The global network of freight forwarders, The Freight Club (TFC), which recently held its fourth annual conference on Langkawi Island, Malaysia, has decided to hold its next conference in Dubai.

The Langkawi meeting had as its theme 'Connections In Friendships'. Representatives of 41 freight forwarders took part including Ram Menen, director Emirates Sky Cargo, and AndrŽ Van Lancker, managing director, Atlas International Network, both of whom were guest speakers. The conference also witnessed a change in presidency with Joerg H. Gutschner, chairman of Menian Spedition AG, Frankfurt/Germany, taking over as the new president of the club.

Established in 1999, TFC has grown from strength to strength, proving to be an extremely aggressive and effective network of freight forwarders. Initially formed in response to the need of small-to-medium-sized forwarders seeking a reliable international network, it now provides its more than 90 members much more than just a global network. The organisation now serves as a platform that enables its members to tackle various industry issues from insurance, tariffs and codes of conduct, to even using their collective bargaining power to negotiate with carriers. The Freight Club also provides its members opportunities to network and explore new opportunities with reliable freight forwarders from around the world.

The Freight Club cites as an example of success the fact that 85 per cent of its founding members still remain as active members of the network. "The freight industry has witnessed the formation of numerous such networks over the years ... but the professional attitude and the general verve and enthusiasm that I witnessed at the Langkawi conference is what I think puts The Freight Club in a league of its own. They obviously have a firm foundation and the right drive to make the most of such a global network," said Menen.