European trade rarely moves in a straight line. A shipment may start at a factory, pass through a road carrier, reach a consolidation terminal, move by rail or sea, and then continue to the final buyer. This is exactly why FCA is one of the most useful Incoterms rules for importers and exporters in Europe. […]
Customs compliance in 2026 is no longer a back-office issue that can be fixed after a truck is loaded or a shipment is already moving. It has become an operational risk that affects transit time, border performance, delivery reliability and margin. That shift is not theoretical. The EU’s customs environment is becoming more data-driven and […]
Freight forwarders face a variety of surcharges as they navigate the complexities of transporting cargo. These charges, including congestion fees, seasonal charges, and security surcharges, are levied by carriers and terminal operators to cover additional costs for processing and transporting goods. Congestion Fees Congestion charges are imposed by carriers for additional costs they incur […]
The global freight forwarding sector has seen significant expansion in recent years and is forecasted to experience even greater growth in 2025. According to the International Monetary Fund, worldwide trade activity is expected to rise by 3.2% this year, supported by increasing consumer demand within developing economies, the rapid growth of e-commerce, and reduced geopolitical […]
Freight forwarders face several challenges in 2025 and beyond. These include oversupply in maritime shipping, lagging adoption of digital tools, and a growing driver shortage in Europe, all of which are putting pressure on the industry. Balancing Oversupply The forwarding sector is navigating a challenging scenario, with capacity expanding and freight demand dropping. The […]
Marked by intricate networks and bustling trade routes, the European freight forwarding landscape is a realm of both opportunities and challenges. While the industry giants seem to sail smoothly, small and medium-sized forwarders often find themselves navigating rougher waters. These firms predominantly grapple with three core challenges: a limited technological infrastructure, pronounced vulnerability to market […]
The flourishing container shipping industry, integral to the European logistics network, has prompted an uptick in demand for new, expansive vessels. Forecasts for 2023 to 2025 suggest that the freshly minted fleet will comprise 27% of the total operational capacity. This investment in new vessels is primarily driven by anticipated future demand and the enhanced […]
Congestion presents a considerable challenge for today’s world, albeit an unavoidable one. The repercussions translate into extended journey durations for freight transporters, a dip in vehicle usage, and a reduction in fuel efficiency. The costs associated with running a fleet climb, market reach diminishes, freight charges increase, and the predictability of delivery and pick-up schedules […]
Today’s supply chains are being impacted by multiple disruptions, but it’s not all negative. The advent of digital innovation is one example expected to enhance precision, nimbleness, cost-efficiency, and security in the logistics arena. Its adoption by an increasing number of businesses is reshaping the landscape of the sector. In 2022, the value of the […]
International trade agreements have a significant impact on the European freight forwarding industry, shaping the landscape in which businesses operate. Navigating these agreements is important for freight forwarders as they influence trade flows, customs procedures, tariffs, and market access. The main important trade agreements with implications for IFA members are the Comprehensive Economic and Trade […]
International shipping can be a complex process due to factors such as time zones, language barriers, and regulatory and customs compliance. This is especially true for businesses that are new to importing and exporting. One of the main decisions they should make is whether to work with a global or local logistics provider. While global […]
Insurers are dealing with cargo claims on a regular basis, the main contributory cause being bad stowage. With millions of containers in global circulation, this can be a serious issue for carriers. While bad stowage is a major cause, there are plenty of other reasons for cargo claims. Reasons for Damage About 11 percent […]
Whether shipping for a small retailer, mid-sized business, or a multinational corporation, there are some specifics to learn about when exporting goods to Middle East markets. To help you get started, here are some regulations and paperwork required when shipping goods to your target markets. Import Regulations Most countries in the region require that […]
Since the early days of the conflict, Ukraine’s ports have remained blocked due to Russian ships and mines. There are 80 ships currently stranded, some carrying cargo, others – empty, with crews having fled from Ukraine. The country’s biggest port, the port of Yuzhne has been idle for the last three months, with thousands of […]
Amidst the pandemic, experts predicted that some commodities were headed for a quick recovery, examples being fast-recovering goods such as minerals, gravel, stones, and agricultural products. Others are neutral or slow-recovering due to a mix of market forces. Fast-Recovering Commodities Goods that are faster to return include pharmaceutical products, animal feed, food and grocery items, […]
With global warming, supply chain networks face considerable risks due to climate disasters, severe weather, and the threat of future pandemics. When wildfires rage, ice covers the roadways, and high winds howl, many businesses are forced to shut down operations. Supply chains have to do the exact opposite and find alternative ways to ship commodities. […]
Plenty can go wrong when shipping perishables and trying to protect them against spoilage, staleness, humidity, and extreme temperatures. There are different packagings and packs to use when transporting perishable items, including cold packs, insulated food shippers, solid plastics, and foam brick. Types of Packaging Cold packs are a safe and simple solution to ship […]
The coronavirus pandemic hit vital industries across the globe and disrupted supply chains due to restrictions and stay-at-home orders. The pharmaceutical supply chain has also been affected by lockdowns and restrictions imposed in India and China where major pharmaceutical producers operate. Drop in Supply due to Over-Reliance Supply from pharmaceutical manufacturers in China has dropped […]
Shipping medical devices and equipment requires careful packing, crating, and unloading by following safety procedures as to avoid damage. European logistics companies often ship medical equipment for research and medical facilities, manufacturers, private practitioners, clinics, and hospitals. Types of Medical Equipment Hospitals and other healthcare facilities use different types of medical devices and equipment such […]
Freight forwarders often ship valuable items that require special handling. From pick-up to transportation and delivery, valuables are made extra secure through digital video recording systems, armored transportation, extra insurance coverage, and security professionals. Factors to Take into Account Different factors should be weighed in when shipping high-value goods, including current events, customs, legislation, geography, […]
Logistics providers face different challenges and operational and strategic risks due to factors such as instability, terrorism, conflicts, and economic downturns. Freight forwarders face logistics and transportation risks associated with increasing globalization, and it is important to develop and implement strategies to safeguard transports. Main Logistics Risks The main logistics risks that companies face include […]
Logistics services providers offer and use different modes of transportation to move goods, including rail, road, air, and sea transport. All modes have pros and cons in terms of safety, speed, reliability, cost, and risk of damages. Rail Transport Rail freight has benefits over other transportation options, one being that it is a cost-effective solution […]
With globalization and the ever increasing interdependence of European economies, cargo theft has become a real threat. Criminal groups often target high-value goods such as pharmaceutical products and mobile devices, and the number of incidents has increased during the last couple of years. Given that billions are lost to cargo theft each year, prevention is […]
Dry van shipping remains the most popular and widely used freight forwarding method used for the international freight services provided by the members of IFA. The reason is that this type of transport where enclosed trailers are used for complete loads, pallet shipping, European groupage services and all kinds of other freight forwarding needs is […]
A new system for the blind zones of the trucks, which are not visible in the rear view mirrors was presented during the IAA Nutzfahrzeuge 2018 event. The German producer ZF Friedrichshafen AG introduced its innovative monitoring system in Hannover. It will help the truck drivers to prevent possible collisions with other vehicles, cyclists or […]
One of the main tasks international freight forwarding has is the crescent necessity of high quality in logistics services. The customers’ expectations and requirements increase all the time and European logistics association is supposed to respond to these requirements. The high quality is achieved thanks to the full customer’s awareness, the availability of detailed information […]
Following the long-distance freight forwarding, the final stage of each shipment is from the central or regional office to the end destination. This is the stage in which the use of drones has been widely discussed recently. The international freight forwarders consider every new technology as potentially useful when it can be used for shortening […]
Incoterms are used for the preparation of international freight forwarding of goods and cargo by the freight forwarders Europe for commercial purposes. These rules are defined by the International Chamber of Commerce. It is essential to know all these terms as well as the basic conditions in order to formulate the contractual agreement, the terms […]
Supply chains cover the entire movement of the goods to the customers and include the transport and storage of the raw materials, as well as the forwarding and storage of the ready products. The International freight forwarders work together for creating interconnected networks for product supply and delivery which are in demand by the end […]
The timely and proper forwarding of goods and cargos is essential for any business. It is crucial for timely delivery of goods and cargo in good condition. During the forwarding services provided by the European network for logistics all aspects of the service including the packaging, loading and the transport itself is treated with special […]
The unification of the separate forwarding companies in one united European network of freight forwarders allows for constant communication and cooperation among them. This allows for much faster reactions when the forwarding of goods to various European destinations is required. If the companies providing forwarding service do not work together this can lead to a […]
Many companies rely on logistics services for their business. Since freight forwarding is a part of modern business it is not surprising that one major goal for the businesses is lowering the costs for these services. There are several ways which such a reduction of the costs can be achieved by the international freight services. […]
Along with the general terms for forwarding and cargo outlined by the World Road Transportation Organization (IRU), there are other additional framework agreements for logistics services such as the freight forwarders network. The purpose of the framework agreements Framework agreements serve the purpose of defining all additional conditions and terms. These agreements are developed […]
We at the international freight forwarders association offer our customers to transport your goods from one country to another including transit through third countries. Your goods will be transported via the TIR system. With it, the entire route is accepted as custom controlled due to the fact that the shipments are sealed. How to […]
Securing the cargo and shipments during the freight forwarding services provided by the freight forwarders network is a main part of the logistics services provided. Unsecured cargo can become damaged, get spilled and can also cause damage to the vehicles and injuries to the personnel providing the forwarding services. The regulations and rules in regard […]
Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) are at the center of the attention of the European manufacturers and consumers because the tendency for the slow rising of their prices leads to the increase of the purchasing and consumption of these goods. There are many producers of FMCG in the different European countries who make various food […]
The need for quality improvement of the freight forwarding services throughout Europe The conditions for logistics and the global and European conditions are constantly changing. With the technological developments and the emergence of new opportunities for freight forwarders Europe, the striving towards continuous improvement of the quality of the transport and storage services provided is […]
Refrigerated freight forwarding is of key importance for each European country, as it ensures deliveries of big volumes of food products (frozen or fresh), as well as of flowers and many other products, including chemicals. By combining the services of the freight forwarders, the European countries are able to receive all necessary deliveries of goods […]
Diplomatic travel in Europe is common, and it often includes transporting the diplomatic luggage when travelling to a new workplace, or when coming home from a mission. During diplomatic travels for different missions, the luggage of the diplomats travels with them. But often they need to transport the luggage of their family members as well. […]
Historically, for the freight forwarding business, the introduction of containers as a transportation means is a sort of a milestone. The member companies of the European logistics network use containers for their freight forwarding services to various destinations in Europe on a daily basis. The beginning of the use of containers for freight forwarding […]
The data in regard to the European economic growth in 2016 is optimistic, which is a clear sign that the growth will continue in 2017 as well. This means that the intensity of commerce is expected to increase, and so is the demand for freight forwarding services. The European network for logistics provides excellent options […]
The transport of hazardous goods is part of the wide variety of freight forwarding services offered by the European network for transportation. The member companies of the network own specialized vehicles and have drivers who are trained to handle and transport such goods and cargo. You can request the transport of such hazardous goods by […]
The safety of our logistics services is a top priority for the European logistics network. The drivers and other employees of the member companies of the European network for logistics and the personnel of the freight forwarders comply with the specific safety requirements for the vehicles and for all drivers on the specific roads to […]
The low fuel prices which have remained at such levels consistently for quite a while have an inevitable effect on the transportation services. For the European logistics network, whose member companies provide daily freight forwarding services to all European countries, these low fuel prices have a positive effect, in respect to: lower fuel costs and […]
In the modern world news for disasters are commonly found. The affected population needs humanitarian aids. These aids reach the affected areas with the active involvement of freight forwarders network. The quick disaster response with humanitarian aid is essential Disasters are unexpected, but when they happen, the quick response is very important for the […]
The number of logistics companies is constantly increasing due to the globalisation and the continuous forwarding of cargos and goods. The quest for finding a reliable forwarder who has sufficient experience in using the new technologies for the forwarding services in the necessary deadlines and terms of delivery is not easy. Based on the experience […]
In order to be able to comply with the requirements for quick, effective and inexpensive freight forwarding, which our clients are requesting, we offer transparency of the services offered as part of the European logistics network. We do that by implementing a unified portfolio of services offered by all IFA member companies. It has clear […]
With the development of business and commerce, the freight forwarding services are growing and are becoming an integral element from the process of reaching all parts of Europe. For more than 20 years, IFA has become a wide range network of freight forwarding and transportation services recognised by all. The mission which we have set […]
The definition given by the International Federation of Freight Forwarding Association for freight forwarders is “Architects of Transport”, which is a brief description of the actual commercial position of the freight forwarder to the customer. In European freight forwarding, the forwarder has responsibilities which are negotiated for each shipment. These responsibilities are part of each […]
The global markets continue to expand, leading to more intense international transport. With the global expansion of international markets challenges like meeting the transit time, dividing the sectors when carrying out international transport services for chain stores, consolidation of many goods; changes in regulations, taxes; transportation of oversized equipment, raise problems that need to be […]