Shippers call for tariff reforms
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THE AIRFREIGHT tariff system is now so complex that i almost defies interpretation, says the British Shippers' Coun cil (part of the Freight Transport Association).
So the British Shippers' Council is now suggesting a simplification towards a four-tier system based on: ;II Priority express service for small consignments: ICI Pre-booked reliable schedule departure service; Deferred, unbooked, offpeak or fill-up service; Negotiable part-charter service for shippers.
"The structure of airfreight is such that the majority of shippers are committed to the use of forwarders and consolidation services. The restricted nature of these services does not match up to the level of service provided by airlines," says the British Shippers' Council.
"Airlines should encourage shippers to look more closely at airfreight to avoid the possibility of agents promoting only those services which they see as financially beneficial to themselves."
The British Shippers' Council which became part of the FTA at the beginning of last year, intends to initiate talks with
airlines, shippers and for warders with a view to securinc an airfreight policy acceptable tc all spheres of British interest. I. wants an end to IATA rate fixing
These points are all include( in a paper "Air Cargo — A Nev Approach", which has beer submitted to the Civil Aviator Authority.
The advent of wide-bodieo aircraft, says the BSC, has led to a massive increase in availablo cargo capacity. However, thi capacity has yet to be proper!, utilised and both aiiiines an customers have been slow ti appreciate the potential of usino air transport to move bulk ship ments of up to ten tons.
The British Shippers' Counc believes that the IATA airlin, rate fixing procedures are ni longer relevant to today's cor ditions and that airlines shoul, be encouraged or even directei to disband them.
Rate fixing, it says, support the inefficient, eliminates corn petition and enables those witl vested interests to hold bac true commercial development