Press releases

17 March 2017
Data exchange in logistics: how to enable a joined-up approach for trade and government
At the second Conference organised by TLF Overseas and CLECAT at the SITL in Paris, more than 80 participants came together to review progress and challenges on data exchange between government and business. Speakers explored and discussed the practical advantages of better exploiting available data and the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in transport and logistics efficiency: simplification, lowering costs, and a better use of resources and existing infrastructures. The EU-funded research project CORE (www.coreproject.eu) continues to test concepts whereby the same information should be reported once-only for different purposes, whilst demonstrating both the integrity of data and security of goods.
15 March 2017
FIATA and CLECAT deeply concerned about current capacity levels and service uncertainties
Capacity for maritime shipments to Asia has decreased dramatically with repercussions on rates and service. Due to higher demand and capacity managed by carriers, shippers may have to wait for weeks to ship a container. CLECAT and FIATA express their Members’ concern about this situation. The European and the Global associations of freight forwarders stress the importance of the availably of sufficient capacity to ensure the facilitation of world trade. Carriers must respect ongoing agreements and contracts. FIATA and CLECAT are open to discuss with the ocean carriers these current developments and the difficulties they are facing, but they cannot ignore their members’ concerns with the level of service.
09 March 2017
CONFIAD and CLECAT welcome the publication of CEN Standard of Customs Competency in support of professionalism and competency
CONFIAD, the Pan European Network of Customs Brokers and Customs Representatives and CLECAT, the European association of freight forwarders, transport and customs-related services have welcomed the official publication of the CEN Standard of Customs Competency for Customs Representatives.
15 February 2017
CLECAT welcomes MEPs’ push for global action on shipping emissions
CLECAT, the European association of freight forwarders, transport and customs-related services, has welcomed today’s vote in the European Parliament to tackle emissions from maritime transport. The position adopted by the Parliament on reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) would include shipping emissions in the ETS from 2023 and create a “maritime climate fund” with a share of the proceeds, in the event that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has not adopted a comparable measure.
09 February 2017
CLECAT calls on Member States to recognise the role of International Road Freight Transport as the backbone of the EU economy
Those supporting the proposals of the European Ministers for a ’Road Alliance’, promoting a single road haulage market ensuring social rights and more efficient controls, should know that some of these proposals are counter-productive to the competitiveness of European transport and logistics and would frustrate ambitions to reduce carbon emissions through an efficient transport system. CLECAT calls on governments and policy makers to take a realistic and pragmatic approach at a time when Europe needs to refrain from further protectionism which will ultimately not bring benefits to the European economy and society at large.
15 November 2016
More EU transport budget for the benefit of Europe
30 European transport associations, representing infrastructure managers, operators, local authorities, users and equipment suppliers in the maritime, inland waterways, railways, road, cycling, aviation and intermodal sectors, call on the European Parliament and the Council to approve the initial Commission proposal for the review of the Multi-Annual Financial Framework. Nonetheless, the transport sector warns that this cannot be considered sufficient to complete the Trans-European Network for Transport (TEN-T). The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) is the financial lifeline of the TEN-T network. From a CEF total budget of 31 billion euros (2.8% of the overall MFF), only EUR 2 billion are left to co-fund transport projects of high European added-value until 2020.
08 September 2016
EU businesses call for customs procedures to focus on economic growth and increased trade
20 July 2016
CLECAT welcomes holistic approach to decarbonising the transport system
CLECAT, the European association for forwarding, transport, logistics and customs services, welcomes the European Commission’s new strategy on the decarbonisation of transport, published on 20 July. Nicolette van der Jagt, CLECAT’s Director General, said: “CLECAT is glad to see the Commission pursuing a holistic approach to decarbonisation of the transport chain, taking into account low-carbon energy use, increased efficiency and innovative, intelligent management of the transport system. “Such a holistic approach should achieve a balance, offering the industry relevant alternatives without imposing a conflicting choice between costs and environmental benefits. It is vital that EU policy-makers and industry find the optimal and most efficient solutions for decarbonising transport, especially in terms of cost/benefit, so as to reduce transport’s climate footprint without harming the freight transport industry.”
21 June 2016
Railway Sector Declaration on Boosting International Rail Freight
On 21 June, the rail sector and its customers, represented by CLECAT, CER, EIM, ERFA, ERTMS Users Group, ESC, UIP, UIRR, and UNIFE, and supported by the Rail Freight Corridors, presented a declaration at the TEN-T Days in Rotterdam, committing themselves to the aim of enhancing the competitiveness of the Rail Freight Corridors for the benefit of all customers, and to improving the quality, reliability and efficiency of transporting goods by rail across Europe.
22 April 2016
CLECAT, ESC, FEPORT and EPSO call for coordination on container weighing
CLECAT, along with the ESC, FEPORT and ESPO, has called on EU Member States to pursue coordinated action for implementing the SOLAS container weighing amendment, particularly with regard to tolerance levels and the certification of shippers approved to issue verified weight certificates.