Digital Catapult, a deep tech innovation organisation, has announced the results of a pilot programme it delivered to address the environmental impact of empty trucks on roads across the country. The initiative trialled a new solution to decarbonise the transport-logistics sector, demonstrating a potential to cut CO2e emissions by 15-30%.
UK logistics play a critical role in driving economic growth, contributing £163 billion to the economy, and serving as a vital link between the UK and the global market. UK freight however accounts for 31% of all UK transport CO2 emissions, and statistics from the Department for Transport (DfT) show that 30% of trucks on UK roads are running with empty loads. The sector is under pressure to decarbonise without compromising on efficiency, and the pilot programme proved that deep tech can achieve this.
The pilot scheme was delivered by Digital Catapult in partnership with AF Blakemore & Son Ltd, the company behind SPAR convenience stores, to explore how a shared digital infrastructure could establish more intelligent vehicle slot filling, routing, and tracking. Scaling of the solution would allow competing logistics providers to safely share information on available truck space across their collective fleets, without the need for a single party to have full control or visibility of the entire system.
The solution was trialled in a real-world industrial environment, and saw distributed ledger technology (DLT) and the internet of things (IoT) combined with an algorithm developed by project partner Fuuse, to optimise route planning and truck use. It achieved this by matching vehicle transport capacity with shipment needs across multiple UK organisations, and saw a 37% decrease in overall transport costs and a 9% improvement in vehicle fill rate for AF Blakemore & Son Ltd, one of the UK’s most successful family owned businesses.
Read more from Catapult Digital’s findings >
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Sharon T.
1742567980
I can’t recommend this company highly enough.
I had no idea what was involved in shipping large items internationally but Jamie led me through...the whole process going above and beyond to help me from collection to delivery.
Great service throughout.
Thank you so much Jamie.read more
I had no idea what was involved in shipping large items internationally but Jamie led me through...the whole process going above and beyond to help me from collection to delivery.
Great service throughout.
Thank you so much Jamie.read more
Richard F.
1742565904
Fantastic service, and great communication. First time I have needed to use an import service, and the whole process was handled efficiently by Adam...and Jamie. Thanks!read more
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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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.
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
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
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
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
Paul H.
1573507185
Lynamator
1557921939
Michael B.
1544110720
Paul B.
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
