About us
GSF is the global trade body that speaks up for and advises shippers and cargo owners in the conduct of international trade.
Who we are
GSF is the global trade body that speaks up for and advises shippers and cargo owners in the conduct of international trade.
Any business that arranges for the import and export of their goods by land, sea or air is a shipper. Shippers organise the flow of goods from country of manufacture or production to the country of consumption or use. They contract with shipping lines, airlines and road and rail hauliers to deliver their goods at pre-determined times and places so that their customers are able to further use or sell them.
Shippers make international trade happen. Shippers typically include manufacturers, producers, retailers, wholesalers, and traders buying and selling goods between countries.
GSF supports shippers in the essential role they perform in national economies and work to make international trade and transport safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable.
Contact usWhat we do
Representation
GSF represents the collective views of shippers to international governmental bodies and other global organisations. We participate in meetings of international bodies and offer opinion and advice on issues that affect the way shippers do their job.
Information
GSF provides its members with exclusive briefings and advice derived from our engagement with other organisations and on the Secretariat’s knowledge and experience of international trade and logistics.
Networking
GSF also provides a platform for businesses professionals organising the transport of goods to work together, learn from each other and find a common voice on issues that affect them.
How we do it
GSF is a not-for-profit company incorporated in the United Kingdom and is owned and governed by its members. Members pay an annual membership fee to support the operating costs of the organisation and GSF files annual financial reports with Companies House in accordance with the applicable UK Companies Acts. The GSF Secretariat is based in the South East of England and conducts the activities of GSF. This includes regular meetings of members to oversee the governance of the organisation, determine GSF policy positions and advise the Secretariat.
Our mission
GSF works to deliver the agreed outcomes its members want to make international trade and transport safe, competitively efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
The values that guide our work:
We are guided by evidence and facts and rely on data and original research to support our positions and representations. We respect the views of others and their right to be heard. In return we ask for an equal opportunity to make our case and have it judged on its merits. We are transparent in our activities and are open to scrutiny.
Our members have access to the Secretariat and are able to participate in how decisions are made. We rely solely on the strength of our arguments and the quality of our advocacy to obtain the outcomes we seek. We do not influence decision-makers through any other means. We are owned and governed by our members and are ultimately accountable to them in the conduct of our activities.
Memberships & network
GSF’s membership comprises national shippers’ associations in over 25 countries. Each of these represents importing and exporting businesses managing the movement of their goods with airlines, shipping lines and road and rail operators, forwarders, ports and terminals, and customs brokers.
Connections & influence
GSF engages with numerous international governmental bodies and other global business organisations as part of its mission to represent the views of shippers. GSF works to ensure the views and needs of shippers are understood and acted upon when decisions are being made about the way international trade and transport is regulated and conducted.
Get in touch
For interviews and comment contact James Hookham, Director,
jhookham@globalshippersforum.com; +44 78 18 450 440
Find us: Unit A, Farriers Courtyard
Spelmonden Road, Goudhurst
Cranbrook TN17 1HE
