The Sri Lanka Freight Forwarders’ Association had its biennial “SLFFA Members’ Nite” on Friday, 13th January 2012 at the Samudra Ballroom, Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo. 

The SLFFA Members’ Nite is a fellowship event for members of the Association to have a relaxing and enjoyable time together with their colleagues.  The event attracted a crowd of 350 staff from member companies.  Guests were entertained by the band D-Zone and there were colourful dance segments throughout the evening catered by Chandimal Fernando, which was enjoyed by all. 

This international training program was once again organized in collaboration with the Australian Federation of International Forwarders (AFIF), an IATA approved training facility, which has a wealth of experience and expertise in conducting international training programs on freight forwarding in Australia as well as in countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Both the courses were once again conducted by Mr. Bob Rogers, who has more than 30 years experience with the AFIF as a Master Trainer in Freight Forwarding.   Mr. Rogers has conducted several training programs for SLFFA members during the past several years.  Some of the training programs conducted include the Basic & Advanced Airfreight courses and the DGR programs conducted annually for the last 11 years. 

There were 33 participants registered for the Full Course while 26 registered for the Refresher course.

 SLFFA organized another Training Seminar on 12th January 2012 at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, ground floor Auditorium, conducted by the Sri Lanka Customs on the ASYCUDA WORLD program.  Due to the high demand following its previous training seminar held in November 2012 on the same subject matter, the Association organized this Seminar for the benefit of the entire Import/Export industry.

The planned total implementation of E-Manifesting and E-Cusdec submission by SLC is expected to commence from 01st February 2012.  This training program was aimed at providing in-depth knowledge of the preparation and submission of the E-Manifest and E-Cusdec to the staff who are directly involved in this particular area.

This training program attracted a participation of approximately 210 participants from over 80 leading import/export companies.

FIATA wants to inform our members about a recently launched UNESCAP publication regarding the “Guidelines for Minimum Standards and Codes of Professional Conduct for Freight Forwarders, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers and Multimodal Transport Operators”. The document will be very useful for governments and freight forwarders as it provides guidance in implementing the standards and rules for the freight forwarding industry. The Guidelines were prepared by members of the ESCAP Transport Division secretariat’s team by incorporating essential information, advice and contributions from several of our FIATA Association Members in the Region Asia Pacific and the FIATA staff. This is an excellent example of the close and successful cooperation between FIATA and UNESCAP. Both organisations have met on regular basis throughout the year starting from 2007 at the FIATA RAP Field meeting, the UNESCAP Regional Forum of Freight Forwarders and the UNESCAP Meeting of Chief Executives of National Association of Freight Forwarders, Multimodal Transport Operators and Logistics Service Providers. For more information regarding the UNESCAP document please visit: http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/Publications/TFS_pubs/FF-Standard/FF-standard-fulltext.pdf UNESCAP publishes – Guidelines for Minimum Standards and Codes of Professional Conduct for Freight Forwarders, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers and Multimodal Transport Operators FIATA wants to inform our members about a recently launched UNESCAP publication regarding the “Guidelines for Minimum Standards and Codes of Professional Conduct for Freight Forwarders, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers and Multimodal Transport Operators”. The document will be very useful for governments and freight forwarders as it provides guidance in implementing the standards and rules for the freight forwarding industry. The Guidelines were prepared by members of the ESCAP Transport Division secretariat’s team by incorporating essential information, advice and contributions from several of our FIATA Association Members in the Region Asia Pacific and the FIATA staff. This is an excellent example of the close and successful cooperation between FIATA and UNESCAP. Both organisations have met on regular basis throughout the year starting from 2007 at the FIATA RAP Field meeting, the UNESCAP Regional Forum of Freight Forwarders and the UNESCAP Meeting of Chief Executives of National Association of Freight Forwarders, Multimodal Transport Operators and Logistics Service Providers. For more information regarding the UNESCAP document please visit: http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/Publications/TFS_pubs/FF-Standard/FF-standard-fulltext.pdf

SLFFA organized a Training Seminar on 25th Nov 2011 at Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Auditorium conducted by the Sri Lanka Customs on the ASYCUDA WORLD progam for the benefit of  the membership in view of the planned total implementation of E-Manifesting and E-CUSDEC submission by SLC from 01st Jan 2012. This Training Seminar was the first of its kind organized with the aim of providing an in-depth knowledge of the preparation and submission of the E-Manifest & E-CUSDEC to the staff who are directly involved in SLFFA Member Companies.

The Training Seminar commenced with an introduction to the ASYCUDA WORLD program delivered by Mr. Ajantha Dias -Addl Director General of Customs followed by a comprehensive training conducted by Dr. Tharaka Mahaulpotha – Project Executive of SLC. A total of 127 participants attended this seminar. As a token of appreciation, SLFFA presented momentos to the SLC speakers at this seminar. 

FIATA will offer a training programme to our members backed by ICAO’s vast technical knowledge and regulatory experience. The two organisations are also looking at extending their partnership to include air cargo security and to establish a related programme for freight forwarders in the near future. For more information please visit FIATA’s website: http://www.fiata.com/index.php?id=446

Insurance Industry’s response to Piracy
Piracy remains a daunting issue in the freight forwarding industry as in the last six months 32 ships have been seized by pirates and 19 are currently being held for ransom. Utilizing heavy weapon machinery, piracy is most evident off the coast of Somalia but attacks have also been spotted in the Gulf of Guinea, south East Asia and off the northern coasts of South America.

These attacks have led insurance companies to revisit their policies regarding piracy. Marsh, a worldwide insurance advisor, has prepared a white paper setting out the insurance implications of piracy that will apply in July 2011. The white paper discusses such issues as loss of damaged goods, payment of ransom, marine war, use of armed security etc. To view the white paper please visit: http://uk.marsh.com/Insights/Articles/ID/5056/Piracy-The-Insurance-Implications.aspx

Registration for the Qatar Single window e-service is now open

Qatar has recently launched its new Customs Clearing Single Window e-service which allows authorized users to complete customs procedures electronically for goods entering and exiting Qatar ports. Qatar authorities are hoping this will facilitate the inflow and outflow of goods reducing customs inspections to only 5% on all imports.

Users of the single window systems will be able to submit and modify customs data and manifests, make payments, request for duty refund, apply for temporary entry, look up tariff codes and even have access to a duty calculator. For information and application forms please visit: https://www.ecustoms.gov.qa/qccsw/jsf/common/custExternalHome.jsf

Regional Winners of the YIFFY award have been announced

Four regional Finalists from the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Hong Kong and Ireland prepare to travel to Cairo where at the World Congress one of them will be named the Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year (YIFFY) receiving the price of hands on training with the TT Club’s regional center in London.

This year attracted the highest number of participants in the Award’s thirteen year history whereby each participant was required to write a dissertation on considering the complexity of the issues of importing and exporting. FIATA would like to congratulate Mr Niranjan Venkatesh, United Arab Emirates, Ms Rosa Maria Gallardo Reyes, Mexico, Mr Lai Kin Wong,

The 30th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Freight Forwarders’ Association was held on 17th June 2011, at the Samudra Ballroom, Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Mr. Prasanna Wickramasuriya, Chairman, Airport & Aviations Services (SL) Ltd.

Mr. S. Mohanadas of Dart Global Logistics (Pvt) Ltd, was elected as the Chairman for the year 2011/2012, while Mr. Dushmantha Karannagoda of Marine Transport Services (Pvt) Ltd, and Ms. Tania Polonnowita of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics (Pvt) Ltd, were elected as Vice Chairman and Treasurer, respectively.

The Executive Committee elected for the year 2011/2012 are C.L. Synergy (Pvt) Ltd, DHL Global Forwarding Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Expolanka Freight (Pvt) Ltd, Freight Systems Logistics Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, John Keells Logistics Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Phoenix International Logistics Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Speedmark Transportation Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

CHAIRMAN’S SPEECH

Honoured Chief Guest Mr Prassana Wickramasuriya Chairman Airport Aviation Services Limited , Distinguished Invitees, Members of the Advisory Council, fellow members, ladies & gentlemen,

Today I stand before you with great honour and with profound gratitude for the confidence placed in me by the membership, in electing me as Chairman of SLFFA for the ensuing year. I humbly accept the appointment with an unwavering resolve to honour that trust. I would also like to thank the membership for electing a committee uncontested.

My dear friends, ladies & gentlemen,

My appointment comes during a time when peace has dawned upon our nation and during a time when our focus is on rapid economic development. It was not long ago, many of us experienced the horror of terrorism that plagued our country. Our economy was hit hard due to the conflict, development in the country was at a standstill.

In the last two years Sri Lanka has been focusing on developing it’s battered economy. With the security situation improving vastly, we have seen a growth in the economy thus creating optimism amongst our business community.

Central Bank Reports have indicated that the GDP is expected to grow at an healthy 8-9% this year and foreign reserves are at the highest with the Rupee being stable against the USD and other currencies.

Sri Lanka has experienced a tremendous growth in the tourism sector with the latest reports indicating a 40% increase over last year. Currently top priority has been given for infrastructure projects which are taking place across the country.

In the light of these developments, we are challenged with the task of adapting to the rapid growth of the country and to provide our services to the best of our capabilities. Therefore, in order to build Sri Lanka into an economic power in the service, manufacturing and agriculture sectors, it is imperative we have an efficient and cost effective Logistic Sector.

Recently I attended a workshop organized by UNESCAP. There a presentation was made by the World Bank on the “Logistics Performance Index & Indicators for the year 2010”. This was a study conducted by the World Bank with the support and participation of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), the Global Express Association, the Global Facilitation Partnership for Transportation and Trade, ten major international logistic services companies and several medium-sized logistics companies worldwide.

The survey was designed and implemented by Professor Lauri Ojala, Professor of Logistics at Finland’s Turku School of Economics who also presented it at the forum.

Taking into consideration Sri Lanka’s geographic positioning and the hub status for the region which is much spoken of, I expected Sri Lanka to be ranked at a higher position amongst the countries in the region and closer to those developed nations. However, I was surprised at what I saw. We were ranked 137 out of 155 countries that were evaluated.

Well below all the countries in the region except Nepal & Afghanistan both land locked and amongst African countries which are very much under developed.

Due to my disapproval to the rankings, I inquired from the Professor the basis they had arrived at these numbers. I was told that the rankings were given based on responses received from those participating forwarders and users who have been asked to assess Sri Lanka. I was further told that these respondents had been selected based on the trade statistics. Key criteria for the evaluation was Quality of Infrastructure, Competence and Quality of Service, Efficiency of Processes, Sources of Major Delays, Fees and Charges and Changes in the Logistics Environment since 2005. As the numbers show we have ranked rather poorly in these.

Whilst these numbers may not be 100% accurate and many of us here today may not accept it, it is nevertheless a clear indication as to how our own overseas partners and those who use international transportation services to and from Sri Lanka rank us.

This in my view can go very much against our drive as a nation to promote investment and business as we could be considered a Logistical Nightmare. On the other hand Singapore and Dubai which we want to emulate as a Logistic Hub are ranked at number 2 and 24 respectively. As you can see we are a long way off. The only compensating factor was that these surveys had been carried out in the late 2009 soon after the war ended.

However, we shouldn’t let numbers or past statistics for that matter discourage us in achieving excellence and taking the industry to the next level.

We are one of the oldest civilizations in the world. History has shown us how Sri Lanka during ancient times was a transit point for merchants around the globe. Due to our unique geographical positioning we were able to connect the east and west and at one point had one of the world’s busiest ports. We were a regional hub that connected the maritime Silk Road which stretched from modern Hanoi and went up to Alexandria, Rome and Constantinople.

Even as recently as 30 years ago quite a number of airlines used to transit via Colombo to Australia and beyond, Far East and even South Africa. But today it’s not the case, Aircrafts can fly longer distances without a stop and vessels are capable of going around the world with one re fuelling . They have inbuilt desalinating plants so don’t require fresh water supplies either .So being on a shipping route or the geographical positioning by itself will not make us a Hub. We need to create the required environment so that carriers and businesses are convinced that Colombo is the ideal Hub for South Asia.

It is certainly not an impossible task to achieve this or for us to regain our former glory. With the current development taking place in Sri Lanka, it is essential for us to strive to achieve a dominant position and be a leading player in our industry in the global race.

We have seen a tremendous interest shown by his Excellency the President and the Government to develop the logistics sector. Massive investments have been made in developing new Ports and Airports and to upgrade the existing facilities. However, mere investment in physical facilities will not be adequate.

Whilst investing in upgrading physical resources we must also be seriously looking at streamlining and improving the processes of export, import, transshipment, multi country consolidations and Entre Port trading . We need to provide an Efficient/Quality & Timely service. The current processes must be reviewed and simplified. We have to Improve the professional competency and eliminate the causes of delays. Last but not least we must be competitive in terms of tariffs and charges . This would be of paramount importance if we have to compete in this highly competitive and demanding market and make Sri Lanka a hub for South Asia. We need a paradigm shift in the thinking of the agencies involved in this sector to make this happen.

Having said that , I am glad that initiatives are being taken to achieve this. The Secretary to the Treasury has had a couple of meetings with the stakeholders to expedite the long drawn customs automation process and also streamline other related issues as well online payments .

We started the customs automation well before many countries in the region. But many of them are far ahead of us now. Since we started a couple governments have changed and many ministers come and gone. But even after a decade we have not been able to link the various agencies and the trade. We are still going about desk to desk at different locations carrying documents to get our exports and imports processed. We hope we could see an end to this and have an online system linking all the connected agencies within this year.

I am also pleased at the fact that the EDB under the direction of the Minister of Commerce & Trade has reconvened the Advisory Committee for Trade Facilitation after 10 years. SLFFA is also represented at this Committee. This committee has had a few meetings and proposals have been submitted to simplify the Import & Export processes. Here again we would like to see the implementation of such recommendations for the betterment of the industry.

Heading the SLFFA is a great honour. It comes with great responsibilities and by no means is it an easy task. It involves time and commitment.

My predecessors who have all been stalwarts in the industry have set standards. They worked hard with dedication and determination to bring SLFFA to the position it is today. But I am confident with the efficient Committee I have been provided with and with the support of the Advisory Council, we can achieve our goals.

SLFFA in its 30 years history has strived to make the forwarding fraternity a professional outfit. It has had an excellent relationship with all the connected agencies and has been in the forefront in dealing with matters affecting the industry whilst also instilling standards and ethics amongst its members. In addition SLFFA has actively involved itself in Training, Social Activities for its members and CSR initiatives. . Whilst I hope to continue in these same lines my focus in the ensuing year will be on two key issues. One is training and capacity building the other is membership development.

Though we started our training arm AITT over 3 years ago, we have not reached the expected milestone. AITT is the sole training facility in the country which is authorized to conduct the FIATA accredited courses leading to the FIATA Diploma. We have invested on resources and will also soon have accreditation to conduct IATA courses. The question is, up to how far the membership has used these facilities to improve standards in their organizations. Whilst we can ask the government agencies to improve the processes and efficiency of the systems and improve the infrastructure , it is our responsibility to upgrade the professional standards and build capacity within our membership. Investment in training in our industry has been very poor. We need to change this. Today’s logistics services are complicated; we need people with a good knowledge of the various aspects of the Supply Chain Management to serve our clients in a professional manner.

My committee will be focusing on promoting training amongst its members and I look forward to the fullest support of the membership in this initiative. This will eventually help the members reap bigger benefits. I would like to see training and professional studies be taken to a level that in the near future, we should be only recruiting into the industry those with an entry level professional qualification

Currently SLFFA has over 90 members and as I noted before, membership development is the other aspect I would like to focus on. All established organizations which are actively involved in complete Air & Sea Logistics Services are currently members of the association. However, there are equal or more smaller organizations especially those providing Import Break Bulk services who are currently not part of the membership.

One reason to this is the strict entry requirements SLFFA maintains. My committee will look at options of bringing this segment of smaller organizations into the membership whilst not diluting the standards that have been set.

It is my view that by having all entities involved in freight forwarding and logistics services in the membership it will further help the industry and the users. It will also help those smaller organizations who are now outside the membership to upgrade their services.

At this juncture, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Chairman Mr Tony Livera and the Committee for an excellent job done over the last two years. As highlighted in his address much was achieved during this period. Thank you Tony.

As mentioned earlier , I am honoured to have this opportunity to serve SLFFA. I look forward to the fullest support of my committee, the advisory council, the secretariat and the membership to carry out my duties as Chairman and continue the good work that has been done thus far. I shall do my best as Chairman SLFFA.

Thank You!

The TSA announced their decision on 4 October to not enforce their December 31st 2011 deadline for 100% screening of cargo on international passenger aircraft bound for the United States.
This decision was positively received by the entire air cargo industry including FIATA and its Airfreight Institute.

The U-turn was the consequence of TSA’s careful consideration of industry comments and a thorough examination of the unique challenges facing international cargo screening. TSA will continue to work towards meeting the statutory requirement for 100% screening but TSA representatives were optimistic that they will soon have agreements with nations that ship more than 90% of air cargo to the U.S. For more information on TSA 100% screening initiative please visit:
http://www.ifw-net.com/freightpubs/ifw/article.htm?artid=20017909532&src=rss

Danske Bank’s Freight Forwarding Index results for the month of September

According to Danske Bank’s Freight Forwarding Index, which was up to 53, from 46 in August, the European Freight Forwarding sector saw modest growth in September. Both sea and road freight saw an increase in volumes handled in September, indicating an increase in demand.

The air freight index also improved: although at 47, it indicates lower volumes handled in September than two months ago. The country breakdown for September saw Germany gain a significant increase in current volumes (42 in August to 69 in September), as well as expectations. The UK saw volumes remain almost flat and expectations decline while Switzerland saw a significant fall in both current volumes (57 in August to 40 in September) and expectations. For more information on Danske Bank’s Freight Forwarding Index and expectation please visit: http://www.ifw-net.com/freightpubs/ifw/index/modest-volume-growth-in-europe-last-month/20017908812.htm

IATA releases the 53rd edition Dangerous Goods Regulations. What’s inside?

This 53rd edition of the Dangerous Goods Regulation (DGR) will reflect the addenda issued by ICAO which revised the 2011-2012 edition of the Technical Instructions, as well as changes agreed by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board.

Changes in the 53rd DGR include: additional recommendations to operators regarding documented policies, incorporation of new special provisions that reinforce that certain substances and articles must be packed in UN specification packaging and the DGR also revises packing instructions applicable to lithium batteries. For a complete list of changes in the 53rd edition of the DGR, please visit the FIATA website under IATA Downloads: http://www.fiata.com/index.php?id=433

A total of 48 teams from the membership entered the tournament and played their matches under 16 Groups, the winners of each group advanced to the pre-quarter finals and after some fiercely contested games Toll Global, DHL Warriors, Mccallum and Del Warriors, qualified for the semi finals and DHL Warriors and McCallum won their respective matches to reach the finals.

The finals started well after midnight, still the teams displayed their utmost skills and energy in the finals, we  also witnessed a very vibrant crowd even at that time of the hour enjoying the matches and the surroundings.

The Finals was won by DHL Warriors of DHL Global Forwarding Lanka (Pvt) Ltd for the second consecutive year while the runners-up were once again McCallum of McCallum Cargo (Pvt) Ltd.

The Winners was awarded the “ Wings Logistics Challenge Trophy “ and the “Winners Trophy” together with a cash award of Rs.50,000.00 and all members of the winning team received individual trophies.

McCallum cargo was awarded with the Runners-Up Trophy and a Cash award of Rs.30,000.00 and all members of the team received individual trophies.

There were also individual trophies awarded to The Best Batsman and Best Bowler for matches played up to the pre-quarter finals, S.V.Wijesundara of Toll Global won the Trophy for the Best Bowler and Jeewantha Kasun Bandara of Dart Warriors won the Trophy for the Best Batsman.

Furthermore there were individual trophies presented to the Man Of the Final, Woman Of the Final and the Man Of the Tournament, Mr.Nihal Dimbukkuwalage of McCullum Cargo was selected as The Man Of the Final and he received the Trophy and a return air ticket to Bangkok sponsored by Sri Lankan Air Lines and Mr.Sadun Sampath Of Toll Global was selected as The Man Of the Tournament and he too received the Trophy and a return air ticket to Bangkok by courtesy of Sri Lankan Air Lines and Ms.Rebecca Atalugama of DHL Warriors won the Trophy for the Woman of the Final.

We wish to convey our gratitude to all members and non-members who provided banner sponsorships as well.

Invitation matches were also played by teams from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri Lanka Airline Cargo Association and SLFFA Cargo Services Ltd. The Ports Authority team emerged winners in the invitation matches.

The Chief Guest at the event was Sri Lanka National Player Upul Tharanga.

The carnival atmosphere at the grounds was indeed ideal for the whole family, as there was a kid’s corner to keep the young entertained while others enjoyed live music with papare bands and food stalls.

The main sponsor for the event was once again Janashakthi Insurance, while the media sponsor was TNL Lite FM. Principal sponsors were CL Synergy (Pvt) Ltd, Dart Global Logistics (Pvt) Ltd, Expolanka Freight (Pvt) Ltd, Freight Links International (Pte) Ltd, Hayleys Advantis Ltd, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics (Pvt) Ltd, Marine Transport Services (Pvt) Ltd, Phoenix International Logistics Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Speedmark Transportation Services (Pvt) Ltd, SLFFA Cargo Services Ltd, and Wings Logistics (Pvt) Ltd

Chairman – Mr. Tony de Livera said, due to popular demand the Association will be organizing its Cricket Carnival on a biennial basis & that SLFFA perceives in providing maximum benefits and opportunities to its members, which would lead to the betterment of the industry as a whole.

Mr. Chameera Mendis the captain of the winning team (DHL Global Forwarding Lanka (Pvt) Ltd) receiving the Wings Logistics Challenge Trophy from the Chairman Sri Lanka Freight Forwarders' Association (SLFFA) Mr. Tony De Livera.

The champions with their trophies!

 AITT Jointly with Janashakthi  Insurance PLC, had organized a seminar on 19^th,March to the  Import, Export  trade  and service providers industry, to create an awareness and educate on the guidelines relating to performance  liability, when import-export consignments are handled through service providers.

The seminar was conducted by Sri Lanka’s Insurance expert Mr. Chandra Schaffter- Deputy Chairman of Janashakthi  Insurance PLC and Mrs. Dayalanie Abeygunawardane – General Manager – Janashakthi Insurance  and AITT-CEO Mr. Peter Barbut.

Today, Globalization has been the most prominent  factor driving the increase in the number of companies in the global market place. This necessitates a broader perspective than when operating as an international company, which may include , amongst  others, attributes  such global branding, global sourcing, global production, centralization of inventories and centralization of information.

All of these aspects serve to emphasize the added difficulty of operating effectively in a global environment.  Third Party (3-PL) Logistics and supply-chain networks have become far more complicated, and meeting the need to plan and manage logistics as a complete and integrated system has become far more difficult. Because of this, the best solution for a global company is very often to outsource  it logistics operations and devote time and energy to focus on their key areas of core-competence, R&D and manufacturing.

The Academy of International Trade and Transport, being  the career training arm of the Sri-Lanka Freight Forwarders Association (Founded  1981) was jointly establish with the support  from UNESCAP and FIATA (Federation of International Freight Forwarders Association, Zurich, Estb.1929) to enhance the professional knowledge and career development  of Sri-Lankans serving in the Freight and Logistics Industry.

AITT is a non-profit making academy as its main objective is to bring-in professional knowledge through it’s training courses which are based on international curriculum supported by FIATA and UNESCAP , which will contribute to uplift  the industry standards to international level in Sri-Lanka and giving more opportunity to young  people for developing a Logistics/Supply Chain Management career, in one of the most rapidly developing  global industries, where  supply chain solutions brings in a competitive edge in today’s global  manufacturing and distribution sector, therefore a very highly level of emphasis has to be considered  not only  in the freight forwarding and logistics sectors but in all commercial functionalities in relation to global trading.

The seminar was limited to a half day and with a highly interactive participation  from  reputed logistics providers, importers and exporters, who had shown a lot of interest in spending their Saturday morning to enhance their knowledge in the area of service liability.