MBE for FTA director

The Freight Transport Association’s Chris Welsh has been awarded the MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list for services to shippers and the shipping industry.

Welsh has played a leading role in the representation of UK freight shippers to the European Union and global organisations for over 30 years and in bringing shipper representatives together from across the world, giving voice to their collective concerns regarding the safe, efficient and sustainable movement of global freight.  In June 2011 he became the first secretary general of the Global Shippers’ Forum.

David Wells, FTA’s chief executive, said: “This much deserved award recognises the hard work and tireless effort Chris has devoted over many years on behalf of shippers in order to make sure their voice is heard.  It is welcome recognition of the importance of the freight customer’s voice in maritime and air cargo matters – not just the providers of services.”

Chris Welsh said: “I am both thrilled and proud to have received this honour for services to shippers and the shipping industry.  I would like to thank my colleagues, both present and past, in FTA and elsewhere who have given me so much support and encouragement in my work on behalf of shippers.”

As FTA’s director of Global & European Policy, Chris Welsh is responsible for the Association’s shipper and international policy operations and provides advice to members and non-members alike in order to improve their international trading performance.