CLECAT

CLECAT, which stands for the European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services, is a Brussels-based organization representing the interests of freight forwarders, logistics service providers, and customs agents in Europe. Established in 1958, CLECAT acts as an advocate for the sector on a wide range of issues affecting the industry, including regulatory policy, market conditions, and technological advancements.


Key Functions and Objectives:



  1. Advocacy and Lobbying:
    CLECAT works to influence European Union (EU) legislation and policies that impact freight forwarding, logistics, and customs services. The organization engages with EU institutions like the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union to ensure that the interests of its members are well represented.



  2. Policy Development:
    It helps develop policy positions on various issues, including transportation infrastructure, security, environmental sustainability, and trade facilitation. CLECAT aims to foster a regulatory environment that supports the efficient and competitive movement of goods across Europe and globally.



  3. Industry Standards and Best Practices:
    The organization promotes high standards and best practices within the industry. It provides guidelines and frameworks to help its members comply with regulatory requirements and improve their operational efficiency and service quality.



  4. Networking and Information Sharing:
    CLECAT provides a platform for its members to network, exchange information, and share best practices. This is facilitated through various forums, conferences, working groups, and task forces focused on specific aspects of the logistics and customs industry.



  5. Education and Training:
    The association offers various educational resources and training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals working in the logistics and customs sectors.




Membership:


CLECAT’s membership is composed of national freight forwarders' associations in the European Union, representing thousands of service providers. The members encompass a wide range of businesses involved in goods movement, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as large multinational corporations.


Areas of Focus:



  1. Customs and Trade Facilitation:
    The organization is deeply involved in the development and implementation of customs policies and procedures, advocating for simplified and efficient customs processes to facilitate international trade.



  2. Sustainable Logistics:
    Sustainability is a key area of focus, with CLECAT encouraging practices that reduce the environmental impact of logistics operations. This includes promoting the use of greener technologies and advocating for policies that support sustainable logistics solutions.



  3. Digitalization:
    Digital transformation is another critical area, as CLECAT supports the integration of digital tools and technologies to enhance the efficiency and transparency of supply chains.



  4. Security:
    Ensuring the security of the supply chain is a priority, with efforts directed towards improving security measures while balancing the need for smooth and efficient trade flows.




Conclusion:


CLECAT plays a vital role in shaping the policies and practices that affect the freight forwarding, transport, logistics, and customs services industries in Europe. Through its advocacy, policy development, and support of sustainable and digital initiatives, CLECAT aims to create a favorable business environment that enables its members to thrive in a competitive global market.


Products

undisclosed

BRUSSELS Belgium

Rue du Commerce 77
BRUSSELS 1040
Belgium

Maritime News

Houthis Claim Responsibility for Attack on Israeli-Linked Tanker

Houthis Claim Responsibility for Attack on Israeli-Linked Tanker

22 hours ago
Yemen's Houthis said on Monday they launched a missile towards the Israeli-owned tanker Scarlet Ray near Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port city of Yanbu in a rare attack off the Saudi coast.The Liberia-flagged vessel's Singapore-based manager, Eastern Pacific Shipping, owned by Israeli magnate Idan Ofer, said the chemical tanker was undamaged and under the command of its captain."We are aware of security reports alleging that our managed vessel Scarlet Ray was the target of a suspected Houthi attack," Eastern Pacific said in a statement on Monday, adding that all crew members were safe and accounted for.
Tanker and Bulk Carrier Collide in Malaysia

Tanker and Bulk Carrier Collide in Malaysia

yesterday
Singapore-registered tanker Marine Dynamo and a Malta-registered bulk carrier Flag Gangos have collided south of Tanah Merah in Malaysia.Both vessels are stable, following the incident that occurred in the early hours of September 1, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) informed.Light oil sheens have been sighted in the vicinity of Marine Dynamo. The Master of Marine Dynamo reported that Marine Gas Oil (MGO) used for vessel’s propulsion stored in the service tank above the waterline, had spilled as a result of the collision.MGO, which is a light fuel similar to diesel, is expected to evaporate and break down readily in the environment.
US Builds Forces in Caribbean: Why?

US Builds Forces in Caribbean: Why?

2 days ago
A large buildup of U.S. naval forces in and around the Southern Caribbean has officials in Caracas and experts in the United States asking: is the move aimed at combating drug cartels, as the Trump administration has suggested, or is it for something else entirely?Seven U.S. warships, along with one nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, are either in the region or are expected to be there soon, bringing along more than 4,500 sailors and marines.U.S. President Donald Trump has said combating drug cartels is a central goal for his administration and U.S. officials have told Reuters that the military efforts aim to address threats from those cartels.
German Shipbuilder Reportedly Eyed by Rheinmetall

German Shipbuilder Reportedly Eyed by Rheinmetall

5 days ago
European defense giant Rheinmetall has signalled interest in taking over German shipbuilder Naval Vessels Luerssen, industry sources told Reuters on Wednesday, as the Duesseldorf-based firm looks to expand into the naval business.According to the Bild newspaper, which first reported Rheinmetall's plans, the supervisory board intends to consider the purchase in the coming weeks.According to Bild, the Luerssen family, who own the shipbuilder, plan to divest its military shipyards in Hamburg, Wilhelmshaven and Wolgast to focus on building megayachts.
Maryland Pilots Get High-Speed Launch from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding

Maryland Pilots Get High-Speed Launch from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding

an hour ago
The Association of Maryland Pilots has taken delivery of its fifth Chesapeake Class launch from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation since 2002. “The Maryland Pilots have some unique features and configuration control is essential to be sure their operators can seamlessly operate all the boats in their fleet.  However, this must be balanced with new equipment and design updates, as well as, in some cases, retrofitting their existing boats. To make this happen over the span of 20 plus years requires a very high level of detail in the design and its execution,” explained Peter Duclos, president and director of business development.