Dublin Exclusive—“I like serving as part of the executive board of FIATA,” said Marc Bibeau, Director of CIFFA National Board and now FIATA Vice President.
   “The camaraderie of having some really good guest speakers and some trend information at the same time, and having the opportunity to be involved with the global community as far as our associations are concerned, is quite invigorating for me.
   “Seeing where the industry is going and what we should be focused on as forwarders—specifically e-com fulfillment, the Omnichannel, plus the visibility we need to stay relevant today are frontline topics—challenge us to make our business better.
   “Big data is the game changer. People want visibility, [and] they want access to information.
   “If you see what e-com did to retail, there is no doubt that everyone wants the total information package when it comes to tracking their shipment.”
   Speaking of the recently announced accord between IATA and FIATA that will see Canada as the test market for the initiative, Marc declared:
   “As part of the team that helped drive this historic new relationship, my view is this is a positive step forward.
   “There is still a lot of work to do.
   “For example, the handbook is going through its final review.
   “But history is being made at FIATA as this agreement was signed.
   “This collaborative approach will empower us to transform the shipping industry for the better.
   “Moving forward, a representative IATA/FIATA governance board in place that has an equal say and position will have major impact when it comes time to change, innovate, or think outside the box.
   “This agreement will drive change that is going to be a lot more dynamic for the industry as a whole; for both IATA and FIATA as well,” Marc Bibeau said.
Geoffrey/Sabiha

Vol. 15 No. 78
Next Stop Kuala Lumpur
IATA & FIATA Sign Historic Accord
Help Haiti
Chuckles for October 10, 2016