Affiliate Members of IIFA

IIFA is the sole representative body and official voice of Freight Forwarding* in Ireland. Established in 1962, it has 100 members who between them employ more than 3,000 people and handle more than 90% of Ireland’s €148 billion international merchandise trade.

Through its membership of the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) and Trade Facilitation Ireland (TFI) the association participates in discussions on local issues affecting international trade.

Representation at international level is conducted through IIFA’s membership of FIATA – The International Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations.

Described by FIATA as the ‘Architect  of Transport’, the Freight Forwarder acts as professional intermediary between the client and the transportation services utilised, and has the specialist knowledge and expertise needed for the consolidation, storage, handling, packing, and distribution of physical  merchandise.

The Freight Forwarder will also service the client’s ancillary requirements, including customs clearance, duty payment, and documentary credit arrangements.

The association’s overall aim is to ensure that the concerns of members and their clients are heard and acted upon, thus ensuring that the flow of physical trade between Ireland and the rest of the world is as efficient and cost-effective as possible.

IIFA is aware of the strategic importance of its role in a country where 82% of manufacturing output is exported, much of it by the 1,000+ overseas companies that have located here. The association is pledged to raising the professionalism of the Freight Forwarding sector in Ireland through its educational and representative roles; and by fostering the highest ethical standards among its membership.

Freight Forwarding in recent years has undergone a massive transformation in response to the demands and opportunities presented by technology and globalisation. Logistical services, modern information and communications technologies, and total supply chain management are integral to a modern service sector now very far removed from its traditional image of warehouses and docks.

The Freight Forwarder’s role will continue to evolve with technology and trade. Already, some local companies are providing services to clients in other countries. In the years ahead, it is anticipated that freight forwarding will develop as a valuable export service in its own right.

*Freight Forwarding is often confused with road haulage, shipping, or air cargo. While it is professionally involved with all of these, Freight Forwarding is a distinct service in its own right, dedicated to the efficient movement of physical trade across international borders.