Carriers 'in panic mode' as recession bites, offering reduced ocean rates

Ocean carriers are said to be in “panic mode” as bookings from China to North Europe and the US west coast tank, causing FAK rates to plunge to new depths.

Despite aggressive blanking that has reduced weekly capacity on the tradelanes by more than a third, the lines have failed to slow the precipitous fall in short-term rates and, are arguably fuelling the fire by offering sub-economic spot rates via their digital platforms.

For example, rates from Shanghai, Tianjin and Shenzhen to the Le Havre-Hamburg range of container hubs in North Europe, of $1,000 per 20ft and $1,800 per 40ft are now widely available for prompt shipment.

And some carriers are said to be prepared to reduce rates further for volume, and relax or even waive demurrage and detention conditions.

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International Freight Solutions Ltd

4.9

See all reviews Write a review

Rosie B.

1736841891

Using IFS is always straight forward and easy and I haven't ever had any issues when using them. Jamie is quick and efficient with quotes and orders...and always so helpful. In addition, he provides the tracking information when available, along with the POD when the delivery had been made, allowing me to keep my own customer informed.read more

Gemma T.

1730197211

I have recently started using International Freight Solutions and I have found that the Prices, Customer Service and Follow ups to be amazing. I have...not had any issues with any of my Quotes or Bookings and found this to be really smooth and easy process. My Account Manager Catherine is absolutely amazing and is always willing to go the extra mile to deliver a high level of service. Catherine gets to know the people she works with and builds not just a business relationship but a friendship. I have also had excellent customer service from Paul, Director of intfreight solutions, no job is too small.. 😊
I will continue to use International Freight Solutions for future Deliveriesread more

Peter S.

1729849056

Great service with good communication. Thanks.

Vicky A.

1729593385

sera UK Technology UK Ltd Review.....

I recently had the pleasure of working with Paul at Intfreight and I must say every time we use...this service it is outstanding from start to finish.

From the moment I contacted their team, they were incredibly professional, responsive, and thorough in understanding my shipping needs. They offered competitive rates and went above and beyond to accommodate my specific requirements, ensuring that the process was seamless and stress-free.

The communication throughout was top-notch. I was kept informed at every stage, from the collection of the goods to tracking the shipment in real time, which gave me complete peace of mind. Their team was always available to answer any questions, making the entire experience feel personal and attentive.

On top of that, the handling of my items was impeccable. Everything arrived in perfect condition and on time, even though the shipment involved international transport with several stops. It was clear that Intfreight prioritizes both efficiency and care in their operations.

I highly recommend Intfreight to anyone in need of reliable, professional freight services. Their combination of excellent customer service, timely deliveries, and careful handling makes them a standout in the industry.read more

Blue Box Disposables GB L.

1729507809

I have begun to use International Freight Solutions recently and have found that their service is excellent. With all the shipments that they have...handled, I have found them to be very professional, communication is good and we receive regular updates during transit. Their pricing is also very competitive and I am happy to continue to use IFS on a regular basis, knowing that my shipments are in good hands.read more

Smickey C.

1728524467

My overrral experience with IFS was great. The good communication was key for a shipment to Malawi with all the challenges of a large equipment. The...team was brilliant and assured me throughout the process until the equipment got to it's final destination. I would certainly recommend and use them again. Thank you IFS team.read more

Ian C.

1715345982

Great communication throughout on an urgent delivery requirement

Sarah B.

1713987380

First time I’ve used IFS & I wasn’t disappointed!
Fantastic communication from Jamie, who was very helpful from pricing to delivery. Happy with...the updates we received, the goods were delivered earlier than expected too! Thanks!!! ☺️read more

Josh N.

1709898741

We've used international Freight Solutions for 2 consignments now and they were brilliant on both occasions. Adam and Paul gave clear details on...collection/delivery dates etc. and followed everything through to make sure the jobs were done. Really impressed. Thanksread more

DIY P.

1707299396

After being messed around by FedEx, IFS were a great help and have massively reduced the cost of our international shipments. Communication is good...and simple and they assist in every step of the process. Would definitely recommend IFS for international freight requirements.read more

Sensors for Safety Ltd Peter G.

1705665811

Excellent service and communication for our parcel collection from Germany to be delivered to us in UK.

James O.

1705316605

The team at International Freight are excellent and the whole process of exporting my work is stress free and easy since I started using them two...years ago.read more

James H.

1704900678

Great service, very helpful from start to finish.

Holly T.

1702906851

Kimberley M.

1702906267

IFS always provide an incredible service, they are professional, responsive and always take extra steps to ensure you receive the very best service...possible.read more

Fernite of Sheffield L.

1700221588

A large display stand sent from Sheffield to Chicago, Illinois, arrived in 3 day. Returned to us in less than a week, which beats our previous...shipper who took about 5 months. Adam kept me in the loop at all times. We'll obviously use International Freight again, 100%. Thank you.read more

Danni M.

1695650624

We used International Freight Solutions to deliver 3 large packages from the UK to Spain, their customer service the whole way through the process...was excellent! 100% would recommend!read more

alex O.

1693326516

These guys are great, so professional and very competetive prices. Suited my business needs perfectly. Thanks for all the help!

Amelia L.

1692706270

I'm really happy with the service we receive from IFS. Started using them when we struggling to send some paint to Holland. My go to for when we are...exporting and importing.
Adam who is my contact person always goes above and beyond and gets the job done.
Would recommend to anyone :)read more

gunjan M.

1685105270

It was sheer grit on part of IFS agent John Collumbine to get my stuff delivered from UK to India when FedEx messed up the consignment value and...charged warehouse charges for the delay.

John (IFS) went out of his way and took it up with FedEx and made them pay for all the extra charges amounting to around 500 GBP.

I am extremely happy with the company's service and the work ethics of its employees. I will highly recommend IFS to anyone who wants to see their task done through in face of a few glitches that might occur over international transactions due to handling by different people at multiple levels.read more

Sanaa

1680277446

Fantastic responsive service and wonderful people - definitely would recommend to anyone! Job well done !

Elise E.

1677059668

Paul & the team were extremely efficient and helpful and successfully managed to ship our hazardous goods to Mozambique & Cameroon! I would highly...recommend working with them.read more

Julie W.

1675950187

John and Paul at IFS were very professional and reassuring in facilitating the delivery of an inherited pot tiger to my son in Australia. Arrived...very quickly and safely. Recommend them unreservedly.read more

maddie S.

1675871943

I actively use this service through work and Paul and the team are always efficient, professional and helpful! I can always reach one of the staff if...I have a query and they go above and beyond to sort any problems! A pleasure to deal with from start to finish!read more

Magdalena M.

1675082520

I am very satisfied with the services. The customer service is friendly and very communicative. The price for freight was not exorbitant. I recommend...it very much.read more

Hayley B.

1673618784

Jamie and the team were so spot on, very easy to communicate with and provided a fab service. Item was delivered in good time to Germany. Would...definitely recommend and will be using again.read more

Gulraj R.

1673270451

Very helpful during the whole process, making a difficult shipment simple. Would recommend and use again..

Scott R.

1673265972

Great company needed some wheels collecting and they pulled out all the stops .collected in an hour and deliverd not long after !! Highly...recommended 5*read more

Chris C.

1669388373

Always professional, fantastic service every time. They are a pleasure to work with, highly recommend.

robert B.

1669384336

Nothing is too much trouble for IFS.
They know what they are doing and they do it very well.

The Rocking Horse S.

1667297411

First time we have used IFS, fantastic communication & service, would highly recommend and will be using again!

Charlotte K.

1665686837

Paul and team were fantastically helpful with our charity shipment to Uganda. They went above and beyond to ensure that all went well. A dedicated...team with a personal touch - really there to help you out. Thank youread more

Robert M.

1660771874

Incredible service from start to finish from International Freight Solutions. I shipped a package to Uzbekistan and the team were helpful from the...get go and everything ran smoothly.read more

Sharon D.

1660650583

FIRST CLASS! Fantastic service from Paul and his team. My go to people for everything, nothing is too much trouble and their expertise and...professionalism is outstanding. I could not do without them!read more

BALI WOOD C.

1652452878

Thank you very much for your excellent service provided.
Your customer service is outstanding hence human handling and no automated machinery...used.
Recommendation for your business is in process.

Best regards
Tamer
Bali wood carvingread more

Richard Y.

1646761052

Fantastic freight partner. Professional from start to finish. Very capable with many unique, just in time and awkward shipments. As well as your...standard A to B cargo.read more

Jasmin H.

1642774450

The level of support we receive from IFS is outstanding, we could not have shipped our product internationally without their help and support! Shout...out to Paul Johnson who is always on hand to answer all of our questions and guide us through every step of the way.read more

Brendan H.

1642765234

A professional and efficient service from start to finish.
This is the first time i have shipped with international freight services, i will...not hesitate to use again.
Paul Johnson made it a very easy process, liaising with my client in Mumbai throughout the scheduled shipping, keeping them informed of progress.
Support throughout with commercial invoices and relevant documentation.
Stress Free!!!
Highly recommend.read more

Sarah W.

1637940173

Great company, always helpful and respond back straight away. 'I often sending samples overseas and they are always professional , helpful and...friendly, would highly recommend themread more

Iain R.

1637242049

Can't recommend IFS highly enough. We needed to send 3 x parcels to Germany and Paul and Andy have made what could have been a very complicated...process almost effortless... and at a very competitive price too. Great service, thank you. Iain Robertson, Rocatex Ltd.read more

Coral C.

1635408983

Having worked with IFS on many occasions for both imports and exports, we have found them to be very professional at all times. Nothing is too much...trouble, you always have support if you need it and Paul and his team do an excellent job. We would not hesitate to use IFS in the future.read more

Danni C.

1635264261

Had a fantastic set up working with Paul. Great client to work with on all accounts.

Stephen B.

1634826403

IFS Ltd. Provide a excellent reliable service. We are very pleased with
how professional they are from point of inquiry to our parcels been...delivered. Well done IFS.read more

Paula Lorraine R.

1634201074

If your looking to ship a package to a loved one and are wanting to use a reliable freight service, IFS is the company for you! They offer road, air...and ocean options which is great if you are in another country like I am. I've had the pleasure of working with Paul and he is always available. He goes above and beyond for his clients ensuring a smooth and hassle free exchange.read more

1573507185

1557921939

1544110720

1532016213

Amazing service. Asked them to bring me four boxes of guitars from rural Tennesee. Order placed Monday, they were sat on my drive on Thursday....Remarkable. Wouldn't have happened without IFS hand holding my client in the USA throughout the booking in process. Cheers Ingrid & Adam. Stars!read more