Business Details
Your Trusted Freight & Logistics Partner in the UK
Davies Turner, established in 1870, is one of the UK's leading independent freight and logistics providers. Our mission has remained constant: to satisfy international freight and supply chain needs through reliable, time-efficient, and tailored solutions. With over 150 years of heritage, we combine traditional values with modern expertise, operating a multimodal network across air, sea, rail, and road freight. Our nationwide presence includes 23 branches and 850 staff, supported by strategically located fulfillment centres designed for sustainability and operational excellence. As pioneers of customs-authorised economic operator status in Europe, we uphold market-leading compliance and supply chain security standards.Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through digital solutions like our Freight Management System and partnerships with industry leaders. We serve diverse sectors including retail, pharmaceuticals, fine wine, and military logistics, offering end-to-end visibility and dedicated account management. Our environmental initiatives reflect our EcoVadis accreditation, ensuring lean, clean, and green operations. With global reach and localised support, we deliver 100% on-time SLA performance for clients like Dryrobe, managing peak demand and facilitating international expansion. Our team's expertise in customs procedures, particularly post-Brexit, positions us as trusted advisors in complex regulatory environments.
Services
Air Freight
Ocean Freight
Road Freight
Rail Freight
Fulfilment Services
Customs Compliance
Project Cargo
Pharmaceutical Logistics
Aquatics Transport
Fine Wine Logistics
Highlights and features
- Over 150 years of freight logistics expertise
- Multimodal solutions across 85+ countries
- Dedicated account management for tailored service
- EcoVadis-accredited sustainability practices
- Market-leading customs compliance specialists
Associations and certifications
- Customs-Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)
- EcoVadis
Services
Rail Freight
Our China-UK rail services offer cost-effective alternatives to air freight with up to 75% savings. Four weekly LCL departures and fixed schedules ensure reliability, while cross-trade expertise handles shipments between countries without UK transit. Real-time tracking and comprehensive insurance options provide complete visibility and cargo protection.
Ocean Freight
Full and less-than-container solutions for global shipments. Our FCL services suit volumes over 15 cubic metres, while LCL options provide cost efficiency. Strategic partnerships ensure local expertise worldwide, with eco-friendly advantages over air transport. Real-time tracking through our Freight Management System guarantees shipment visibility.
Fulfilment Services
Seven UK logistics hubs with 70,000+ pallet locations offer advanced storage solutions. E-commerce optimised centres provide 100% accuracy in order processing, supported by real-time inventory management and value-added services like kitting and labelling. Our sustainable facility in Atherstone exemplifies environmentally responsible operations.
Air Freight
Time-sensitive deliveries through our nationwide network with CAA-approved screening. Specialised services include express options for urgent shipments and tailored solutions for specialist goods like aquatics and fine wines. Local expertise combined with global reach ensures seamless international customs clearance.
Customs Compliance
As early AEO adopters, we provide expert customs brokerage and HMRC-compliant solutions. Our team specialises in post-Brexit regulations, offering duty paid delivery and comprehensive guidance through complex import/export processes. Digital tools simplify documentation and ensure regulatory adherence.
People
Philip Stephenson
Chairman
Leading Davies Turner PLC with over three decades of logistics expertise, Philip champions innovation while maintaining the company's founding principles of trust and continuity since 1870.
Questions
Which countries do Davies Turner offer rail freight services to?
We provide rail freight services between the UK and China, with expansion options to Vietnam.
What are the available sizes of ocean shipping containers?
We handle standard 20ft, 40ft, and high cube containers for ocean freight shipments.
How can oversized shipments be transported?
Our project cargo team specialises in handling oversized and out-of-gauge shipments by all transport modes.
What is the route taken by Davies Turner's import rail service from China to the UK?
Shipments travel from Xi'an through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, and Germany to UK destinations.
Are there specific types of cargo prohibited from being transported by rail?
Dangerous goods regulations apply - consult our specialists for specific cargo restrictions.
How do I choose the right freight transportation mode?
Consider shipment size, urgency, and budget. Rail offers cost savings over air, while ocean suits non-time-sensitive bulk cargo.
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