Road Freight

EUROPEAN ROAD FREIGHT IN 48/72 HOURS
Our UK service also delivers overnight with two-hour ETAs and full track and trace.

SAFE HANDS

With over 35 years specialising in UK and European freight transport, we ensure timely and reliable deliveries.

FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS

Offering express, economy, full truck loads and cost-effective groupage options to suit your requirements.

STRATEGIC LOCATION

Our Birmingham hub provides quick access to the UK motorway network and Midlands airports, enhancing delivery efficiency.

CLOUD-BASED TECH

State-of-the-art systems allow you to monitor consignments and inventory, providing transparency and peace of mind.

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR UK/EUROPEAN ROAD FREIGHT

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED UK FREIGHT FORWARDER

With more than 35 years experience in UK and international freight transport, International Forwarding has the knowledge, expertise and network to deliver your consignments on time and in full, every time. We prioritise the smooth and efficient delivery of your goods. Our tailored road freight solutions include UK haulage, pallet distribution, European export and import groupage, and both part and full truck load deliveries.

Strategically located

Our central location in Birmingham in the West Midlands puts us in the ‘Golden Triangle of logistics’, within easy reach of all mainland destinations in the UK and ensuring swift access to major transport routes for prompt deliveries. For UK freight, we manage the entire process from our Birmingham hub, offering next-day deliveries and full tracking through our membership of Palletways. Additionally, our integrated logistics services, supported by three large-capacity warehouses, provide flexible supply chain solutions to keep your business moving.

EUROPEAN-WIDE REACH

As a European freight forwarder since 1989, IFL is entrusted by thousands of businesses who import from and export to Europe. We have Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status from HM Revenue & Customs, and deliver to all major economic centres via our range of European transport partners. We offer groupage, full and part loads, and express services. Express delivers in 48 hours and economy in three-five working days, depending on location. On our core Europe services we retain total control from supplier to consignee and offer customs clearances for hassle-free shipping.

FLAGSHIP SWISS SERVICE

One of our most popular services is our shuttle to and from Switzerland with fast transit times and premium service. Set up in 2003, it is now one of the best, most experienced and reliable palletised freight transports in the industry for Swiss shipping. We work with a dedicated Swiss transport partner, and your consignments are driver-accompanied and delivered door to door within 48/72 hours. We retain total control from supplier to consignee and, as such, can provide customs clearance services for seamless deliveries.

Glob-Sped-AG truck and trailer

Platinum Palletways member

We’re also platinum members of Palletways – the UK’s largest express palletised freight network. With over 120 member depots across the UK and Ireland, the network is unrivalled in its ability to connect your business to your customer’s needs.

Our customers benefit from Palletways’ UK-wide overnight premium service (within 24 hours depending on location) and a range of economy services (within 48 hours depending on location). You’ll also be able to: book online, track and trace shipments, and receive text and email alerts, a two-hour delivery window and electronic proof of delivery.

Why choose IFL for Road Freight

  • OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE

    Pride in performance is our motto and our promise. We’re friendly, reliable and always work hard to get the best deal for our customers. In 35+ years, we have grown to become one of the UK’s most reliable and trusted independent freight forwarders.
    • Award-winning customer service.
    • Highly experienced and knowledgeable staff.
    • No automated telephone systems – you’ll speak directly to us when you call.
    • Personal touch – we work hard to get to know you and become a trusted part of your team.
    • Eager to solve complex problems and offer tailored solutions to fit your situation or budget.

     

  • Environmental Commitment

    We invest in fuel-efficient vehicles and route optimisation to reduce our carbon footprint.

    We’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint and maximising fuel efficiency through ongoing investment in vehicles with the latest technology and route optimisation software. More on this in ESG ­– moving towards Net Zero in road freight transport.

     

  • COMPETITIVE FREIGHT RATES

    We offer the best rates on road freight according to consignment size and delivery time.

    • Next working day on UK express and premium road freight.
    • 48-hour economy option to UK destinations (Scottish Highlands and offshore, 3-5 days).
    • Europe express – 72 hours pallet delivery (premium); 48 hours (premium+).
    • Europe economy – pallet collection and delivery within five working days.
    • Groupage service to consolidate freight into one lower-cost pallet consignment.
    • Air cargo is a fast option but a dedicated vehicle can be just as quick to the EU.

     

  • BESPOKE SOLUTIONS

    We offer a range of options to match you speed and budget requirements:

    • FULL TRUCK LOAD (FTL)
      For businesses that need to transport large quantities of goods across the UK and Europe, we can provide vehicles of different sizes and configurations to meet your requirements.
    • PART TRUCK LOAD (PTL)
      For businesses with smaller quantities of goods to transport, we can consolidate multiple part loads into a single truck – without compromising on speed or reliability.
    • GROUPAGE
      If time is less critical, you can share the costs of transport by consolidating your goods with others going to the same or similar destinations on scheduled services.
    • INTEGRATED LOGISTICS
      Let us help you store and distribute your goods more efficiently through our tailored logistics services, including container unloading, destuffing and palletising handball containers, warehouse storage, full KPI and stock management, warehouse management system for inventory visibility, competitive all-risks insurance, and customs clearances on our core European services

     

  • CUSTOMER-FIRST PHILOSOPHY

    We prioritise your needs with a dedicated support team that ensures seamless coordination and problem resolution.

    As one of the UK’s most reliable and trusted independent freight forwarders, we offer.

    • Award-winning customer service.
    • Highly experienced and knowledgeable staff.
    • No automated telephone systems – you’ll speak directly to us when you call.
    • Personal touch – we work hard to get to know you and become a trusted part of your team.
    • Eager to solve complex problems, tailor solutions and get the best deal we can for you.

client
feedback

measured by our clients’ success

DELIVERY
DESTINATIONS

Wherever you need to ship, we’ve got you covered. Our international delivery network spans across Europe, connecting you to key markets with seamless logistics solutions. From mainland UK to destinations like France, Germany, and Switzerland, we ensure fast and reliable transport tailored to your business needs. Trust us to deliver your goods safely and on time.

Mainland UK
UK-France-UK
UK-Germany-UK
UK-Switzerland-UK
UK-Italy-UK
UK-Ireland-UK
UK-Poland-UK
UK-Denmark-UK
UK-Austria-UK
Mainland UK
UK-France-UK
UK-Germany-UK
UK-Switzerland-UK
UK-Italy-UK
UK-Ireland-UK
UK-Poland-UK
UK-Denmark-UK
UK-Austria-UK

how to prepare your pallet for shipping

Follow these guidelines on how to load your shipment ready for safe shipping… It covers use of good quality pallets, how to put your items on the pallet and how to secure them once on the pallet. For further information, read our complete guide to pallet collection and delivery.

Get a quote for
Road Freight services today

Whether sending UK or international road freight, IFL can provide you with a reliable, efficient and cost-effective solution. Contact us today to get a quote for our freight transportation services.

t: +44 (0)1675 434690
e: enquiries@internationalforwarding.co.uk

FAQs

Find out the answers to other questions commonly asked by our customers.

  • What is road freight?

    Road freight is simply the transportation of goods using the road network. Goods may be loaded onto a car, van, truck or lorry and delivered to their destination or other place of unloading or distribution, such as ports, warehouses or freight transport hubs. Road freight plays a critical connecting role in air cargo and sea freight, and across the global transport and logistics sector.

     

  • What are the types of road freight transport

    Road transport is often the most cost-effective option for businesses that need to transport their products or components. It costs less than air freight and more than sea freight. And, unlike other modes of transport, road freight provides a door-to-door service. Using modern technology vehicles, goods can also be tracked in real time.

     

  • What are the advantages of road freight?

    Road transport is often the most cost-effective option, offering door-to-door service and real-time tracking capabilities.

     

  • What is FTL and PTL

    Full truck load (FTL)

    Our full truck load service is ideal for businesses that need to transport large quantities of goods across the UK and Europe. We can provide vehicles of different sizes and configurations to meet your specific requirements, and our experienced drivers will ensure your consignments are delivered on time and in full.

    Part truck load (PTL)

    If you have smaller quantities of goods to transport, our part load service is perfect. By consolidating multiple part loads into a single truck, we can provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transport option – without compromising on speed or reliability.

     

  • WHAT IS GROUPAGE?

    Our groupage service allows you to share the cost of transporting goods with other businesses, enabling you to benefit from lower prices and reduced environmental impact. We offer groupage options to keep costs down, and our experienced team will ensure your consignments are delivered safely and on time. Find out more about how this works on our Groupage page.

  • Do you offer customs clearance services?

    Yes, we provide services on goods under our control through our Birmingham customs team or Dover agent, ensuring seamless shipping.

     

  • Can you handle large or heavy consignments?

    Our vehicles can carry up to 28 tonnes and accommodate heights up to three meters, suitable for large, bulky, or heavy consignments.

     

Ship your cargo by road, air or sea

Comprehensive warehousing and logistics services in the UK, located at the heart of the UK transport network

Economy and express pallet delivery throughout the UK and Europe

Keep shipping costs down with our premier groupage service

Request a quote

To allow us to provide a more accurate quotation, please fill in the form detailing your requirements.

Upon receipt of your enquiry one of our logistics managers will send over your tailored quotation within 1 hour.

Please note: we do not ship personal effects.

International Forwarding Ltd operate under strict protocols & guidelines aligned with The National Crime Agency (NCA) and Action Fraud.

Strict security checks will be carried out before account opening, designed to safeguard financial integrity, and combat illegal activities.