Kevin Keegan, this year’s host, has revealed the winners of the annual BIFA Freight Service Awards and expressed his delight for those crowned as champions in the various categories.
He said that all the winners demonstrated total commitment to both the industry and driving change: two characteristics that epitomise Keegan’s long-lasting impact on the world of football and his enthusiasm for the sport.
Many exceptional entries were submitted for the 2022 Freight Service Awards, with the ceremony presentation and luncheon once again taking place at The Brewery in London and attracting a record- breaking audience of over 550; raising over £3500 for international development charity Transaid.
For the Air Cargo Services category, sponsored by IAG Cargo, Noatum Logistics came out on top, beating fellow finalists Deugro (UK), GEODIS Freight Forwarding UK, and Mandarin Global Logistics.
Whilst Brunel European, Ewals Cargo Care, and NNR Global Logistics were all shortlisted as finalists for the European Logistics award, sponsored by TT Club, it was Westbound Logistics that triumphed.
Uniserve Group was named the winner in the Ocean Services category, sponsored by Port Express, surpassing fellow finalists DG International Group, Ligentia UK, and Mapcargo International.
Awarded first place in the Cool & Special Cargoes category, sponsored by American Airlines Cargo, was JCS Livestock, which went head-to-head with fellow finalist Seafast Cold-Chain.
Winner of the Extra Mile Award, sponsored by Descartes, was Anchor Freight, which overcame strong competition from fellow finalists Coyote Logistics UK, Deugro (UK), and Unsworth UK.
Deugro (UK) emerged victorious in the Project Forwarding category, sponsored by Macbeth incorporating Peter Lole Insurance Brokers, with fellow shortlisted finalists being John Good Logistics, Ucargo LLP, and Wallis Shipping Services.
In the category of Specialist Services, sponsored by Thyme-IT, the winner was Seafast Logistics, whilst the finalists also included Channelports, Freight Logistics Solutions, and Ucargo LLP.
In the Staff Development category, with Albacore Systems returning as sponsor, GEODIS Freight Forwarding was crowned this year’s winner, with other finalists in this category being LV Shipping, Uniserve Group, and Speedy Freight, which was highly commended by the judging panel.
Killick Martin & Co secured first place in the Supply Chain Management category, sponsored by BoxTop Technologies. It came up against strong challenges from fellow finalists B&H Worldwide, Freight Logistics Solutions, and Ligentia UK.
Thomas Low (OIA Global) impressed the judges with his initiative and drive which secured him victory in the Apprentice of the Year category, sponsored by Seetec Outsource.
Other shortlisted finalists were Cameron Smith (Ligentia UK), Elliot Haldane (GEODIS Freight Forwarding UK), Jacob Kennerley (Cargo Overseas), Joel Amado (Aramex UK), and Kelly Bell (John Good Logistics), who received special recognition from the judges for her outstanding attitude.
Young Freight Forwarder of the Year, sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Cargo, was awarded to Thomas Frost (GEODIS Freight Forwarding) who impressed the judges with his ambition to make a difference within the industry.
Fellow finalists were Dalya Henry (ITD Global), Kyle Lawrence (OIA Global), Jordan Prangnell (Ligentia UK), Cheryl Sullivan (Ucargo Pacific Logistics), and Jenna Speed (Kuehne + Nagel) who also received special recognition from the judges for her enthusiasm and passion for the industry.
Newly appointed BIFA Director General, Steve Parker commented:
“Now in their 34th year, the Freight Service Awards provide the perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate excellence within the sector and it was a pleasure to participate in something that is so highly regarded throughout the industry.
“BIFA thanks the Members that submitted their entries to us, all of which were of very high quality, making the judging process very difficult. I would like to offer my congratulations to everybody who won an award and those who were shortlisted - the array of talent from everybody was exceptional.
“I would also like to recognise the support and contribution of the sponsors to the running of the competition. Representatives from each category’s sponsor have been generous enough to give their time to conduct the judging and selection process for each award.”
