The Global Shippers Forum (GSF) representing shipper organizations from across the globe has talem action in Leipzig, Germany to reconstitute and restructure itself into a formal organization that will serve to represent freight shippers on key international issues before national governments and international bodies. The National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) is a founding member of the GSF and will serve on its new Board of Directors.

The GSF will transition from an informal alliance of shippers into an incorporated organization under the laws of the United Kingdom. NITL President Bruce Carlton will serve on the GSF Board along with James Hookham, managing director of policy and communications for the UK Freight Transport Association (FTA); Bob Ballantyne, president of the Canadian Industrial Transportation Association (CITA); and, John Lu, chairman of the Asian Shippers Council (ASC).

The FTA's Hookham said "GSF members are firmly pledged to sustaining the highest levels of safety and security in freight transport, and advancing environmental sustainability in this vital industry. Shippers bring extraordinary knowledge and experience to the international dialogue on these and other issues, and we look forward to continuing our partnerships with carriers and the international organizations that set the rules for all."

Ballantyne noted that "Each of the GSF member associations has its own unique history, purpose and mission and is well known and established in its respective geographic area. As members of the GSF we will be squarely focused on global ocean, air freight and trade procedural matters. National and international laws and regulations governing transportation have evolved considerably over the past several decades, but important issues remain to be resolved."

Lu said "The GSF has a special interest in competitive ocean freight transportation. We of course endorsed the EU's termination of their block exemption of the shipping industry from their competition laws, and we seek similar action in Asia and the United States. In fact, freely competitive markets in all modes of transport are at the top of our agenda."

Carlton concluded "the bottom line for the GSF is in fact the bottom line: shippers pay the bill in all modes of transportation. Decisions made by carriers, governments, and international and intergovernmental organizations on the environment, safety, security and underlying competitive framework will have a direct impact on shippers balance sheets and income statements. We represent good corporate citizens dedicated to performing according to industry's best practices, with informed and appropriate regulation and minimal direct government intervention. The best way to achieve these outcomes is freely competitive markets, for carriers and shippers alike."

GSF Secretary General Chris Welsh said "With this reorganization of the GSF as a not-for -profit corporation the first order of business will be to seek recognition and accreditation as a "non-governmental organization" (NGO). With international NGO status, we will be able to more fully participate in the key international bodies where decisions are taken which impact shippers everywhere."