BIFA has formed a new artificial intelligence (AI) and technology working group in response to growing interest from the trade association’s members in the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.
The UK trade association said the new working group will examine AI specifically from a freight forwarder’s perspective.
BIFA said the new working group’s remit includes identifying potential efficiency gains, assessing operational and compliance impacts, and exploring emerging risks — including cybersecurity, fraud, and data governance concerns.
Importantly, the working group, which has already had its first meeting, will also consider the legislative environment.
Current UK legislation does not clearly distinguish between AI systems and human or corporate entities, an issue that may have significant implications for freight forwarders in areas such as liability, compliance and regulatory accountability.
BIFA decided to launch the working group as AI continues to play an increasingly significant role in the way businesses operate and members have simultaneously been asking what the Association’s position is and how it plans to support the freight forwarding community in navigating changes brought about by AI.
Pawel Jarza, BIFA’s policy, compliance and external affairs director, explained: “Our members have been coming to us asking what we are going to do about AI as an association.
“This working group is essentially our response to that. We want to understand what we’re dealing with — what AI’s potential is, what the risks are, what we need to be mindful of, and what we don’t yet know.”
While still in its early stages, the initiative aims to bring together BIFA members alongside representatives from the software sector and, where possible, government stakeholders. The objective is to ensure that the freight forwarding voice is heard in wider conversations about AI policy and implementation.
The group will take a practical approach, encouraging members to focus on their own operational needs.
Jarza continued: “Freight forwarders should think about what they do, what their challenges are, and what their ambitions are.
“Then look at what’s happening in the technology space and consider whether AI tools could help deliver efficiency gains, strengthen security, or create new service offerings.”
BIFA believes AI has the potential to elevate skills across the sector. While certain routine tasks — such as basic data entry — are already becoming automated, this shift is likely to increase the need for higher-level oversight, compliance expertise and technical understanding.
As AI tools increasingly handle freight, financial and customs data, professionals will need to monitor data pipelines, validate outputs and ensure regulatory compliance.
The result, BIFA suggests, could be a more highly skilled, knowledge-driven freight forwarding workforce delivering greater value to customers.
“This is an evolving topic,” Jarza added. “We don’t yet know all the risks or all the opportunities. But by bringing members together, we can start to identify them and shape how our industry responds.”
