was created in 2006 as the successor to the Tripartite Shippers' Group, first organized in 1994. Like the tripartite group the GSF has represented the interests of shippers from Asia, Europe, North America, Africa and Oceana. ' Chris Dupin