Best Freight Forwarders
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The 5 Best Freight Forwarders in Ireland

Whether it be for business overseas or bringing in some personal items, you’re going to need a trusted freight forwarder to get all your items securely into Ireland.

To make the search a whole lot easier for you, we’ve compiled our top picks of the best freight forwarder companies in Ireland for your logistics needs.

How much do freight forwarders charge?

The overall cost of freight services will depend on a number of factors, namely, distance, weight and volume, mode of transportation, value, and even the contract you have with the company.

Some companies even charge additional fees for bringing in items that are dangerous, alive, perishable, or irregular-sized so they don’t fit standard containers or require a crane to load.

Companies also often have additional services such as fixing customs clearance or providing insurance coverages. These, more often than not, will cost an additional fee.

Hence, to be able to determine the cost of your particular request, it’s best that you discuss the details with your eyed company beforehand so you’re aware of the intricacies of their bill.

The Best Freight Forwarders in Ireland

Before we reveal our entries, let’s quickly go through the criteria that we used during our selection process:

Transport options – We eyed companies that had a variety of forwarding options such as road freight, ocean freight, air freight, and more.
Customs and trade facilitation – We took into consideration the assistance they’ll provide in ensuring that your items pass through customs smoothly.
Other freight services – We looked at their other freight-related offerings such as warehousing, tracking, insurance, and so on.
Customer service – We considered how easy it was to coordinate with them and how well they attend to customers, especially when they have concerns.

Now that we’ve got all of this out of the way, let’s head onto our top freight forwarders in Ireland!

1. Hales Forwarding

Hales Forwarding Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESOvernight express freight, emergency freight, palette storage, warehouse facilities, personal shipping, and more
WEBSITEhttps://halesfreight.com/
ADDRESS611 Kilshane Ave, Northwest Business Park, Dublin, D15 C528, Ireland
CONTACT INFORMATION+353 1 855 2555
OPENING HOURS24 hours
Transport options★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customs and trade facilitation★★★★★ (5/5)
Other freight services★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customer Service★★★★★ (5/5)

What we liked the most about Hales Forwarding is their speedy logistics. This is because they offer daily departures to the UK and Ireland as well as weekly departures to European destinations.

Hence, it’s no surprise that their most popular service is their Overnight Express Freight. This full 24-hour service means you can send your item to their Dublin port and it’ll arrive the following morning at any of their four warehouses in the UK.

We have to give it to them in terms of efficiency. Even if you don’t avail of their express service, their regular standard 48-hour service is still pretty quick if you ask us.

We also think it’s worth highlighting that they have no weight or size restrictions. We think this convenience will surely come in handy if you’re looking to freight irregular-sized items

It’s also worth noting that they can ship anything from 25 kg to 24 t. Hence, transporting heavy machinery won’t be a cause for concern here.

Apart from that, it’s also great that they offer personal shipping. They can ship fragile items such as electronics to bulkier items such as large couches for moving to or from Ireland.

As for other freight-related services, they also offer storage solutions with 24-hour security and a computerized tracking system. We appreciate their efficiency as far as record-keeping goes, as this ensures you’re constantly updated.

However, we were a bit bummed that they only have one port in Ireland, particularly in Dublin. So, this may be an inconvenience for those who live far.

Pros

  • Open 24 hours
  • Offers overnight express freight
  • No weight or size restrictions
  • Daily departure in Ireland
  • Can ship up to 24 tonnes

Cons

  • Has only one depot location in Ireland

Customer Reviews

Everything we look for in a partner company

“We use Hales to send our shipments to the UK, we always have a high level of service, good flow of information and communication, and agility in the process. Everything we look for in a partner company.” -Gabriel Lima

Fast, efficient and safe transport 

“Fast, efficient and safe transport of a set of bespoke alloys, also organised the post brexit customs fiasco seamlessly. Highly recommend” -Luke O’Toole

2. Jenkinson Logistics

Jenkinson Logistics Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESOcean freight, road freight, customs clearance, freight management, and more
WEBSITEhttps://www.jenkinson.ie/
ADDRESS36, Airways Industrial Estate, Dublin, D17 CD96, Ireland
CONTACT INFORMATION+353 1 816 3500
OPENING HOURSMon-Fri: 9 am-5:30 pm
Transport options★★★★★ (5/5)
Customs and trade facilitation★★★★★ (5/5)
Other freight services★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customer Service★★★★☆ (4/5)

One of the reasons Jenkinson Logistics made it on our list is because they offer ocean, air, and road freight. So, you’re definitely spoiled for choice when considering your freight options here.

Their sea forwarding services stood out to us the most because they offer ocean transport to and from countries worldwide. They also do direct sailing weekly from their Dublin port to Portugal and the Mediterranean.

Aside from that, if you’re looking for a reputable freight company to transfer beloved pets, you may want to consider them, too. They offer air freight and are eligible to transport live animals, as they’re International Air Transport Association (IATA) certified.

Overall, we’re happy with their freight services. We were even more impressed to see that they offer customs clearance, too.

They were awarded Authorised Economic Operator status by Revenue, the Irish tax and customs body, in 2012. This definitely is a plus knowing that an experienced team will ensure that your items will go through customs without any hiccups.

On top of that, they offer ambient and chilled warehousing, too. This is good if you have items that need to be stored at a certain temperature.

Speaking of special cargo, their staff are well-trained in handling perishable goods as well as pharma and life sciences-related items. We think that their decades of experience can definitely prevent any costly mistakes.

With four offices across Ireland, we don’t think location accessibility will be a cause for concern if you’ll ever need to pay them a visit.

The only bug we’ve encountered so far is that the ‘Track and Trace’ page on their website is often down, which we think is quite an inconvenience.

Pros

  • Offer ocean, air, and road freight
  • Offer ambient and chilled warehousing
  • Offer customs clearance
  • Has four offices in Ireland

Cons

  • Closed on weekends
  • ‘Track and Trace’ page is often down

Customer Reviews

Always on time

“Always on time… very efficient and professional 👏🏼👏🏼” -Tanya Murray

Very fast and efficient

“Staff are very friendly and helpful, very fast and efficient to load and unload trucks” -Keith Orr

3. Cube Logistics Group

Cube Logistics Group Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESOcean freight, air freight, rail freight, road freight, warehousing, and more
WEBSITEhttps://www.cubelogistics.ie/
ADDRESSUnit 1, NW Business Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, D15 NYH4, Ireland
CONTACT INFORMATION+353 1 517 5321
OPENING HOURSMon-Fri: 5 am-6 pm
Transport options★★★★★ (5/5)
Customs and trade facilitation★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Other freight services★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customer Service★★★★☆ (4/5)

If you’re looking for a freight company with a strong global presence and affiliation, you may want to consider checking out Cube Logistics Group.

Though a relatively young company, their presence has spread to more than 120 countries worldwide. They’ve also handled worldwide shipments of machinery, apparel, fuel, beauty products, and more.

We also found it impressive that they offer air, ocean, road, and even rail freight. With all these options, you’ll surely be able to select whichever service best suits your logistics needs.

But if you’re unsure of which to choose, their employees are ready to guide you through it. We definitely think this deserves a plus in terms of customer service.

Did we mention that they offer emergency elite services? This is great if you’re in need of emergency services during time-sensitive transport, as they operate 24/7/365.

It’s worth highlighting that they have a proven track record for securely transporting fragile and temperature-sensitive goods. Hence, it’s no surprise they’ve garnered quite a reputation in the pharmaceutical and film industry.

We also have to give it to them in terms of efficient tracking. Clients can view balances, stock history, availability, and any kind of movement via their 24/7 portal.

Pros

  • Presence in 120+ countries
  • Offers elite services
  • Can accommodate temperature-sensitive goods
  • Has a 24/7 portal for clients

Cons

  • Closed on weekends
  • Young company

Customer Reviews

Fast and efficient

“Fast and efficient, goods were delivered on time and damage free” -John Reidy

Great company

“Great company to do business with” -Eddie Guyett

4. Spratt Personal Shipping

Spratt Personal Shipping Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESAir freight, road freight, personal shipping, car shipping, and more
WEBSITEhttp://sprattpersonalshipping.com/
ADDRESSFurry Park Industrial Estate, Swords Rd, Santry, Dublin 9, Ireland
CONTACT INFORMATION+353 1 852 7100
OPENING HOURSMon-Fri: 9 am-5 pm
Transport options★★★★★ (5/5)
Customs and trade facilitation★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Other freight services★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customer Service★★★★☆ (4/5)

Spratt Personal Shipping specializes in, well, personal shipping. So, if you’re moving abroad or to Ireland, you may want to consider them in transporting your belongings given their expertise.

Aside from shipping clothes, furniture, office equipment, and other shippable household goods, they can also ship your car. We found this service quite unique, as we have yet to encounter another company that offers this.

They also offer door-to-door and door-to-port. Hence, you can choose whichever solution is more convenient for your logistics needs.

It’s also great that many of the past clients that we’ve spoken to praised the efficiency of their moving experience. On top of that, many raved about how their goods were delivered in tip-top shape right when they said they would.

We were also impressed that they handle all your documentation requirements, customs clearance, and other related matters. That’ll definitely come in handy, especially for first-timers.

Their strong partnerships and extensive network strengthened the positive impression they left on us. This is also because this allows clients to have seamless links to a number of reputable international partners.

Speaking of their international network, they can ship to a number of countries worldwide from Europe to Asia. What’s more is that if you don’t see your destination in their offerings, you can give them a call and they’ll see what they can do to accommodate your request.

Pros

  • Specialize in personal shipping
  • Can ship cars
  • No weight or size restrictions
  • Handles all documents and related matters

Cons

  • Closed on weekends

Customer Reviews

Went above and beyond the call of duty

“Used Spratt Personal Shipping to transport personal belongs from Dublin to the UK. All the way through, I dealt with the same young lady, Katie. Who always listened, was pleasant, polite, professional and courteous. She also went above and beyond the call of duty when it came to arranging pick up of my belongings, as I had limited time constraints. She’s a credit to the company and a real asset. Their door to door service is excellent! Everything was picked up and delivered within the given time frame – the price was very competitive to boot! Would definitely use Spratt again and have no hesitation in recommending them.” -Liz Winterburn

I wish I could give ten stars

“I wish I could give ten stars. What a lovely experience of having our belongings shipped. A very accommodating, understanding team of people, especially Katie. I cannot rave enough about this company. Thank you!” -Bella F.

5. Hyland Shipping Agencies Limited

Hyland Shipping Agencies Limited Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESAir freight, land transportation, ocean freight, multimodal, and more
WEBSITEhttps://www.hylandshipping.ie/
ADDRESSNorthern Cross Business Park, 18 North Rd, Finglas North, Dublin, D11 V4HN, Ireland
CONTACT INFORMATION+353 1 858 0000
Transport options★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customs and trade facilitation★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Other freight services★★★★★ (5/5)
Customer Service★★★★☆ (4/5)

With 35 years of industry experience, Hyland Shipping Agencies Limited has a reputation for safely delivering cargo on time. They even have a portfolio to showcase their success.

Speaking of delivery, they offer cost-effective air, land, and ocean freight services to 16 countries worldwide. Considering they’ve been in business for a while now, we think their network is a bit small.

On a brighter note, they have 10 land transport depots across Ireland, which makes local logistics a lot easier. This also adds a level of convenience for clients, as they can drop off their goods at any of these locations.

Plus they offer express delivery for when you need things delivered in a hurry. You can avail of this service by giving them a call and speaking with one of their staff.

We also liked that they have multilingual customer support. We think this will definitely contribute to making seamless communication possible for clients.

In addition to their positives, they have a track and trace feature on their website. This allows you to view all shipment information and statuses in real time.

Apart from that, they also have a warehouse policy that covers damage or loss under their care. We think this definitely deserves a plus, as it ensures that your goods are protected at all times whilst on their premises.

Pros

  • Multilingual customer support
  • Has insurance
  • Has ‘Track and Trace’ feature
  • Offers express delivery
  • 10 land transport depots in Ireland

Cons

  • Network of 16 countries
  • Business hours not available

Customer Reviews

Very, very happy with their service

“Arrived and it was very busy. Waited about 15 minutes to get on bay. Once on bay started tipping straight away. Staff very helpful. Very, very happy with their service. Highly Recommend.” -David Connell

Staff there to have lots of experience

“I use hyland alot for both loading and offloading freight , I find the staff there to have lots of experience,  and always willing to help and are happy to keep you informed during the process.” -Scania Streamline

FAQs about Freight Forwarders in Ireland


And there you have it, folks: our top recommendations for the best freight forwarders in Ireland! All that’s left for you to do is to give them a ring to see how they can accommodate your shipping needs.

Say, if you’re looking for ways to get your business booming, we have some recommendations for you: