Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted Freight Forwarding Services in Northwich
Established in 1989, K & L Freight has built a reputation as one of the UK's most experienced shipping and logistics companies. Our team combines decades of industry expertise with a global network to deliver seamless freight solutions tailored to client needs. We specialise in door-to-door services for air, sea, and road freight, ensuring efficient transportation while handling complex customs requirements and documentation. With over 35 years of experience, we provide personalised support for import/export logistics, cross-trade shipments, and supply chain management. Our commitment to compliance and real-time tracking systems guarantees secure, timely deliveries worldwide.We act as an extension of your team, offering cost-effective alternatives to in-house logistics departments. Our specialists navigate international trade regulations, including DEFRA and APHA requirements, to ensure smooth clearance processes. By maintaining partnerships with top freight carriers, we negotiate competitive rates without compromising service quality. Our automated reporting systems keep clients informed at every stage of shipment. Headquartered in Cheshire, we serve businesses importing from China, India, the USA, and beyond, addressing regional logistical challenges with tailored solutions.
Services
Air Freight
Sea Freight
Road Freight
LCL Freight
Urgent Freight
Cross Trade Shipping
Import Freight Forwarding
Supply Chain Management
Customs Clearance
Freight Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of freight forwarding expertise with a global network of partners.
- Our team provides tailored logistics solutions for complex international trade requirements.
- We handle all customs documentation and compliance with DEFRA and APHA regulations.
- Our automated tracking system offers real-time shipment status updates.
- We negotiate competitive rates while maintaining high service standards.
Associations and certifications
- APHA (Animal & Plant Health Authority)
- DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
What people say
Fast responses
Competitive rates
Expert customs handling
Reliable deliveries
Personalised service
Services
Air Freight
Our air freight service provides rapid global transportation for time-sensitive cargo. With partnerships across major airlines, we offer competitive rates for both full and partial container loads. Clients benefit from real-time tracking systems and expert handling of customs documentation, ensuring compliance with international regulations. This service is ideal for urgent deliveries requiring guaranteed transit times.
Sea Freight
We manage full and less-than-container load sea freight solutions between major global ports. Our expertise in maritime logistics covers route optimisation, customs clearance, and documentation compliance. Clients receive tailored advice on transit times and cost-effective shipping options, with dedicated support for oversized or specialised cargo requirements across major trade routes.
Cross Trade Shipping
Our cross-trade solutions facilitate seamless goods movement between third-party countries without UK involvement. We coordinate complete supply chain management including documentation, customs clearance, and carrier negotiations. This service addresses complex international trade requirements with consolidated shipments and expert compliance management across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks.
Import Freight Forwarding
We specialise in managing UK imports from China, India, and the USA with end-to-end logistics solutions. Our services include supplier coordination, customs documentation, duty calculations, and final delivery. We navigate regional trade regulations and provide tailored advice on packaging requirements, non-stackable cargo options, and insurance considerations for secure international shipments.
Supply Chain Management
Our supply chain management optimises logistics operations through automated systems and dedicated account management. We provide inventory control solutions, route optimisation, and compliance monitoring while maintaining real-time visibility across transportation modes. This service integrates with client operations to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure regulatory compliance throughout the distribution network.
People
Martin Kidd
Director
Martin Kidd, Director at K & L Freight, leads our logistics team with 35+ years of industry experience. He specialises in global freight solutions and supply chain optimisation, ensuring clients receive tailored logistics strategies. His expertise in international trade regulations and carrier negotiations delivers reliable, cost-effective shipping solutions while maintaining compliance with DEFRA and APHA requirements.
Questions
Which countries can you import/export to?
We handle shipments to most countries except restricted territories like North Korea. Our specialists provide guidance on regional requirements for destinations including China, India, and the USA.
Can you handle EU customs clearance?
Yes, we manage complete EU customs clearance processes, including documentation preparation and compliance with current import regulations for UK-EU trade.
What customs documentation do I need?
We advise on all required documentation for your destination country, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and specific regulatory certifications required by authorities like DEFRA or APHA.
How should I pack goods for shipping?
Goods must withstand stacking pressure. We recommend appropriate packaging solutions or non-stackable bookings. Unpacked items risk damage and may invalidate insurance coverage.
Do you handle dangerous goods shipments?
We manage hazardous material transportation in compliance with ADR regulations. This requires specialist documentation, packaging, and carrier arrangements handled by our trained logistics team.
Reviews (5)
Malachy Quinn
Jan 18, 2021
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We are a machinery company,having used K&L for many years. They never let us down with deliverys on time,A big help when people
are waiting for spare parts.
Malachy Quinn (Teka Machinery Ltd)
are waiting for spare parts.
Malachy Quinn (Teka Machinery Ltd)
Diverse Imports
Dec 23, 2019
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We've grown up with K&L Freight over the years. They take care of all our international freight with no fuss and we have total confidence in them
Steve Ashwood
Dec 18, 2019
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Excellent service with professional staff who know what they are doing and have a 'can do' attitude to overcoming obstacles. We have used cheaper Forwarders in the past but the service there has been poor.
Liz O'Keeffe
Oct 20, 2019
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I am editing my original review from 2017 as your reply in 2019 is incorrect. You handled 2 shipments in 2017, 1 had a delay for 3 weeks, but I refer to the 2nd. We paid contractors to unload a container that in 4 emails was confirmed for a certain date. The container did not arrive on said day, with no contact from yourselves. Following your reason for no-show I contacted the Docks who confirmed that there was not a crane brakedown, the train had not been delayed, but most importantly, no collection had been booked for our container despite being landed for 5 days, and when I showed you the proof
Yep That Dad
Nov 06, 2015
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When it comes to international shipping trust and experience are essential. As an independent freight forwarder, K&L Freight understood the needs of me as a client, K&L can provide flexible and cost-effective solutions to meet your international shipping requirements.