Around 500 guests were present at The Brewery in London to hear ceremony host, Steve Backshall, reveal the winners of the British International Freight Association’s 2025 Freight Service Awards.
During the event, the TV presenter, adventurer, author, and conservationist announced nine winning companies and two outstanding individuals across 11 award categories.
Steve Parker, BIFA director general, noted the high quality of all the finalists’ entries this year from the 33 freight forwarding companies that made it to the nine service category shortlists — seven of which earned recognition in multiple categories.
At the awards, £4,500 was raised for BIFA’s nominated charity partner, Transaid.
Scooping first place in the Sustainable Logistics & the Environment category, sponsored by American Airlines Cargo, was Freight Systems Express (Wales), ahead of fellow finalists, Baxter Freight, Carousel Logistics, and DFDS Logistics.
In the Extra Mile category, sponsored by Descartes Systems, the winner was Carousel Logistics, whilst the other finalists were Efret, JCS Livestock, Mercury Freight, and UPS SCS.
DFDS Logistics triumphed in the Project Forwarding category, sponsored by BT, overcoming strong entries from Deugro UK, DHL Global Forwarding, and Killick Martin & Co.
In the Value-Added Services category, sponsored by Menzies LLP, IFE Global Logistics triumphed over Elite Logistics Consultants, HSM Global, and Uniserve.
The winner in the Customs Compliance Services category, sponsored by CNS, was ALS Customs Services, which overcame strong competition from EV Cargo Global Forwarding, Samphire Customs, Seafast Logistics, and UK Customs Solutions.
Simpex Express took first place in the European Logistics Forwarder of the Year category, sponsored by TT Club, ahead of Brunel European, JPM Future, and Transportify.
Victorious against fellow finalists, KLN Freight UK and Rohlig UK in the Sea Freight Forwarder of the Year category, sponsored by Port Express, was Denholm Good Logistics.
In the Air Freight Forwarder of the Year category, sponsored by IAG Cargo, JCS Livestock triumphed over Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics, KLN Freight (UK), and Pro-Logist.
Unsworth UK took first place in the Staff Development category, sponsored by Albacore Systems, with the other finalists being Ital Logistics, Metro Shipping, Neon Freight, and Pro Carrier.
In the two award categories for individuals, the winner in the Apprentice of the Year category, sponsored by World Insurance Services, was Veronika Litterova of Avocet Clearance.
She beat off strong competition from Dylan Cheesman, Unsworth UK; Nathan Brooks, Unsworth UK; Peter Boyd, DHL Global Forwarding UK, Joseph Duffy, Metro Shipping; and Joseph Findlay, DHL Global Forwarding UK.
In the Young Freight Forwarder of the Year category, sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Cargo, Joshua Harbottle of cargo—partner was revealed as the winner in a category with excellent entries from the other finalists: Nathan George, DSV; Rachel Townsley, IFE Global Group and Mitchell Ward-Broadfield, Rohlig UK.
Parker remarked: “The BIFA Freight Service Awards are seen by many as the Oscars of the UK freight forwarding and logistics industry, and we were delighted once again with the number and diversity of entries received.
“In congratulating all of the winners and the finalists I would like to express BIFA’s gratitude to all the sponsors for their invaluable contributions. Representatives from the category sponsors dedicated their time to judging and selecting the winners, ensuring the competition’s continued success.”
