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…

Emma T.
3 days 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.
1 month 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.
1 month 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.
3 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.
4 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.
Rachel J.
7 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.

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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…

Emma T.
3 days 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.
1 month 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.
1 month 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.
3 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.
4 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.
Rachel J.
7 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.

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Boost for rail freight as Network Rail cuts prices for new traffic flows

At IFS we like to keep abreast of not just the international sector, but also our UK infrastructure, which after all plays a significant part of the Export / Import journey.

Rail Freight Services – Competitive AlternativeTrain operators have been offered the opportunity to gain discounts on their track access charges by Network Rail in a bid to encourage new business to the railway, particularly freight.

The relevant charges would be waived in full for six months whilst new traffic is being established.

A single freight train can take up to 76 lorries off the nation’s roads, and rail freight itself saves over 1m tonnes of carbon every year, with every train taking the country closer towards Net Zero. It’s not a surprise then that ambitious targets have been set by leaders in Westminster and Holyrood to boost the sector.

While Network Rail’s offer is open to all train operators and types of service that meet the qualifying criteria, the driver behind it was the company’s commitment to support the growth of rail freight. The offer is worth around £1,000 per train circulation (out and back) depending on the length and loading of the trains.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “The rail freight sector plays a crucial role in keeping the country moving, providing a faster, greener and more efficient way of transporting goods. The Government’s policy is to promote and grow the use of freight services across the country and make moving goods by rail the obvious choice for businesses, and this initiative will do just that.”

 

Network Rail’s director for planning and regulation, Paul McMahon, said: “Rail freight is so important not just because it’s environmentally friendly but because it underpins so much of our economy in a sustainable way. But it’s not just words and cutting that carbon that will bring more freight to the tracks and off the roads – haulage is very price-sensitive and by bringing this discount in, we are doing our bit to help our freight customers.”

More than 600 freight trains run in Britain every day, supporting the construction industry, car manufacturing, food, supermarkets, timber and more. Read more from Network Rail >

Related topic: Ambitious target to grow rail freight by at least 75% >

 

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

Emma T.
3 days 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.
1 month 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.
1 month 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.
3 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.
4 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.
Rachel J.
7 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.

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Staff Profiles – Introducing… Paul Johnson

Owner and Managing Director, Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson, Owner and Managing Director of International Freight Solutions (IFS)We are pleased to introduce Paul who has been involved with Logistics and International Freight Forwarding for over twenty years. He helped establish Courier Logistics to become one of the largest courier companies in the region before forming International Freight Solutions in 2016.

Paul says “whilst nothing is ever guaranteed in transport, the biggest buzz I get is arranging a shipment from start to finish, fulfilling the client’s requirements and dropping them a line to confirm the delivery is complete. It doesn’t always go to plan of course, but that is where we use our knowledge and experience to help resolve any issues quickly. IFS are here to take that headache away from you!”

Outside of work, Paul’s family life is pretty full on. A young family of 3 boys and 1 girl keeps him on his toes. During the week if he is lucky he gets maybe 1 hour at the end of the day to chill!

Interesting Fact about Paul….

Paul once spent a night in the jungle on the Galapagos Islands having got lost on a trip up a volcano! (This was pre-children).

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 >