10 reasons why you need a freight forwarder

1. Beat your competitors with a fast and professional service

2. Make the shipping process easier and quicker

3. Let someone else take the strain of handling the detail

4. Trust someone with extensive knowledge of overseas transport elements

5. Be informed of all potential costs involved

6. Get advice on specialised packing

7. Get help with special documentation

8. Be fully risk assessed

9. Save yourself money, but most of all

10. Save yourself the hassle!

For more information simply call our friendly and helpful team on: +44 (0) 1709 610 000, or simply send a message >
 
Related post (inc. 90 sec intro movie): An introduction to International Freight Solutions (IFS) >
 
 

Do you need an International Shipping quotation or have a consignment to book in?

IFS is a member of World Top Cargo Alliance of Freight Forwarders

International Freight Solutions are proud to be part of World Top Cargo Alliance and look forward to many years of fruitful partnership…

Giving back and supporting cricket across generations and continents

Renaldo & Caroline Brathwaite have been using International Freight Services (IFS) to send cricket equipment to family & friends in Barbados…

Valued Google Customer Reviews for International Freight Solutions Ltd

A Freight Forwarder who regularly go the extra mile when it comes to customer service. We believe in carving out long term business relationships…

Protecting Precious Memories: 100-year-old Dining Table delivered to Australia

A cherished 100-year-old oak dining table belonging to a Sheffield family has been successfully delivered to its new home in Australia…

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) by International Freight Solutions

Learn more about a Freight Forwarder by International Freight Solutions. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for…

2026 is the 10th Anniversary of International Freight Solutions

IFS has grown from a small dedicated freight forwarding business into a trusted logistics partner, providing Air Freight, Road Freight and…

An introduction to International Freight Solutions (IFS)

International Freight Solutions (IFS) can arrange Express or Economy services for your Documents, Parcels, Pallets, Part or Full Trailer/Container Loads, either by Road, Ocean, Air or Rail…

Team IFS Sheffield take some well-earned time out in Finland

At IFS, the team of staff spend every day helping customers move goods across the world, but recently two members of the Sheffield team had the chance to experience international…

Staff Profiles – Introducing… Neil Braddish

Joining the IFS team has enabled Neil to bring together his passion for travel with his commitment to delivering outstanding sales and…

Tracking Fuel Prices in UK as conflict in Middle East remains volatile

The RAC is tracking how pump prices in the UK are being affected by the conflict in the Middle East…

International Freight Solutions Ltd is a member of BIFA

The leading body representing the UK International Freight Services industry – The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is the prime trade association for UK registered companies…

UK Logistics Week 2026: Collaboration brings the entire logistics supply chain together

In a landmark strategic move set to fundamentally reshape the UK logistics exhibition landscape, between 30 June to 2 July 2026…

UK transport demand increases 30% due to the Easter holiday

Transport demand increased by 30.27% in the week commencing 30th March, as the industry sought to outpace the traditional Easter rush…

Member of FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations

FIATA’s membership is composed of 114 Association Members, overall representing an industry of 40,000 freight forwarding and logistics firms worldwide..

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New solution set to decarbonise the UK’s transport-logistics sector

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%.

Green Logistics make happy customers and a happy planetUK 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 >

 

 

For a freight delivery quotation or to book in your consignment, please click below…

Yvonne W.
2 weeks ago
I needed an antique dining table shipping to family in Queensland Australia. I was dreading the whole process but it couldn’t have been simpler thanks to Paul and the team at IFS.The service they provided was outstanding every step of the way, not to mention the impeccable packing of the table! I cannot recommend them enough and would give more stars if I could.
Response from the owner:Wow, thank you for such a fantastic review, Yvonne. We're delighted to hear that you were so pleased with our service and that everything went smoothly for both you and your relatives in Australia. Thank you for choosing us, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
Emma T.
4 weeks ago
First time using IFS and they made shipping my books to America really simple and stress free at a competitive rate. Thanks Paul & Jamie for keeping me updated throughout the process, will be using your services again soon.
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for your great review Emma - it means a lot to us! We look forward to assiting you again soon.
we have used IFS on a number of occasions. fantastic communication & service, would highly recommend and will be using again!
Response from the owner:Many thanks for your great review, James, it really is appreciated! Here is the URL for your case study - https://intfreight.co.uk/2022/10/export-from-the-rocking-horse-shop-in-york-to-new-zealand/
Tim D.
2 months ago
We use International Freight Solutions regularly. The service is always very good and they are always able to have a solution to fit our needs. Their pricing is good and they are very easy to work with and their communication is excellent.
Response from the owner:Really appreciate your kind words Tim and it is good to know you are pleased with the services we provide. We look forward to helping you again next time!
Josh B.
2 months ago
We have used Paul and his team multiple times over the past couple of years and have never had a problem. They always work hard to find the best solution, and they deliver every time. We had a major client putting a lot of pressure on us due to manufacturing delays. Paul sorted the transport quickly and kept adapting the arrangements whenever delays changed, which made things much easier for us. He managed to get our shipment from Spain to England within two days. The pricing is very reasonable and completely justified for the level of service provided. Communication is always clear throughout the entire transport process, and they consistently deliver quickly and reliably. I would highly recommend Paul and his team. We never have to worry when we contact him, and he is the only freight forwarder we trust because of the consistently excellent service.
Response from the owner:What a great review review Josh - it means a lot to us, thanks so much! We look forward to being of service to you again.
bredent U.
4 months ago
Had the best service provided by Jamie, excellent communication, went above & beyond thank you
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the the time to leave a great review. Jamie will be delighted he got a mention!
Clare O.
4 months ago
As always IFS have provided an excellent service with plenty of support. Jamie couldn't have been more helpful and his communication is always timely and spot on. Can't recommend them highly enough.
Response from the owner:Many thanks for the glowing review Clare, it really is appreciated. Jamie will be especially pleased seeing as you have given him a mention! We look forward to assisting you again
Barry S.
5 months ago
Adam handled everything we needed for a quick delivery to Australia, the box was with us in less than a week, highly recommended.
Response from the owner:Many thanks Barry for taking the time to leave a great review for us - it is appreciated. Hope we can assist you again in the future
Jeff B.
5 months ago
Working with Catherine and IFS has been a breath of fresh air. Communication has been excellent, she keeps you informed throughout the entire process and makes something that others could easily make difficult feel… well, easy. If you want someone who treats your shipment like it actually matters (because it does), Catherine is the one. Highly recommend, my stress level definitely approves 😄.
Response from the owner:Glad you are happy with our service Jeff. Cath's communication is great - she does like to talk!😆We appreciate your business and look forward to assisting you again.

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Smart Freight Centre and FIATA join forces to drive Decarbonisation in Global Transport Logistics

Smart Freight Centre (SFC), a leading global non-profit organisation dedicated to reducing climate impacts in the freight sector,

Smart Freight Centre and FIATA Join Forces to Drive Decarbonisation in Global Transport Logistics

Smart Freight Centre (SFC), a leading global non-profit organisation dedicated to reducing climate impacts in the freight sector, and FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations signed a partnership agreement on 26 September 2024 at the 2024 FIATA World Congress held in Panama. This collaboration represents a pivotal step in accelerating the decarbonisation of transport emissions within the logistics industry, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“This is a further milestone for SFC, partnering with a prominent industry association in the transport value chain. Following our agreement with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a global trade association that represents airlines and sets industry standards, in March this year, the partnership with FIATA will ignite more segments in the transport sector to join collaborative efforts in reducing carbon emissions,” said Andrea Schoen, Director at Smart Freight Centre.

Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General, echoed this sentiment, stating: “As the global voice of freight logistics, FIATA is committed to leading the logistics industry towards more sustainable practices. This partnership with SFC is a crucial opportunity to equip FIATA Members with the best knowledge and tools necessary to drive meaningful reductions in emissions and foster long-term sustainability.”

As a first joint initiative, SFC and FIATA will launch a co-branded emissions accounting training programme. This training is designed to assist small and medium-sized logistics entities worldwide in consistently reporting their carbon impact and making informed decisions on effective emission reduction strategies.

This partnership signals a unified effort by both organisations to provide the logistics sector with the tools and knowledge needed to meet global decarbonisation goals and support sustainable development. Read mote from FIATA >

Related Topic: IFS is a member of FIATA >

 

For a freight delivery quotation or to book in your consignment, please click below…

Yvonne W.
2 weeks ago
I needed an antique dining table shipping to family in Queensland Australia. I was dreading the whole process but it couldn’t have been simpler thanks to Paul and the team at IFS.The service they provided was outstanding every step of the way, not to mention the impeccable packing of the table! I cannot recommend them enough and would give more stars if I could.
Response from the owner:Wow, thank you for such a fantastic review, Yvonne. We're delighted to hear that you were so pleased with our service and that everything went smoothly for both you and your relatives in Australia. Thank you for choosing us, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
Emma T.
4 weeks ago
First time using IFS and they made shipping my books to America really simple and stress free at a competitive rate. Thanks Paul & Jamie for keeping me updated throughout the process, will be using your services again soon.
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for your great review Emma - it means a lot to us! We look forward to assiting you again soon.
we have used IFS on a number of occasions. fantastic communication & service, would highly recommend and will be using again!
Response from the owner:Many thanks for your great review, James, it really is appreciated! Here is the URL for your case study - https://intfreight.co.uk/2022/10/export-from-the-rocking-horse-shop-in-york-to-new-zealand/
Tim D.
2 months ago
We use International Freight Solutions regularly. The service is always very good and they are always able to have a solution to fit our needs. Their pricing is good and they are very easy to work with and their communication is excellent.
Response from the owner:Really appreciate your kind words Tim and it is good to know you are pleased with the services we provide. We look forward to helping you again next time!
Josh B.
2 months ago
We have used Paul and his team multiple times over the past couple of years and have never had a problem. They always work hard to find the best solution, and they deliver every time. We had a major client putting a lot of pressure on us due to manufacturing delays. Paul sorted the transport quickly and kept adapting the arrangements whenever delays changed, which made things much easier for us. He managed to get our shipment from Spain to England within two days. The pricing is very reasonable and completely justified for the level of service provided. Communication is always clear throughout the entire transport process, and they consistently deliver quickly and reliably. I would highly recommend Paul and his team. We never have to worry when we contact him, and he is the only freight forwarder we trust because of the consistently excellent service.
Response from the owner:What a great review review Josh - it means a lot to us, thanks so much! We look forward to being of service to you again.
bredent U.
4 months ago
Had the best service provided by Jamie, excellent communication, went above & beyond thank you
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the the time to leave a great review. Jamie will be delighted he got a mention!
Clare O.
4 months ago
As always IFS have provided an excellent service with plenty of support. Jamie couldn't have been more helpful and his communication is always timely and spot on. Can't recommend them highly enough.
Response from the owner:Many thanks for the glowing review Clare, it really is appreciated. Jamie will be especially pleased seeing as you have given him a mention! We look forward to assisting you again
Barry S.
5 months ago
Adam handled everything we needed for a quick delivery to Australia, the box was with us in less than a week, highly recommended.
Response from the owner:Many thanks Barry for taking the time to leave a great review for us - it is appreciated. Hope we can assist you again in the future
Jeff B.
5 months ago
Working with Catherine and IFS has been a breath of fresh air. Communication has been excellent, she keeps you informed throughout the entire process and makes something that others could easily make difficult feel… well, easy. If you want someone who treats your shipment like it actually matters (because it does), Catherine is the one. Highly recommend, my stress level definitely approves 😄.
Response from the owner:Glad you are happy with our service Jeff. Cath's communication is great - she does like to talk!😆We appreciate your business and look forward to assisting you again.

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Logistics giant DP World to boost UK trade with £1bn expansion of London Gateway

Global logistics giant DP World has today announced a £1bn expansion of London Gateway to make it Britain’s largest container port within five years in a boost to the volume and resilience of international trade.

Do you Import Goods from the Far East? If so, It’s Good News for you!DP World will increase capacity of London Gateway’s port by building two new shipping berths, taking the total to six berths able to receive the world’s largest container ships. The site will also see a second rail terminal added to handle the expected increase in containerised trade.

By the end of the decade, the full quayside stretching more than 2.5km in length will be able to simultaneously receive six vessels, each more than 400 metres long, and boast Europe’s tallest quay cranes at the height of the Big Ben.

The expansion will create a further 400 permanent new jobs, in addition to the 1,200 currently employed at the site, and is the culmination of a rapid growth plan for the Thames Estuary hub which opened in 2013 and has been a catalyst for economic regeneration in south Essex.

The expansion will take the total invested by DP World at London Gateway to more than £3bn, converting the site of a former oil refinery into one of the UK’s largest and most important logistics hubs. The site has most recently seen the addition of a £350m fourth berth, the first to be powered entirely by electricity, and which will soon accept its first ship.

DP World has established Europe’s largest logistics park, employing 1,500 workers, as a counterweight to the Midlands-based ‘golden triangle’ of UK logistics. Tenants at the park benefit from storage, warehousing and distribution services linked to excellent rail freight and motorway connections, and quick access to the important consumer market of London and the South East. Fast-track planning consent enables businesses to erect new facilities in response to demand.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at DP World said: “DP World London Gateway will help make Britain’s trade flow in the future by connecting domestic exporters with global markets and delivering vital supply chain resilience for the whole economy. I am proud of this major investment which underlines DP World’s long-term commitment to the UK.”
Read more from DP World >

 

For a freight delivery quotation or to book in your consignment, please click below…

Yvonne W.
2 weeks ago
I needed an antique dining table shipping to family in Queensland Australia. I was dreading the whole process but it couldn’t have been simpler thanks to Paul and the team at IFS.The service they provided was outstanding every step of the way, not to mention the impeccable packing of the table! I cannot recommend them enough and would give more stars if I could.
Response from the owner:Wow, thank you for such a fantastic review, Yvonne. We're delighted to hear that you were so pleased with our service and that everything went smoothly for both you and your relatives in Australia. Thank you for choosing us, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
Emma T.
4 weeks ago
First time using IFS and they made shipping my books to America really simple and stress free at a competitive rate. Thanks Paul & Jamie for keeping me updated throughout the process, will be using your services again soon.
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for your great review Emma - it means a lot to us! We look forward to assiting you again soon.
we have used IFS on a number of occasions. fantastic communication & service, would highly recommend and will be using again!
Response from the owner:Many thanks for your great review, James, it really is appreciated! Here is the URL for your case study - https://intfreight.co.uk/2022/10/export-from-the-rocking-horse-shop-in-york-to-new-zealand/
Tim D.
2 months ago
We use International Freight Solutions regularly. The service is always very good and they are always able to have a solution to fit our needs. Their pricing is good and they are very easy to work with and their communication is excellent.
Response from the owner:Really appreciate your kind words Tim and it is good to know you are pleased with the services we provide. We look forward to helping you again next time!
Josh B.
2 months ago
We have used Paul and his team multiple times over the past couple of years and have never had a problem. They always work hard to find the best solution, and they deliver every time. We had a major client putting a lot of pressure on us due to manufacturing delays. Paul sorted the transport quickly and kept adapting the arrangements whenever delays changed, which made things much easier for us. He managed to get our shipment from Spain to England within two days. The pricing is very reasonable and completely justified for the level of service provided. Communication is always clear throughout the entire transport process, and they consistently deliver quickly and reliably. I would highly recommend Paul and his team. We never have to worry when we contact him, and he is the only freight forwarder we trust because of the consistently excellent service.
Response from the owner:What a great review review Josh - it means a lot to us, thanks so much! We look forward to being of service to you again.
bredent U.
4 months ago
Had the best service provided by Jamie, excellent communication, went above & beyond thank you
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the the time to leave a great review. Jamie will be delighted he got a mention!
Clare O.
4 months ago
As always IFS have provided an excellent service with plenty of support. Jamie couldn't have been more helpful and his communication is always timely and spot on. Can't recommend them highly enough.
Response from the owner:Many thanks for the glowing review Clare, it really is appreciated. Jamie will be especially pleased seeing as you have given him a mention! We look forward to assisting you again
Barry S.
5 months ago
Adam handled everything we needed for a quick delivery to Australia, the box was with us in less than a week, highly recommended.
Response from the owner:Many thanks Barry for taking the time to leave a great review for us - it is appreciated. Hope we can assist you again in the future
Jeff B.
5 months ago
Working with Catherine and IFS has been a breath of fresh air. Communication has been excellent, she keeps you informed throughout the entire process and makes something that others could easily make difficult feel… well, easy. If you want someone who treats your shipment like it actually matters (because it does), Catherine is the one. Highly recommend, my stress level definitely approves 😄.
Response from the owner:Glad you are happy with our service Jeff. Cath's communication is great - she does like to talk!😆We appreciate your business and look forward to assisting you again.

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Staff Profiles – Introducing… Jamie H

 

International Freight Consultant, Jamie Hawksworth

Jamie began life at IFS in 2022 after being offered a six month placement via the Kickstart Scheme. At the end of the Scheme, Jamie was offered a permanent place at IFS as an International Freight Consultant. He brings enthusiasm along with outstanding IT skills and general knowledge. Jamie is a quick learner and was always very eager to further develop his career and learn much more about the Freight Industry. Jamie is a fantastic all-rounder and has become an integral part of the team.

We asked Jamie a few questions about his time in and outside of work…​

What might a typical day at IFS look like for you? “A typical day involves assisting both new and existing customers with their shipping needs, offering guidance, providing quotations, and handling bookings from start to finish. At IFS, our focus is always on finding the best solutions tailored to each customer’s requirements. In the time I’m not directly dealing with customers, I help out with managing our CRM system to ensure the database is up-to-date and send out regular updates to our new and existing clients. As well as updating documents / templates we offer to our customers to ensure the booking process is keep as easy as possible”.

What kind of customers or businesses do you get to work with? “We work with a wide range of customers, from individuals looking to ship family heirlooms or artwork, whether they are relocating or sending goods internationally. To large businesses, including manufacturing, where we help companies move car parts and machinery, to retail businesses shipping consumer goods such as electronics, and accessories. At IFS, no matter the goods, we always try our best to offer a reliable and friendly solution for our customers”.

What do you love most about your role? “What I enjoy most about my role is the incredible variety it offers. Every day is different, as I get to work with businesses shipping a wide range of goods to destinations all over the world. Sometimes, a request comes in for an obscure location that makes me think, ‘Where is that?’ or I find myself handling a shipment of unique or fascinating items that leaves me thinking ‘Wow!’. Beyond the logistics side, the best part is the relationships we build with our clients. Knowing that I’m helping make their lives a little easier is a special feeling. At IFS, we genuinely believe that adding a personal touch to our interactions always provides that extra trust with our customers”.

How do you relax when you are not at work? “When I’m not at work, I love unwinding by taking my Husky, Milo, and his little companion, Bailey, a Chihuahua, out for walks. If I’m not out with them, I enjoy relaxing by playing video games or catching up on YouTube. I also have an interest in storm chasing, particularly tornadoes, and I often watch one of my favourite chasers, Reed Timmer. On some weekends, I like to escape the daily routine by heading to the east coast with my family, making the most of the little warm weather we get. I also enjoy spending time at the pub, which often leads to a bit of dancing and singing, but we’ll keep that last part to ourselves!”.

Always here to help

If you need assistance from a freight forwarder with any shipment, no matter how large or small, we at IFS are always ready to advise on a freight solution. Simply call our friendly and helpful team on: +44 (0) 1709 610 000, or send a message >