Amazon and other retailers and freight forwarders are already experimenting with the use of drones for quick, cheap and efficient distribution. Walmart and others are using drones for their warehouse inventory management. More tech companies are working on designing and making unmanned aerial vehicles or use for storage and distribution by retailers, manufacturers and by […]

With the ever-increasing globalization, the volume of goods and cargo being forwarded by the International Forwarding Association has been increasing steadily as well. Unfortunately, the risk of theft of cargo has also been increasing, and every year millions of tons of oil, chemicals, and other cargo have been lost into the black market due to […]

Pick & Pack is a decision, comfortable for the tradesmen, who offer stock in online stores. The ordered stocks are delivered to clients in different countries in Europe with groupage transport service. The stocks, which are ordered and paid, are taken from the storage of the tradesman and are packed. On each packing is labeled […]

The packing is an important operation in the preparation for the consignments of international freight forwarding. In Portugal, for a third year in a row the exhibition  Empackand Transport & Logistics will be conducted. In September 2018, in Porto will be presented new decisions for packing materials and products, which also contribute to the relegation […]

The forwarders throughout Europe who are members of IFA have years of experience in providing cold chain logistics as part of their international freight forwarders services. Our freight forwarders network offers a number of cold chain solutions which ensure the integrity of the entire cold chain. These services include cold chain packaging, cold chain transportation, […]

Inventory storage Inventory can be one of the most expensive parts of a production process.  The costs for storing large inventories can reach up to 70% of all your warehousing costs, while the products are just sitting around waiting to be sold. This is why the International Forwarding Association offers cross-docking as part of its […]

Customers look for appropriate logistic services as to the freight types and the suitable deadlines, but not only. They also look for some low-cost prices, too. The companies from freight forwarders association take care of the price deduction in many ways by offering shorter routes, an option for combing small packages in groupage services and […]

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 […]

Prior to each shipment, the employees from the forwarders throughout Europe receive detailed information regarding the cargo and goods. This allows them to pack them properly and to organize the care for those products which require special conditions for storage or transport, such as temperature levels, humidity and so on. The proper preparation is vital […]

The logistics freight forwarding services are an essential part of the activities of many companies and people. With the growing demand for forwarding services due to the increasingly intensifying trade, online commerce and the mobility of the people who are moving to live, work or study in different places and countries, the expectations of the […]

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 […]

The volumes of the cargo being forwarded to different European destinations by the freight forwarders association are very large.  Apart from the growing number of services provided to the customers, such as door-to-door deliveries, cross-docking and in the near future, the use of drones for local deliveries, the forwarders throughout Europe are striving to prevent […]

Many of the retailers, distributors and other customers use the services provided by the freight forwarders Europe. And many others will be using their logistics services in the future. Since some of the terms used in logistics may not be quite clear for the existing and future customers of this type of service, we from […]

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 are an integral part of the modern production. They are used for the transport of raw materials, returning finished products and for the exchange of money and data. The logistic provided by international freight forwarding is the primary means of transporting raw materials as well as for the return of finished products when […]

Certain goods which are being transported by the European logistics association need to have an export license when being forwarded. Also, specific procedures need to be adhered to during their export. The experts from IFA are experienced in getting the licensing and permits necessary for the export of certain goods from one country to another […]

Logistics is inextricably linked to business. Here are several tendencies for 2018 which are expected to improve the efficiency of the freight forwarding service this year: An increase of the profits from omnichannel supply Omnichannel supply will continue to play a significant role in the international freight services and the forwarding services will be organized […]

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. […]

Proper packing of the goods prior to transporting them is essential to protect them from dust and dirt when transported in open vehicles and from damage such as scratching or breaking during the transport. There is suitable packing for different types of goods and cargo. The companies from the international freight forwarders network rely on […]

The global aspiration for lowering the environmental pollution is crucial for establishing and maintaining a healthy and friendly environment. The international freight forwarders are contributing to his cause by using third party suppliers for their services.   The pollution resulting from each and every delivery made is mainly due to the fuel which is consumed […]

The number of middle class people is constantly growing due to the increased mobility options as well as wider choices for better paying jobs. This has led to a tendency for improved purchasing power and a greater demand for fresh produce as compared to frozen products.  The freight forwarders Europe are working on adding more […]

Driverless vehicles which use the combination between data from the road maps and the data from the vehicle sensors to get from one destination to another are already a fact. Most people associate this innovation with Google’s self-driving cars which work by implementing the road map and traffic data. They are made and function based […]

Freight forwarding within the boundaries of the EU is done mainly via road transport, and a large share of these services is provided by network of freight forwarders. The service is usually combined with sea transport, intermodal combinations and by combining several types of transport. The advancements in the information and communication technologies allows for […]

Modern technologies are widely implemented in logistics. The Freight forwarders association is taking advantage of all benefits and facilities provided by the electronic logging devices in order to keep track of the working hours of their drivers in charge of the international forwarding of cargo and goods.   What does the abbreviation ELD stand for? […]

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 […]

Consolidation is convenient for the customers of the European logistics association because they can us the warehouse and storage services provided by the network of freight forwarders until their cargo reaches the required volume which needs to be transported.   Consolidation is especially convenient for groupage services Consolidation of loads is a regular necessity for […]

Container shipments provide the convenience of forwarding goods and cargo to all European countries via the services of the European network for transportation. Containers provide protection for the shipments they are carrying from any negative weather conditions and impacts including: temperature, humidity and dust. They are easy to load, download and re-load which allows for […]

Apart from the wide variety of freight forwarding services via road transport, the European network for transportation also offers added security for the cargo being transported by strict compliance to the requirements for the drivers’ responsibilities in accordance to the CMR Convention.   The convention applies to all contracts for the shipment of cargo and […]

The carnet de passages is an international customs declaration which is required for the temporary import of a vehicle from one country to another. It is issued in English and French languages. The import of vehicles is performed by the member companies of the European network of transportation.   The Carnet de Passages is part […]

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 […]

The INCOTERMS rules are developed by the International Chamber of Commerce and are applied in international commerce. They are used for international trade deals and are also followed by the freight transport association when forwarding of goods is provided. The INCOTERMS rules clearly define the tasks, costs and risks involved in transporting and delivering goods, […]

The European automotive industry has a great production volume which requires freight forwarding services provided by a list of logistics companies. A large number of materials are needed for the production of automobiles, and they usually are delivered form various destination. Also, the vehicles which are already made and driven throughout Europe need various spare […]

The demand for pallet shipping Pallet shipping is in high demand by a number of retailers who use the forwarding services of the freight transport association. Goods can be grouped into single shipments by being packed on single pallets which makes their processing, loading and unloading as well as moving from one vehicle to another […]

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 […]

This is a basic document which certifies the origin of the goods which are about to be exported. The forwarding tariffs are in accordance with the origin of the goods, as well as with other factors. A number of international preferences in relation to the tariffs and to the commercial requirements can be obtained with […]

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 […]

Freight consolidation is amongst the regular logistics services provided by the freight forwarders. By offering to merge smaller loads into a single vehicle load, there is an opportunity for regular transport of cargoes with smaller volumes at a lower forwarding price.   Benefits of the freight consolidation By combining smaller cargo into one load, the […]

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 […]

Sea transport allows for cheap freight forwarding of cargo to and from a large number of European countries.  It is the preferred form of transport for big volumes of goods as well as for smaller ones in containers when the delivery terms are not urgent.  The customers of freight forwarders Europe have a choice between […]

When forwarding cargo by air, it is essential that all standards and guidelines by the International Air Transport Association for safety are duly met. The freight forwarders Europe provide their services in full compliance with these requirements and inform their customers about all necessary regulations and possible limitations in regard to the air transport service. […]

Wooden furniture is a main product of the woodworking industry and is under constant demand. Thanks to the well-developed commercial ties within Europe, as well as the logistics services for the woodworking industry which are provided by the international freight forwarders network, customers from different countries on the continent rely on the import of furniture, […]

The forwarding of personal vehicles is one of the main services provided by the list of logistics companies. This service, thanks to the close cooperation between the member companies of IFA provides security for your personal car or other vehicle when being forwarded from one European country to another, regardless of the season when the […]

Home appliances and other electrical appliances being transported include devices which we all use on a daily basis. With the growing development and production of new electrical appliances and equipment, the need of forwarding them to the customers throughout Europe is growing.  In order to meet this growing demand, the network of freight forwarders offers […]

The need of forwarding of live animals by air Live animals, including various types of livestock, pets, birds, reptiles or insects require special conditions when being transported. Most importantly, the forwarding needs to be as short and quick as possible in order to reduce the risk stress and physical harm to the live animals. This […]

The forwarding of agricultural products takes up a large share of the types of cargo being transported by the forwarders throughout Europe. Large and small producers sell and deliver raw materials for the food industry as well as products for a large number of stores and retailers. Many of these products require special conditions for […]

Automating the logistics activities helps safe time and resources. This is why the international freight forwarders utilize automated systems which provide timely information and allow for the management of the shipments and the stocks in store at all times.   Automating cargo handling and shipments Being a dynamically developing business, logistics relies on automation in […]

The total volume of the cargo being shipped within Europe is enormous. The reasons behind this include the ease of transporting the cargo, the simplified customs and trade formalities within the European Union, as well as the globalization of the world economy, which allows for easy communication and development of the commerce as well as […]

The principles of green technologies and the care for minimizing the pollution of the environment is a leading one in all industries and business sectors, and its impact will be growing in the future too. The European network for transportation has joined this movement for minimizing the emission of harmful gases from fuel combustion as […]

In order to best combine the freight forwarding services in Europe with the maximum care for the environment it is necessary to create routes for the shipments which have minimum negative impact on the environment, the air pollution, the earth and require the least possible amount of fuel.  The European logistics companies are actively involved […]

The forwarding of machines is an important part of the service provided by the European network for logistics. Machines are essential for all modern industries and as such are subject of intensive trade.  IFA meets the growingly increasing demand for the transport of machines with its growing network as well as its individual solutions for […]

The transport of art objects requires special packing for each item. When the exhibits of an entire exhibition are being transported, the task becomes even more complicated.  Museum exhibit transport is also a common service demanded due to ongoing travelling exhibitions. Another common need of art transport is required by auction houses and art owners […]

Safeguarding of the cargo during the forwarding provided by the freight forwarders is a major task. The need for safeguarding differs depending on the type of cargo and goods being transported, the type of transport used and other factors. The proper maintenance of the vehicles used and ensuring they are in good technical condition is […]

The main type of pharmaceutical cargo being forwarded in Europe consists of medicines and other pharmaceutical products. Along with the various drugs, other pharmaceutical products which are at high demand in the European pharmacies, such as sanitary products are also being forwarded on a regular basis. The European network for transportation ensures that all countries […]

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.  […]

The mobility is associated with frequent travels, and travels are related to the forwarding of personal belongings too. Travelling in Europe is a daily routine for a multitude of EU citizens, including the large number of students and experts who travel to other countries to college or work. The necessity for the forwarding of larger […]

The textile industry provides products which are under demand throughout Europe, and the European network for transportation carries clothes – both casual and formal, which reach the warehouses of the distributors and shops in excellent condition, thanks to the experience which the freight forwarders Europe have in transporting textiles and clothing via its groupage services […]

When forwarding cargo within Europe, the European network for logistics strictly follows its obligations in regard to the condition of the vehicles, the qualification of the personnel and the requirements for the European logistics companies for international transportation.   The intensity of the freight forwarding services has resulted in new requirements With the growing intensity […]

The forwarding of chemicals used in different industries, such as: chemical, pharmaceutical and other industries are a main part of the groupage services provided. Chemicals can be aggressive and often are toxic. This is why certain requirements for the safety of the personnel and the environment need to be followed during their packaging and forwarding. […]

It is crucial to request insurance for the cargo being forwarded When you are forwarding goods and cargo to various European destinations, the member companies of the European logistics network offer insurance for the goods and the cargo.  We want our customers to receive a full set of services to ensure that the goods are […]

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 […]

We are putting our centenary show on the road. New trailers, part of a near £1m fleet investment during 2017, will sport spectacular livery celebrating our 100 years in business. Pulled by silver-coloured cabs, they will spread the Neill & Brown message far and wide, especially to our vibrant European marketplace. Our CEO, Peter Brown, […]

In 2016, once again a very slight growth of the share of air transport used for freight forwarding was reported on a global level. According to the data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the share of the air freight transport used for 2016 has increased by a mere 0.5%.   The reasons for […]

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 globalization creates various possibilities for work in different countries, which is an important advantage for modern business including freight forwarding. In modern conditions, the specialization is becoming narrower, so training the personnel takes longer. Transferring employees from various branches of the freight forwarding companies to other European countries The companies are taking advantage of […]

Currently, the European logistics association is faced with a number of challenges and difficulties. The cooperation among the member companies of IFA allows the freight forwarders Europe to cope with these difficulties and to provide competitive European logistics services.   The difficulties which the international freight forwarders are facing In modern times, the main difficulties […]

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 […]

Complete loads are part of the various freight forwarding services provided by the companies from the European network for transportation on a regular basis to transport loads to many different European countries.  Complete loads allow us to meet the demands of our customers for the transport of their cargo, by ensuring an entire truck designated […]

The global quest for green logistics is a main rule of the activities of the European logistics network.  The activities of the freight forwarders include various methods for the reduction of the environmental pollution, which contribute for lower carbon dioxide emissions. This is how IFA contributes to the striving for green freight forwarding services at […]

The development of the relations among the European countries and the international tendencies will affect the European freight forwarding business this year. The European logistics network takes into consideration these relations and trends, in order to continue providing its customers with timely freight forwarding services at competitive prices.   In anticipation of Brexit: the conditions […]

The freight forwarding services provided by the European logistics network include a variety of road transport options which include transporting goods and cargo in trailers. The different trailer types all have their own pros and cons.  Depending on the specific types of goods and cargo being forwarded the freight forwarders choose the most suitable trailers […]

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 […]

Green logistics is part of the global effort for the reduction of human activity on the environment.  The member companies of the European logistics network are active participants in activities for the reduction of waste which pollute the environment surrounding us.  Another area in which the European network for logistics services has achieved success is […]

The intensive trade within Europe has led to the increased of demand for freight forwarding services.  The European network for logistics meets this demand by offering optimal offers and delivery terms to all European countries, through the network of the member companies. As for those retailers who need storage and distribution services, freight forwarders offer […]

European freight forwarding is an important element of the old continents’ economy. For freight forwarders Europe this is a daily striving for an increase of the service levels as well as the maintenance of optimal prices, despite the difficulties resulting from the current international situation. The Freight forwarders association is faced with the task to […]

The numbers and volumes of land transport in Europe have been increasing.  This is a global trend which is affecting the number and the volumes of the forwarding services via the European Logistics Network. More customers are turning to freight forwarders Europe for reliable and fast forwarding services to all European countries. Factors such as […]

Smart logistics, or Logistics 4.0 is already under implementation. It continues the connectivity called Internet of Things (IoT). This is connectivity from the supplier across the logistics service company and the transport company, for easy control at any time.   Controlling the processes – through data In controlling the processes, from the supply to the […]

The prices of the transportation services are growing continuously, and on the other hand the number of drivers is reducing. This leads to raising the transportation costs and in the near future we can expect raising the prices of the transport services.   Importance of transport for the manufacture The transport is a main activity, […]

The transport system in Europe increasingly facilitates the mobility and the transport of both people and goods. This is beneficial for the ever-growing demand for transport services due to the ever-increasing share of the trade, on one hand, and the mobility of the people in connection with a change of residence and workplace. Thus the […]

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 […]

The electronic data interchange is expressed in the interchange of business documents between business partners via their computers. This type of communication is becoming more popular because of all of its advantages, including:   The speed of exchange of information The speed for processing information The reduction of risk of errors Paper conservation   The […]

As technology is developing, the international freight forwarders have new possibilities for providing more efficient services to their customers. New technologies such as 3D printing make the work of forwarders throughout Europe easier.   The opportunities for using 3D printers for manufacturing various products has led to an increase of the demand for such technology […]

The products of the textile industry, including: textiles, samples and finished garments reach each and every point of Europe thanks to the logistics provided by the forwarders throughout Europe and the specialised services and vehicles for these types of products.   Logistics of ready garments, underwear, bed linen – a basic part of the services […]

Special vehicles are needed for the transport of frozen or chilled goods and cargo. They need to be able to maintain a temperature necessary to preserve the quality of the frozen or chilled goods. You can count on the freight forwarders network for refrigeration transport to every part of Europe.   The specialised refrigeration trucks […]

Flowers are an essential part of many events, especially joyful ones. They are symbols of each celebration which makes them the subject of a rather intensive trade. The European network for transportation contributes to the transport of flowers to different countries and places in Europe.   The contribution of logistics to the wide variety of […]

The greenhouse gas emitted daily is one of the problems associated with the environmental pollution.  Reducing the amount of harmful gas emissions can be achieved by limiting the use of our personal cars, and choosing to use the public transportation or to practice carpooling instead. But also, the industry and the services including logistics can […]

Logistics for the pharmaceutical industry includes not only the transport of the pharmaceutical products, but their storage as well. This is why, when distribution logistics services are offered for these goods and forwarders throughout Europe have storage facilities in the main destinations in the different European countries. Apart from that, the pharmaceutical products reach the […]

Protecting the environment is among the top priorities of the international freight forwarders. This is achieved through shorter and optimised routes, as well as the use of eco-friendly packaging whenever it can be used instead of the popular plastic packing. Recycling the packaging must become a higher priority in freight forwarding, because it is one […]

E-commerce is a convenient shopping method, preferred by a growing number of customers.  The goods which are available in the European online stores are being transported and delivered thanks to the cooperation between the partners of the European network for logistics.  This allows more goods from different producers to get to their European buyers easily […]

Along with the other types of transportation, air transport is becoming more and more significant.  This is the fastest way to transport your goods with the international freight forwarders. This is the preferred transportation solution for goods which need to reach to customers, distributors or partners fast.   The globalisation of the trade between the […]

The forwarding of oversized cargo to different European countries is an important part of the logistics services by the freight forwarders network. The forwarding of cargo which has a size and weight exceeding the maximum permissible ones happens all of the time.  This is why the international freight forwarders have vehicles which have a bigger […]

The OBU device is used to measure the latitude and longitude of the vehicle.  These measurements are done with the help of satellites.  After that the measurements are compared to a digital map in the OBU.  This allows each travel on the road network to be registered in the device. Using the data from the […]

Car toll payments need to be made when international freight forwarding services are being carried out by the network of freight forwarders. These tolls are payed for using the highways.  They help improve the standard of the transport services, because better maintained highways means better care and safety of the cargo and goods in both […]

The CMR convention is a UN convention, a standard document valid since it was signed in 1956 in Geneva.  The convention includes the recommendations by the UN for standardised rules for transportation.  This is especially important for the member companies of the European network for logistics services, because by standardising the logistics service, the cooperation […]

Multimodal transport combines the advantages of the various transport types The infrastructural development in the European countries is a continuous ongoing process. It includes possibilities of using road, rail, inland waterways, sea and air transport. The European network of transport services takes advantage of each type of transport. Road transport can reach to every destination […]