International Forwarding Ltd (IFL) has built a strong and reliable reputation as a Birmingham freight forwarder. Founded in 1989, we specialise in serving local industry sectors, including engineering, manufacturing, aerospace and automotive, and support suppliers and makers to trade domestically and internationally. We are based in Coleshill, Birmingham in the West Midlands – close to the M6, M42, M5 and M1, and just 10 minutes from Birmingham Airport (BHX) – with fast onward connections to all parts of the UK and European transport hubs. We are also flexible, friendly and don’t cost the earth.
To request a quote, give us a call on +44 (0)1675 434690 or email enquiries@internationalforwarding.co.uk.
Birmingham freight forwarding – key services
Road freight
- European road freight in 48/72 hours.
- Overnight UK service with two-hour ETAs and full track and trace.
- Flagship Swiss freight service since 1989.
- Reliable, cost-effective and fast response times.
- Find out more about road freight services.
Air freight
- Express forwarding for urgent shipments.
- Discounts available for volume shipments.
- Hub close Birmingham Airport and East Midlands Airport.
- Find out more about air cargo services.
Sea freight
- Cost-effective for large freight volumes over long distances.
- Full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) options.
- We manage all necessary documentation.
- Find out more about sea freight services.
Customs clearance
- UK clearance services on road/sea/air consignments under our control.
- AEO-accredited for a more secure supply chain.
- Duty deferment facility option.
- Find out more about customs clearance services.
Groupage services
- Highly attractive rates from sharing space with others.
- Regular scheduled trailers across the UK and Europe.
- Full track and trace on UK groupage through the Palletways network.
- Find out more about groupage transport.
Pallet collection and delivery
- Economy, express and groupage transport options.
- Real-time tracking and full visibility on goods from pickup to delivery.
- Bespoke multiple and single pallet delivery solutions.
- Find out more about pallet delivery.
Warehousing
- Short and long-term solutions for storage.
- Experienced cargo handling: product reworking, pallet picking, container destuffing and offloading.
- Complete 3PL package to suit your requirements.
- Find out more about warehousing.
Platinum member of Palletways
IFL is a platinum member of Palletways UK pallet transport network – a network made up of over 130 independent pallet delivery companies who provide outstanding service nationwide.
We’ve been a member firm since 2002. As part of the UK’s extensive network coverage, we collect and deliver palletised freight across 14 local post codes in Birmingham and the West Midlands, including Coleshill, Garretts Green, Solihull and Shirley. The network’s hub-and-spoke distribution model improves transport efficiency and sustainability, reduces overall mileage and minimises empty vehicle space to ensure smarter pallet deliveries. Between us, we help deliver nearly six million pallets each year.
The benefits to customers include a UK-wide overnight delivery service (up to 24 hours depending on location) and a range of economy services (up to 48 hours depending on location). Consignments can also be booked and tracked online with proofs of delivery retrieved electronically and a two-hour delivery window for estimated time of arrival (ETA).
Find out more about how this works on our Pallet delivery page or watch the video below.
How pallet deliveries work through Palletways
How does your UK palletised freight get from A to B? Watch this Palletways video to find out how pallet deliveries travel through our members network…
Why Birmingham businesses choose us
As a Birmingham-based forwarder since 1989, IFL is long-established and award-winning, and highly regarded in the industry. Our motto is Pride in Performance and our customer service is rated excellent by customers, with a five-star 4.8 rating on Google reviews and many more client testimonials.
When you call us, if we can’t answer you right away, we’ll respond within 30 mins during office hours. Being able to get hold of a human is something our customers really value.
Key benefits for Midlands businesses:
- Fast spot quotes and no automated phone queues to navigate.
- We’re located at the heart of the UK motorway network near the M1, M5, M6 & M42.
- Our transport hub is just 10 minutes from Birmingham International Airport.
- Our cargo fleet is modern and reliable.
- AEO and FORS Bronze accredited, and members of RHA, BIFA, UKWA and Palletways.
- Air freight services are available through East Midlands Airport, 50 minutes away.
- We have three large warehousing facilities with secure storage 24-7 and optional 3PL services.
- Pallet storage in Birmingham – bulk storage available short or long-term.
What our customers say:
“Always helpful and decently priced – what more could you ask for in a freight forwarder. Would 100% recommend.”
“We’ve been using IFL Ltd for all our overseas shipping and import processing, and they’ve been nothing short of brilliant. Everything runs smoothly, and they take a lot of the stress out of the process.”
“We have been working with IFL for 14 years or should I say they have been working with us! It’s like having our own dedicated forwarding team, always going above and beyond with a can-do attitude.”
If you need a more detailed quotation or just have a question to ask, give us a call on +44 (0)1675 434690 or email enquiries@internationalforwarding.co.uk.
What industry sectors we serve
We work with all kinds of businesses who need transport and logistics services but we have particular expertise and experience across a range of Midlands industries. Click on each sector to find out more:
Aerospace logistics
Supporting aerospace manufacturers and suppliers with secure, streamlined logistics solutions across the UK and worldwide.
Automotive logistics
Keeping automotive supply chains moving, from component parts and production materials to finished vehicles.
Manufacturing and engineering logistics
Flexible logistics solutions designed to handle complex supply chains, specialist cargo and industrial distribution.
FMCG logistics
Fast, efficient and cost-effective logistics that help you keep pace with demand and get products to market on time.
Healthcare and medical logistics
Reliable transport and logistics services for healthcare providers, medical suppliers, and health and beauty brands.
Telecommunications logistics
Secure handling, storage and transportation of telecommunications equipment and infrastructure.
Ecommerce logistics
Seamless logistics solutions that help you deliver faster, respond to demand and exceed customer expectations.
Need a dedicated vehicle?
IFL also offers UK haulage services. Our recently upgraded and modernised cargo fleet can also be used as dedicated transport vehicles for direct, complex or time-critical consignments.
FAQs
Customers can inspect stock during normal working hours and at other times by prior arrangement and under health and safety requirements. We offer a bespoke inventory control electronic reporting system which updates automatically as stock is added or leaves the inventory. Our web-based system gives clients 24-hour access to stock held.
Warehousing UK costs are based on space occupied, number of pallets, duration of storage, etc, and will include handling into and out of store. Additional services include insurance, distribution and labelling if required. Find out more – click the ‘Get a quote’ button, call us on +44 (0)1675 434690 or email enquiries@internationalforwarding.co.uk.
All types of general cargo except foodstuff items, goods requiring temperature control and hazardous goods. Goods exceeding 6m length and 2,500kg individual weight will be subject to special arrangements.
Absolutely. Our product reworking services include label removal and replacement, repackaging, consignment splitting, and barcode labelling to meet your specific needs.
Both electronic and hard copy instructions can be accepted. The former can be integrated into the electronic inventory control process referred to above.
Other information guides
- Pallet collection and delivery – how to send your palletised freight
- Pallet storage – how your goods are stored
- Pallet sizes – UK standard pallet sizes, Euro pallets, oversized goods and more.
For a fast quote get in touch today:
