FAQs

What freight transport services does EFL International Distribution provide?

EFL International Distribution provides international freight transport and logistics services from Dublin, Ireland. Services include air freight, ocean freight, international courier services, European trailer transport, short-sea container shipping, import and export logistics, and supply chain support for businesses trading across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and worldwide.

What is air freight?

Air freight is the transportation of goods by aircraft for fast international delivery. Air freight services are commonly used for urgent shipments, high-value goods, time-sensitive cargo, and international deliveries requiring shorter transit times.

What is ocean freight?

Ocean freight is the transportation of goods by sea using shipping containers or cargo vessels. It is one of the most cost-effective methods for moving large volumes of goods internationally and is commonly used for imports and exports between Ireland, Europe, Asia, and North America.

What is trailer freight transport?

Trailer freight transport involves moving goods by road using articulated lorries and trailers across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. Trailer services are commonly used for pallet distribution, groupage shipments, full truck loads (FTL), and less-than-truckload (LTL) freight.

What are Incoterms in international shipping?

Incoterms are internationally recognised shipping terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers during international trade, including transport costs, insurance, customs clearance, risk transfer, and delivery obligations.

What does EXW (Ex Works) mean?

EXW (Ex Works) is an Incoterm where the seller makes goods available at their premises or another agreed location. The buyer is responsible for collecting the goods, arranging transport, customs clearance, export procedures, and all shipping costs from that point onward.

What does FCA (Free Carrier) mean?

FCA (Free Carrier) is an Incoterm where the seller delivers goods to a carrier or transport provider nominated by the buyer at an agreed location. Once the goods are handed over, the buyer assumes responsibility for the shipment and onward transport.

What does CPT (Carriage Paid To) mean?

CPT (Carriage Paid To) is an Incoterm where the seller pays for transporting goods to a named destination. However, the risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are handed to the first carrier during transit.

What does CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To) mean?

CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To) is an Incoterm where the seller pays for transport and insurance cover to a named destination. Risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are handed to the carrier, although the seller remains responsible for arranging minimum insurance coverage.

What does DAP (Delivered at Place) mean?

DAP (Delivered at Place) is an Incoterm where the seller is responsible for delivering goods to an agreed destination. The buyer is responsible for unloading the goods and handling any import customs duties or taxes.

What does DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) mean?

DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) is an Incoterm where the seller is responsible for delivering and unloading goods at the agreed destination. The seller carries the risk and cost of transport until unloading is completed.

What does DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) mean?

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is an Incoterm where the seller takes maximum responsibility for the shipment, including transport, customs clearance, import duties, taxes, and delivery to the buyer’s destination.

What does FAS (Free Alongside Ship) mean?

FAS (Free Alongside Ship) is a maritime Incoterm where the seller places goods alongside a vessel at the port of shipment. From that point, the buyer becomes responsible for loading, freight costs, and shipping risks.

What does FOB (Free on Board) mean?

FOB (Free on Board) is a shipping Incoterm where the seller is responsible for loading goods onto a vessel at the port of shipment. Once the goods are on board, responsibility and risk transfer to the buyer.

What does CFR (Cost and Freight) mean?

CFR (Cost and Freight) is an Incoterm where the seller pays transport costs to the destination port, but the buyer assumes risk once the goods are loaded onto the vessel.

What does CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) mean?

CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) is an Incoterm where the seller pays for shipping and minimum insurance cover to the destination port. The buyer assumes responsibility for the goods once they are loaded onto the vessel.

What is a dual-use licence?

A dual-use licence is an export authorisation required for goods, software, or technology that may have both civilian and military applications. Dual-use regulations help control the international movement of sensitive products and technologies.

What is an HS code in international shipping?

An HS code (Harmonized System code) is an internationally standardised product classification number used by customs authorities worldwide. HS codes are used to identify goods during import and export procedures and help calculate customs duties, taxes, and trade regulations.

What is a Bill of Lading?

A Bill of Lading (B/L or BoL) is an official shipping document issued by a carrier to confirm receipt of goods for transport. It acts as a receipt, a contract of carriage, and proof of ownership for goods being shipped internationally, particularly in ocean freight transport.

What shipping documents are required for international freight?

The documents required for international freight shipments may include a commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading, customs declarations, export documentation, certificates of origin, and any licences required for regulated goods.

What is a loading metre (LDM) in road freight transport?

A loading metre (LDM) is a unit used in European road freight transport to measure how much floor space cargo occupies inside a trailer. One loading metre equals one metre of trailer length across the full trailer width and is commonly used for non-stackable or oversized freight.

How is trailer space calculated for freight shipments?

Trailer space is typically calculated using pallet dimensions, loading metres (LDM), weight, and whether the freight can be stacked. Logistics companies use these measurements to maximise trailer efficiency and calculate transport costs.