The Australian Federation of International Forwarders (AFIF) has decided to shore up its compliance systems after recent airfreight price-fixing action against airlines, including Australian flag carrier Qantas. AFIF's board of directors discussed these issues, including anti-trust, during aspecial meeting earlier last month.

A major issue identified in a briefing by Sydney-based law firm Blake Dawson to the AFIF board, was the hair-trigger nature of actions that could prompt a probe by authorities, AFIF chief executive Brian Lovell said.

"We have received a detailed briefing on Trade Practice issues to ensure AFIF does not contravene the TPA guidelines at its own meetings and conferences," Lovell added.

AFIF will stage a series of workshops to explain the Trade Practices Act (TPA) in relation to industry competition. The first briefing session was held in Sydney last month and this will be followed by sessions in each capital city.

AFIF will use the seminars to also advise members on the new IATA Airwaybill conditions; correct invoicing procedures; and update the industry on Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Act 2006 and its relevance to industry.

New Zealand's freight forwarding industry, which last year saw some significant developments impacting on the industry, can expect more of the same in 2008, the president of the Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Federation ofNew Zealand, Willie van Heusden, said.

In a preview of 2008, van Heusden noted that increased diesel charges, Government changes to the road user charge system and fuel taxation, hit hard last year.

"Buying road usage for diesel trucks in advance rather than paying tax at the pumps proved complex, leading to high administration costs and wastages in the system," van Heusden pointed out, adding that Road Transport Forum New Zealand estimates this waste could be up to $100 million a year and is lobbying for the system to be replaced with a fuel tax.

Another development, the Ports of Auckland Vehicle Booking System trial, was a major talking point. "Having been hailed a success by PoA - although greeted with a mixed response from port customers - we may see other ports following suit this year."

Van Heusden also said that investigations into price fixing by airlines, with several paying substantial fines, had aknock-on effect for forwarders.

"With others under investigation internationally, this will continue to be an issue. Th ere is a feeling that industry friends can no longer talk openly and several multinationals have put restrictions on industry body commitments," he noted. Costs of essential increased security measures will continue to impact, including introduction of Rule 109, the certification process for air cargo agents handling cargo or mail for carriage on international passenger flights.

Th e CBAFF executive listed as a positive upcoming change, the IATA e-freight industry wide programme, which has been undergoing trial, with full industry implementation hoped for by 2010.

On the other hand, New Zealand featured in international headlines regarding air miles. "Th e carbon footprint will continue to be a dominant theme. However, research has shown that sustainability of New Zealand farming more than off sets the environmental impact of shipping goods by sea."

The Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand said that trade assistant Olivia Kinnane has become only the second female winner of the Singapore Airlines Cargo-CBAFFYoung Achiever of the Year title.

Olivia, 21, who works for the Christchurch office of Oceanbridge, won the award in the face of strong competition and a record number of entries. CBAFF president Willie van Heusden said the excellent quality of entries and Olivia's success was a very positive sign in the face of international skills shortages and he hoped it would encourage other female school leavers and graduates to enter what remains a largely male-dominated industry.

Olivia's prize includes a trip to Singapore, courtesy of award sponsor Singapore Airlines, where she will meet with international experts and view an airport and seaport in action. She will also speak at the 2008 annual CBAFF conference.

Olivia's win also secures her entry into the FIATA Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year competition.