Why Multimodal 2025 comes at a pivotal time for Global Trade

The view from Marco Forgione, Director General of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade

“Multimodal 2025 comes at a pivotal moment for global trade. Logistics and supply chain professionals have had to deal with Brexit, the pandemic, and the impact of international conflicts and climate change in recent years. Now the industry is faced with the upending of the rules-based order of trade that we’ve known for decades by the Trump administration in the US.

“Trump’s protectionist and transactional approach is unpicking the multilateral global system we’ve become accustomed to, and the effects of this are already being felt throughout global supply chains. Trade flows are now shifting dramatically, and governments are racing to ensure their markets don’t become dumping grounds for cheap goods.

“Logistics and supply chain professionals are now navigating a rapidly changing trade landscape, whether that’s due to soaring tariffs or other protectionist measures such as export controls, sanctions or the removal of easements for lower value goods.

“But global trade will go on because businesses that trade internationally are more profitable, sustainable and employ more people. Trade is a force for good, helping to lift people out of poverty, facilitating the sharing of ideas and values across borders, and driving economic prosperity. I have no doubt logistics and trade professionals, like you, will meet the challenges of 2025 head-on and will continue to drive the industry forwards. Read more from Multimodal >

 

Should you need an International Shipping quotation or have a consignment to book in, please click below…

Jeff B.
3 weeks 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.
3 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.
4 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.
4 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.
Declan B.
5 months ago
Great customer experience all the staff are great
Response from the owner:Appreciate the kind words Declan
Tony P.
7 months ago
Had 3 pallets to bring in from Greece. Sender was struggling with UK regulations. Spoke to one freight forwarder who just said 'can't help sorry' as their agent in Greece couldn't help. Was starting to worry until I found IFS. Google reviews looked good and when I spoke to Paul he couldn't have made things any easier. Pallets here safely within a couple of weeks, price cheaper than I was expecting and great communication throughout. Top top company.
Response from the owner:Hi Tony, thanks so much for the great review, we would be more than happy to help you with any further shipping requirements you have in the future!
Daniel W.
9 months ago
I would like to give a special positive review to Catherine Gibson our account manager. Catherine's communication is great along with her speedy competitive quotes. Her communication and updates with our air / sea imports are always up to date and accurate. We have been using International Freight Solutions for well over 12 months now and look forward to many more years working together.

Keep up the good work !!!!

Dan Willerton

Healthy Step (Sensograph) Ltd
Unit E209 Warmco Industrial Park,
Manchester Road, Mossley,
Ashton-under-Lyne,
Lancashire
OL5 9AY
Response from the owner:Many thanks for your great review Dan, it really means a lot to us and especially Cath as she’s bouncing along the clouds now!!
Sam R.
9 months ago
Amazing service from Paul - super helpful, informative and really has a wealth of knowledge. It is a pleasure working with him for our business needs.
Response from the owner:Sam, thanks so much for the kind words and taking the time out to leave such a fantastic review! Looking forward to assisting you again.
Joanne G.
9 months ago
Perfect to deal with and nothing is too much trouble.
Response from the owner:We really appreciate you taking time to leave your kind review - many thanks Joanne!

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IFS welcomes partner agent from Marka Logistics in China

IFS welcomes one of our appointed partner agents from Shenzhen, China​.

Paul Johnson of IFS welcomes Mr Yu Kang, our partner agent from Maria Logistics ChinaRecently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Mr Yu Kang from our partner agent, Marka Logistics in China who took the time out to visit our offices in Sheffield.

Marka are a global freight forwarder and logistics specialist with head office located in Shenzhen, China, along with regional offices across China. Marka have strong relationships with all the major Sea Freight and Air Freight carriers which in turn benefits IFS clients looking to import goods into the UK.

The afternoon was spent discussing our growing partnership along with the current market conditions and it was a great opportunity for him to meet our team.

For more information about our Import Services from China, simply call our friendly and helpful team on: +44 (0) 1709 610 000, or simply send a message >

 

Should you need an International Shipping quotation or have a consignment to book in, please click below…

Jeff B.
3 weeks 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.
3 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.
4 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.
4 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.
Declan B.
5 months ago
Great customer experience all the staff are great
Response from the owner:Appreciate the kind words Declan
Tony P.
7 months ago
Had 3 pallets to bring in from Greece. Sender was struggling with UK regulations. Spoke to one freight forwarder who just said 'can't help sorry' as their agent in Greece couldn't help. Was starting to worry until I found IFS. Google reviews looked good and when I spoke to Paul he couldn't have made things any easier. Pallets here safely within a couple of weeks, price cheaper than I was expecting and great communication throughout. Top top company.
Response from the owner:Hi Tony, thanks so much for the great review, we would be more than happy to help you with any further shipping requirements you have in the future!
Daniel W.
9 months ago
I would like to give a special positive review to Catherine Gibson our account manager. Catherine's communication is great along with her speedy competitive quotes. Her communication and updates with our air / sea imports are always up to date and accurate. We have been using International Freight Solutions for well over 12 months now and look forward to many more years working together.

Keep up the good work !!!!

Dan Willerton

Healthy Step (Sensograph) Ltd
Unit E209 Warmco Industrial Park,
Manchester Road, Mossley,
Ashton-under-Lyne,
Lancashire
OL5 9AY
Response from the owner:Many thanks for your great review Dan, it really means a lot to us and especially Cath as she’s bouncing along the clouds now!!
Sam R.
9 months ago
Amazing service from Paul - super helpful, informative and really has a wealth of knowledge. It is a pleasure working with him for our business needs.
Response from the owner:Sam, thanks so much for the kind words and taking the time out to leave such a fantastic review! Looking forward to assisting you again.
Joanne G.
9 months ago
Perfect to deal with and nothing is too much trouble.
Response from the owner:We really appreciate you taking time to leave your kind review - many thanks Joanne!

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Landmark economic Trade Deal with US saves thousands of British jobs

Thousands of jobs have been saved as the Prime Minister secured a first-of-a-kind trade agreement with the US, says Prime Minister’s Office.

US-UK TRADE AND INVESTMENT WORKING GROUP FlagsIt is the second major trade announcement this week – following the India Free Trade Agreement on Tuesday, this historic agreement with the US to slash tariffs delivers for UK carmakers, steelworks and farmers – protecting jobs and providing stability for exporters.

Car export tariffs will reduce from 27.5% to 10% – saving hundreds of millions a year for Jaguar Land Rover alone. This will apply to a quota of 100,000 UK cars, almost the total the UK exported last year.

The Prime Minister visited Jaguar Land Rover last month announcing greater freedom for car manufacturers to back British industry in the face of global headwinds. During this visit he told workers he would accelerate trade deals to protect their jobs, their livelihoods, and to champion British business worldwide.

The UK steel industry – which was on the brink of collapse just weeks ago – will no longer face tariffs thanks to today’s deal. The Prime Minister negotiated the 25% tariff down to zero, meaning UK steelmakers can carry on exporting to the US. Read more from GOV.UK >

 

 

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

Jeff B.
3 weeks 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.
3 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.
4 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.
4 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.
Declan B.
5 months ago
Great customer experience all the staff are great
Response from the owner:Appreciate the kind words Declan
Tony P.
7 months ago
Had 3 pallets to bring in from Greece. Sender was struggling with UK regulations. Spoke to one freight forwarder who just said 'can't help sorry' as their agent in Greece couldn't help. Was starting to worry until I found IFS. Google reviews looked good and when I spoke to Paul he couldn't have made things any easier. Pallets here safely within a couple of weeks, price cheaper than I was expecting and great communication throughout. Top top company.
Response from the owner:Hi Tony, thanks so much for the great review, we would be more than happy to help you with any further shipping requirements you have in the future!
Daniel W.
9 months ago
I would like to give a special positive review to Catherine Gibson our account manager. Catherine's communication is great along with her speedy competitive quotes. Her communication and updates with our air / sea imports are always up to date and accurate. We have been using International Freight Solutions for well over 12 months now and look forward to many more years working together.

Keep up the good work !!!!

Dan Willerton

Healthy Step (Sensograph) Ltd
Unit E209 Warmco Industrial Park,
Manchester Road, Mossley,
Ashton-under-Lyne,
Lancashire
OL5 9AY
Response from the owner:Many thanks for your great review Dan, it really means a lot to us and especially Cath as she’s bouncing along the clouds now!!
Sam R.
9 months ago
Amazing service from Paul - super helpful, informative and really has a wealth of knowledge. It is a pleasure working with him for our business needs.
Response from the owner:Sam, thanks so much for the kind words and taking the time out to leave such a fantastic review! Looking forward to assisting you again.
Joanne G.
9 months ago
Perfect to deal with and nothing is too much trouble.
Response from the owner:We really appreciate you taking time to leave your kind review - many thanks Joanne!

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Catherine’s success leads to International Freight Solutions new Bradford Office

Out of Gauge export from Yorkshire to Egypt by IFS
International Sales Manager, Catherine Gibson has had a very successful year with International Freight Solutions Ltd.

The last year has literally flown by and Cath has proved to be a real asset to IFS. In her own words: “Business and growth are really good, thanks to some old and new clients keeping me busy. I even moved out of my spare room and am now working out of the new office in Bradford.”

Cath has nearly 30 years’ experience in the international freight industry. She very much enjoys the variety of projects which she manages for customers.

For example, one day she could be sorting out an urgent ‘same day’ delivery of a long tube from Yorkshire to the North East – The next she is responsible for an ‘Out of Gauge’ export consignment from UK to Egypt via Road and Sea Freight.

She says: “we are used to having enquiries for a vast array of shipments that come in all shapes and sizes.”
Find out more about Cath >

If you are looking for a Freight Forwarder who goes the extra mile to ensure your International shipment is successful, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

International Freight Solutions Ltd,
Suite 1003, Backstone Business Centre,
451 Cleckheaton Road, Low Moor, BRADFORD, BD12 0NY
Tel: 01274 059827

Contact: Catherine Gibson
Email: catherine.gibson@intfreight.co.uk

Jeff B.
3 weeks 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.
3 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.
4 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.
4 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.
Declan B.
5 months ago
Great customer experience all the staff are great
Response from the owner:Appreciate the kind words Declan
Tony P.
7 months ago
Had 3 pallets to bring in from Greece. Sender was struggling with UK regulations. Spoke to one freight forwarder who just said 'can't help sorry' as their agent in Greece couldn't help. Was starting to worry until I found IFS. Google reviews looked good and when I spoke to Paul he couldn't have made things any easier. Pallets here safely within a couple of weeks, price cheaper than I was expecting and great communication throughout. Top top company.
Response from the owner:Hi Tony, thanks so much for the great review, we would be more than happy to help you with any further shipping requirements you have in the future!
Daniel W.
9 months ago
I would like to give a special positive review to Catherine Gibson our account manager. Catherine's communication is great along with her speedy competitive quotes. Her communication and updates with our air / sea imports are always up to date and accurate. We have been using International Freight Solutions for well over 12 months now and look forward to many more years working together.

Keep up the good work !!!!

Dan Willerton

Healthy Step (Sensograph) Ltd
Unit E209 Warmco Industrial Park,
Manchester Road, Mossley,
Ashton-under-Lyne,
Lancashire
OL5 9AY
Response from the owner:Many thanks for your great review Dan, it really means a lot to us and especially Cath as she’s bouncing along the clouds now!!
Sam R.
9 months ago
Amazing service from Paul - super helpful, informative and really has a wealth of knowledge. It is a pleasure working with him for our business needs.
Response from the owner:Sam, thanks so much for the kind words and taking the time out to leave such a fantastic review! Looking forward to assisting you again.
Joanne G.
9 months ago
Perfect to deal with and nothing is too much trouble.
Response from the owner:We really appreciate you taking time to leave your kind review - many thanks Joanne!

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Sign Up for IFS News Updates

BIFA adds further Customs Modules to E-learning Library

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has added new modules to the Bitesize eLearning programme that it launched earlier this year as part of the corporate membership fee.

The new modules supplement the existing CDS Compliance course and encompass a variety of Customs regimes including Returns Goods Relief, Temporary Admission, and Inward Processing for imports; as well as Outward Processing, Export from a Customs Warehouse and Standard Export.

Whilst the initial CDS Compliance is a mandatory module, centred around an import home-use declaration, and outlining potential consequences of compliance errors, the new modules can each be undertaken separately.

BIFA Bitesize is a suite of eLearning that has been developed as part of BIFA’s ongoing commitment to provide a variety of training options, aimed at enhancing knowledge in areas critical to freight forwarding, customs compliance, and international trade.

In addition to CDS Compliance, the first rendition of BIFA Bitesize content featured extracts from the existing BIFA Freight Forwarding and Customs Essentials courses.

Some of the key topics include: Preparing to Trade; Incoterms 2020; Inward and Outward Processing; Customs Warehousing; Classification; Returned Goods Relief; Paying HMRC, and Procedure Codes. Read more from BIFA >

 

Need a quotation or ready to book a job?

Simply add your insurance requirements in our online quote, or call us to discuss further:

+44 (0) 1709 610 000

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…

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…

First Electric Heavy-goods Vehicle crosses Channel Tunnel with Leshuttle Freight

In a joint effort, Kuehne+Nagel, LeShuttle Freight, Voltempo, and DAF Trucks have successfully sent first eHGV) through the Channel Tunnel…

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…

New EU Import Security Rules started in January 2026

Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is the new safety & security declaration system for movements into Northern Ireland and the European Union…

A Red Sea return would be a game changer for container shipping in 2026

Container lines deciding to navigate back to the Red Sea is arguably the most important development to watch for in the global shipping market this year…

Freight forwarding goes right back to the 1800’s!

Back in 1836 Thomas Meadows and Company Limited, London began to see the need for this industry with demand for more reliable rail transport…

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…

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 Government Moves to Scrap De Minimis Customs Rule

The UK government is in open consultation to reform customs treatment of low-value imports (LVIs) into the United Kingdom…

Logistics industry experts Logistics UK respond to Anti-Growth Budget

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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..

Port of Felixstowe receives its first two Autonomous Trucks (ATs)

Port of felixstowe has taken delivery of the first two units from an order for a further 34 autonomous trucks (ATs) from Shanghai Westwell…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pre-Budget speech fails to rule out tax rises

Warnings that businesses can’t take more tax hikes.  Fear amongst economists that increasing taxes will not help economical growth…