Business Details
37 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Logistics Partner in Newcastle Upon Tyne
Universal Forwarding, established in 1989 at Newcastle Airport, has built a reputation as a leading international freight provider. Founded by industry veterans Trevor Harbottle and Philip Naylor, we specialise in tailored logistics solutions for businesses worldwide. Our expertise spans air, sea, and road freight, supported by membership in The International Freight Association for global coverage. With over 30 years of experience, we prioritise customer needs through adaptive service delivery and innovative problem-solving. Our team of dedicated logistics specialists operates 24/7, ensuring timely and cost-effective transportation.We maintain rigorous quality standards through advanced brokerage systems and comprehensive documentation support. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in long-standing partnerships with blue-chip clients across diverse sectors. As a trusted advisor, we combine local knowledge with international capabilities to meet complex shipping requirements. Our proven track record demonstrates consistent delivery against challenging parameters set by clients. This enduring focus on reliability and customer-centric solutions underpins our industry leadership.
Services
Air Freight
Seafreight Services
Road Freight
Courier Services
Import Brokerage
Dangerous Goods Handling
Same Day Delivery
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years' experience in international freight forwarding
- Our IATA-certified specialists handle urgent courier requirements
- 24/7 operations with dedicated vehicle fleets available
- Customs brokerage experts reduce import delays using direct links
- Global network covers major cities through IFA representation
Services
Air Freight
Offering aircraft charter, on-board courier, and scheduled airfreight options with premium carrier partnerships. We handle urgent consignments through speed consolidation while providing cost-effective deferred options. Our IATA-certified specialists ensure optimal routing and documentation for global deliveries within 24-48 hours.
Seafreight Services
Full container (FCL) and part-load (LCL) solutions with 20', 40', and high cube containers. We provide detailed loading plans, transit schedules, and comprehensive documentation support. Our systems track shipments through transhipment points while maintaining cost efficiency for regular and project cargo.
Road Freight
24/7 dedicated vehicle services for time-sensitive deliveries across national and international routes. Full 40-foot truckloads and part-load groupage options available through hub-and-spoke distribution networks. Real-time tracking ensures full visibility of consignments during transit.
Import Brokerage
Specialist import services using direct HMRC links to expedite customs processing. Our team handles documentation, duty calculations, and compliance checks to minimise port delays. We provide legalisation services and certification for import documentation requirements.
Dangerous Goods Handling
Certified handling of dangerous, hazardous, and perishable goods with appropriate packaging and documentation. Our procedures meet ADR and IATA regulations for safe transportation. We provide temperature-controlled solutions for sensitive shipments requiring specific environmental conditions.
People
Trevor Harbottle
Director
Co-founder with 30+ years' experience in international freight. Specialises in developing tailored logistics solutions for blue-chip clients. Industry expert in airfreight operations and global supply chain management.
Philip Naylor
Director
Co-founder and logistics specialist with extensive airfreight background. Focuses on service innovation and global network development. Committed to maintaining high service standards through continuous process improvement.
Questions
What logistics services do you offer?
We provide air freight, seafreight (FCL/LCL), road freight, courier services, import brokerage, dangerous goods handling, and same-day delivery options.
How do you handle urgent shipments?
Our 24/7 operations include on-board courier services and dedicated vehicle fleets to accommodate time-sensitive deliveries worldwide.
Are you certified for international freight?
Yes, we're IATA-certified with membership in The International Freight Association for global logistics coverage.
How do you support import processes?
Our specialist import department uses direct customs links to minimise delays and ensure efficient documentation processing.
What areas do you cover?
Through our global network, we provide freight services to and from most major international destinations.
