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Resilience. Resolution. Restoration
March 28, 2025

Geopolitics, System Fixes and Climate Optimism

At Green Leaves Logistics, we know that the world doesn’t stop turning – and neither does the global supply chain. This week’s round-up brings together three key stories affecting our industry: the growing role of geopolitics in trade, a useful customs workaround from BIFA, and some uplifting climate wins you might have missed.

Geopolitics and Trade: Highlights from FIATA’s 150th Review

The latest FIATA Review marks a major milestone – the 150th edition – and it couldn’t be more timely. This issue focuses on how global political tensions are increasingly shaping trade, security and freight operations.

One of the key takeaways is the impact of geopolitical shifts on airfreight. Air cargo, once a relatively stable element of global logistics, is now navigating rising costs, restricted airspace, and increased security concerns – especially in light of recent global conflicts and trade sanctions.

FIATA’s experts also spotlight the role of freight forwarders in maintaining secure and resilient supply chains. As routes become more complex and political unpredictability grows, forwarders are often the first to adapt, reroute, and maintain continuity for their customers.

Read the full FIATA article here

NCTS5 & British Summer Time: What You Need to Know

A very practical update from BIFA (British International Freight Association) this week – and one worth noting if you deal with the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS5).

With the clocks going forward for British Summer Time (BST), users have been experiencing problems when submitting unloading remarks in the system. The issue? NCTS5 doesn’t currently account for the BST time difference correctly, which causes rejection messages when the time entered appears to be in the future.

The good news is there’s a workaround: input your unloading remarks using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) instead of local BST. It’s not ideal, but it will keep things moving while the issue is under review.

For a full explanation and example of how to apply the fix:

Read BIFA’s official guidance

Good News for the Planet: Ecologi’s Climate Wins

In the rush of daily operations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the climate crisis. That’s why we loved this latest blog from Ecologi, who’ve put together a “Good News Timeline” that celebrates the real progress being made around the world.

From the restoration of over 90,000 hectares of forest, to major investment in green jobs and policy shifts towards renewables, the timeline offers a hopeful view of what’s working. It also highlights the collective power of small businesses and individuals in contributing to carbon reduction projects.

Green Leaves Logistics is proud to be part of a growing movement that supports action over apathy. Ecologi’s approach shows that when climate solutions are accessible, visible, and inspiring – people join in.

Take a look at the Good News Timeline

Looking Ahead: April is Earth Month

As March draws to a close, we’re getting ready to mark Earth Month throughout April – and we invite all our business partners and clients to do the same.

Whether you’re in logistics, manufacturing, retail or beyond, now’s a great time to look at the small changes that can make a big difference:

– Could you audit your supply chain for hidden carbon costs?

– Is there a more sustainable packaging solution you’ve been meaning to try?

– Are your transport partners aligned with your climate values?

– Could you tell the story of your sustainability efforts more clearly to customers?

At Green Leaves Logistics, we’ll be sharing ideas throughout April to help businesses of all sizes take meaningful climate action – with a focus on the unseen, often overlooked parts of the supply chain.

So stay tuned – and let’s make this Earth Month one of real impact.

That’s all for this week. As always, if you’d like to talk about how your business can embed sustainability into your logistics planning – get in touch.