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 >

Postponement of EU Entry/Exit system “good for business” says Logistics UK

Logistics UK responds to the government announcement that the introduction of BTOM (Border Target Operating Model) Safety and Security declarations is to be delayed.

Reports that the introduction of the European Entry and Exit System (EES) is to be delayed has been welcomed by Logistics UK. The system, which will see passengers fingerprinted on entry to the EU, was due to be introduced from 10 November but reports indicate this date could be pushed back.

“Reports that the full introduction of EES is set to be delayed will be welcomed by logistics businesses,” says Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade at Logistics UK. “Our members have been warning for some time that if the system is rolled out on 10 November, without robust testing of IT systems and without the availability of an App to facilitate registration away from the border, then costly disruption and delays at peak passenger periods are inevitable for hauliers and GB EU trade.

“Analysis we have undertaken with independent modelling experts MDS Transmodal show that even if delays were limited to 90 minutes for the 3.35 million HGVs that passed through the Short Straits in 2023, the cost to the economy would be £400 million pa. This is a cost that the logistics industry cannot just absorb, not least because our members already operate on incredibly narrow margins and are facing rising operating costs that are putting pressure on their ability to keep trading.

“Businesses and consumers need goods to arrive as swiftly and seamlessly as possible and it is encouraging to hear that more time is to be made available to iron out issues and implement solutions to ensure that the supply chain can continue to move smoothly.

“While a new introduction date has yet to be confirmed by the EU, it is vital for our sector that the UK government maintains close conversation with its European counterparts to ensure that the test of Member State readiness has, at its core, the smooth flow of freight and trade across the Channel; a critical GB EU supply chain route.”

Read more from Logistics UK >

 

 

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

Tim D.
2 weeks 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 weeks 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.
2 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.
3 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.
3 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.
4 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.
Rachel J.
6 months ago
Great service. We needed a parcel collecting from Italy - all arranged very smoothly, efficiently and a very quick delivery.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great feedback Rachel. Glad everything went well for you and that you were happy with our service.
Alan G.
7 months ago
when a friend whose first langauge is not English needed a parcel shipping to Canada at short notice the team especially Paul came up trumps and pulled out all the stops i highly recommend this company
Response from the owner:Many thanks for the great review Alan, always happy to assist.
Emily S.
8 months ago
Lots of help and advice when shipping a ceramic sculpture to Dubai. Very smooth service and speedy delivery. Will definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Really glad you were happy with our service Emily - hope to assist you again soon.

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Staff Profiles – Introducing… Adam Smith

Adam Smith, Customer Services, International Freight Solutions (IFS)

International Freight Consultant, Adam Smith

Adam began working in transportation through an apprenticeship scheme upon leaving school and has racked up more than 20 years knowledge and experience in the industry, working in many different departments at Courier Logistics. He was grateful to receive two nominations whilst working there, attending both the junior business awards at Ponds Forge, Sheffield and the young achiever’s awards at Magna, Rotherham, which were in praise of his hard-work and dedication, going that extra mile within the workplace.

After working alongside Paul Johnson for a couple of years in the International department at Courier Logistics, Adam joined the new start-up business of International Freight Solutions in June 2016. Since working at IFS he has enjoyed learning about new country regulations and customs procedures. He especially enjoys the challenge of getting an enquiry about a far flung country he has never heard of before!

A typical day for Adam will generally involve helping customers with new shipping enquiries or assisting with current ‘in transit’ orders. At IFS, the team puts high value in customer services and consequently all staff have a hand in each department, enabling the team to offer a comprehensive service. This might be in sales, operations, accounts or aftercare so there is always something new to be working on which makes no two days the same.

We asked Adam a few more questions about his work and play…

What kind of customers or businesses do you get to work with? “The good thing about our nature of business is that we can be helping a whole array of different businesses, from your average printing press company to helping ship a private individuals arts and craft work overseas for example. I take pride in getting items from A-B wether it is something bog standard or something more complex and getting them to where they need to be on time is what its all about, and when you get a thanks and a smiley face at the end of it makes a job well done”.
What do you love most about your role? “The world map is intriguing, you can study a map for years and you will always come across something new, some new island or part of the world you have never heard of before. When you get an enquiry in and a customer asks you to ship somewhere such as Floresti and you think where on earth is that? You research it and realise it’s a city in Moldova, it is yet something new you have learnt”.
How do you relax when you are not at work? “I love getting stuck into a new house or garden project. I enjoy practical things and appreciating the change and difference it makes. Getting out and about, exploring, travelling and seeing my friends and family are generally how I spend my weekends”.

Adam’s other interests lie in a passion for photography and Italy. Where possible, he likes to submit his landscape photography to competitions and has been able to sell a couple to printing publishers for their magazine articles. His love of travel lead to his discovering some of the rural towns and cities of Italy, where he has had the opportunity to study Italian at the Istituto Italiano in Florence. Travelling to Italy has become an annual voyage for him, where he maps out new places to visit. He divides his holiday time between volunteering in Tuscany and Umbria, helping with local people and projects and was able to contribute towards the relief efforts for the Amatrice earthquake appeal.

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 >

Shipping a surprise gift TVR sports car from UK to Canada

Case Study:
Exporting TVR Griffith 500 sports car
Service provided by IFS:
20ft container via Ocean Freight
Collection:
United Kingdom
Destination:
Canada
Consignment:
Car loaded and secured in container
Transit Time:
4 weeks ‘Door to Door’ to Vancouver

“IFS were a pleasure to deal with from start to finish” Feedback from Customer, Sheffield.

International Freight Solutions Ltd have just completed a job which entailed shipping a TVR Griffith 500 sports car to Canada for one of our clients.

IFS arranged for the car to be loaded and secured into a 20ft container and shipped via Ocean Freight. It wasn’t straight forward as the client wanted to send the car to his son who lives in Vancouver as a Birthday present. However, the dad wanted it to be a complete surprise to his son. It was challenging in that we had to involve a Canadian Customs agent and other close friends of the receiver to go through the Import Customs formalities without raising any suspicion.

We are pleased to report that everything went to plan and the car was eventually unveiled to a very surprised and delighted recipient!

Check out some of our other fascinating Case Studies >

For an International Shipping quotation or to book in your consignment, please click below…

Tim D.
2 weeks 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 weeks 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.
2 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.
3 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.
3 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.
4 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.
Rachel J.
6 months ago
Great service. We needed a parcel collecting from Italy - all arranged very smoothly, efficiently and a very quick delivery.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great feedback Rachel. Glad everything went well for you and that you were happy with our service.
Alan G.
7 months ago
when a friend whose first langauge is not English needed a parcel shipping to Canada at short notice the team especially Paul came up trumps and pulled out all the stops i highly recommend this company
Response from the owner:Many thanks for the great review Alan, always happy to assist.
Emily S.
8 months ago
Lots of help and advice when shipping a ceramic sculpture to Dubai. Very smooth service and speedy delivery. Will definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Really glad you were happy with our service Emily - hope to assist you again soon.

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P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries to cut freight wait times by 25 per cent

P&O Ferries have confirmed that they have gone live with their ‘Turn-up and Go’ space charter with Irish Ferries this week, following trials during the summer.

Spirit of Britain ferry inspection under way as Dover plans for Easter exodusThis agreement between the two operators is a material step forward on previous space charters, with a first come first served principle at its heart. At peak times ships will always be fully loaded for freight, meaning port clearance times will be up to 25 per cent quicker.

The agreement also lowers the carbon footprint of the cross-Channel route by always fully loading P&O Ferries’ modern fleet, including two best-in-class hybrid vessels that are 40 per cent more efficient.

Dover-Calais is the single largest commercial route servicing the UK and the Continent.

During the trial period, which began on 8th July, more than 12,000 freight vehicles were transferred between the two operators.

P&O Ferries Chief Executive Peter Hebblethwaite said: “Our ‘Turn-up and Go’ service with Irish Ferries promises our freight customers speedier, more efficient passages from Dover to Calais. This is a material step forward on previous space charters, ensuring that capacity is fully utilised, reducing port congestion and minimising the carbon impact of the cross-Channel route. With this agreement and P&O Ferries’ modern fleet, which includes two best in class hybrid vessels, we are setting a new benchmark for the industry – assuring faster and greener journeys and making the Dover-Calais route more competitive.”

The space charter will initially serve freight customers and will eventually expand to include passengers, giving them greater choice over journey schedules, shorter port wait times, and fewer delays if they miss planned crossings, particularly during peak periods.

 

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

Tim D.
2 weeks 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 weeks 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.
2 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.
3 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.
3 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.
4 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.
Rachel J.
6 months ago
Great service. We needed a parcel collecting from Italy - all arranged very smoothly, efficiently and a very quick delivery.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great feedback Rachel. Glad everything went well for you and that you were happy with our service.
Alan G.
7 months ago
when a friend whose first langauge is not English needed a parcel shipping to Canada at short notice the team especially Paul came up trumps and pulled out all the stops i highly recommend this company
Response from the owner:Many thanks for the great review Alan, always happy to assist.
Emily S.
8 months ago
Lots of help and advice when shipping a ceramic sculpture to Dubai. Very smooth service and speedy delivery. Will definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Really glad you were happy with our service Emily - hope to assist you again soon.

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