What EFL International Distribution does

EFL International Distribution Ltd. is a privately held, 100% Irish-owned freight forwarding company headquartered in Dublin, operating since 1983 (originally as Eurofrage Ltd.). The company provides multi-modal freight forwarding (road, ocean, air), in-house customs clearance, warehousing, and specialized transport services including pet transport (Pets on Board), motorcycle transport (Bike on Board), and personal effects relocation. Its regulatory credentials — IATA accreditation since 1990 and AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) status granted by Irish Revenue in 2017 — underpin its customs and air-freight capabilities.

EFL's operational technology rests on the Azyra Logistics and Freight System for online customer portal access, electronic customs declaration transmission, and real-time cargo tracking for ocean shipments. The company leverages a TSF-bonded area for customs clearance and offers a differentiated intermodal rail service from China to Ireland (weekly, ~30-day door-to-door transit) accessed via its long-standing partnership with the U-Freight Group. International reach is achieved through network memberships in FIATA (9,697 offices across 197 countries), IIFA (representing 90% of Irish forwarders), and the African Logistics Network (80+ partners).

The business model is B2B and B2C freight forwarding on a transaction-fee basis, with quote-based pricing, monthly billing, and credit terms of end-of-month plus 30 days for commercial accounts. Customer segments span Irish businesses trading internationally, the Irish motor industry (via SIMI membership), pet and motorcycle owners, and individuals relocating. Go-to-market is sales-led, supported by a customer experience function, a public website with quote forms, and organic social channels. Recent growth moves include the 2025 launch of Ireland-to-Africa transport services and the 2024 launch of car customs clearance.

Name

EFL International Distribution

Legal name

EFL International Distribution Ltd.

Website

https://efl.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

EFL International Distribution is an Irish-owned, Dublin-based freight forwarder (founded 1983) offering road, ocean, and air freight, customs clearance, warehousing, and specialized transport services to commercial clients and individuals trading internationally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Freight Forwarding Services

NAICS

Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510)

SIC

Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)

akta.pro primary industry

Customs Brokerage for Ocean Shipments (Import/Export Clearance) (TLACABAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ocean Import Forwarding (Destination Handling/DO/ISF) (TLACABAE), International Vehicle Shipping & Import Assistance (HSAKACAJ), International Freight Forwarding (Air/Ocean) for Personal Effects (HSAKACAD)

Keywords

• Freight forwarding services
• Customs clearance brokerage
• International logistics provider
• Ocean freight shipping
• Road freight transport

Headquarters

HQ city

Dublin

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. International Freight Forwarding: Core revenue from air freight, ocean freight, road freight, and trailer transport services for import/export between Ireland and global destinations
2. Customs Clearance Services: In-house customs clearance for both import and export shipments, including car custom clearances
3. Warehousing Services: Warehousing including cross docking, labelling, location, security, full stock control, inventory reporting, and pick and pack operations
4. Specialized Transport: Pet transport through Pets on Board brand, motorcycle transport through Bike on Board brand, and personal effects relocation

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

EFL International Distribution is a Dublin-based freight forwarding company operating since 1983 (originally founded as Eurofrance Ltd.). It provides multi-modal freight services (road, ocean, air, and rail) plus customs clearance, warehousing, and specialized transport for pets, motorcycles, and personal effects. Customers include Irish businesses engaged in international trade and individual consumers requiring relocation-related shipping.

Product overview

EFL International Distribution operates as a freight forwarding and logistics company offering a unified suite of freight transport and customs clearance services. The core portfolio consists of Road Freight, Ocean Freight, Air Freight, and Customs Clearance as the primary service lines, supplemented by specialized offerings including Pet Transport (Pets on Board sub-brand), Personal Effects, Warehousing, and Bike on Board (motorcycle transport sub-brand). The company also provides Ireland to Africa Transport Services and China to Ireland Rail Service as geographic-specific freight solutions. All services are delivered through the company's Dublin, Ireland operations with AEO certification, IATA accreditation, and network memberships providing global reach across 197 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Pets on Board: Providing safe and secure pet transport for furry friends between Ireland and other destinations.
• Bike on Board

Products and services

• Road Freight European road freight forwarding service for goods moving to and from Ireland, offered as part of EFL's multi-modal portfolio for trading businesses.
• Ocean Freight Sea freight forwarding service (FCL/LCL) for international import and export shipments moving through Irish ports.
• Air Freight IATA-accredited air freight forwarding for time-sensitive international shipments originating from or destined for Ireland.
• Customs Clearance In-house customs brokerage and clearance using the Electronic Customs Declaration System, with AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification.
• Warehousing Bonded warehousing in EFL's direct-access TSF bonded area for cargo storage before onward dispatch or release.
• Pets on Board (Pet Transport) Specialist transport service (sub-brand Pets on Board) moving cats, dogs, and other pets internationally for relocating individuals.
• Bike on Board (Motorcycle Transport) Specialist transport service (sub-brand Bike on Board) shipping motorcycles and other vehicles internationally for private owners and dealers.
• Personal Effects Shipping International shipping service for household goods and personal belongings of individuals relocating to or from Ireland.
• Ireland-Africa Transport Service Dedicated trade lane service for cargo moving between Ireland and African countries.
• China-Ireland Rail Service Rail freight service connecting China and Ireland as part of EFL's multi-modal portfolio.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30-day door-to-door transit time from China to Ireland via rail (vs 48-50 days sea freight)
• +1 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• African Logistics Network (ALN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEFL is a proud member of ALN, partnering with over 80 trusted logistics providers across the African continent. This partnership ensures seamless, secure, and cost-effective delivery for companies exporting from Ireland to Africa or importing goods into Ireland. The network covers all African regions including North, West, East, and Southern Africa.
• U-Freight GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEFL has represented the Hong Kong-based U-Freight Group in Ireland for over three decades. This long-standing relationship enables global freight forwarding services through a major international logistics network.
• EGLN Global Forwarding NetworksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEFL is a member of the EGLN global forwarding networks, providing additional international network access for freight forwarding services worldwide.
• FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEFL is a member of FIATA through IIFA national membership. This provides access to 9,697 member offices in 854 cities and ports across 197 countries for various transport modes.
• IIFA (Irish International Freight Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEFL is a member of IIFA, the authoritative voice of the freight forwarding industry in Ireland established in 1962. IIFA membership accounts for 90% of Freight Forwarders in Ireland and provides direct communication channels with Government departments, Customs & Excise, Airlines, Shipping Lines, Airports and Harbour Authorities.
• SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEFL joined SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) in late 2024. This affiliation reflects dedication to aligning with global best practices and enables better collaboration with motor industry partners including Dealers, Repairers, Vehicle Distributors, Wholesalers, and Retailers.
• Vets DirectminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a partner on EFL's Links page. Vets Direct provides Ireland's premier Veterinary House call service, bringing the veterinary consult room to pet owners' homes.
• Pets on BoardcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEFL subsidiary brand providing safe, secure pet transport services. Website www.pets-on-board.ie offers dedicated pet transport service. Contact via [email protected].
• Bike on BoardcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEFL subsidiary brand providing trusted motorcycle transport between Ireland and the rest of Europe. Website www.bike-on-board.ie. Contact via [email protected].
• Chinese Embassy in IrelandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEFL works closely with the Chinese Embassy in Ireland and handles many enquiries and freight movements for their personnel.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Kuehne+Nagel: Top-tier global freight forwarder with significant air/ocean forwarding and customs brokerage operations in Ireland. Overlaps with EFL in road freight and customs services but at materially larger scale and with integrated contract logistics capabilities.
• Geodis: French-headquartered global logistics provider with freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and contract logistics. Operates in Ireland and competes across all of EFL's core service lines as a broad incumbent, though with deeper resources and wider product set.
• DSV: Danish global freight forwarder with strong Irish operations covering air, sea, road, and customs. Provides similar end-to-end forwarding service suite to EFL but with substantially larger scale, M&A-driven growth, and integrated IT platforms.
• DHL Global Forwarding: World's largest air and ocean freight forwarder, part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. Competes directly with EFL in Ireland for air/ocean forwarding and customs but offers vastly broader product portfolio, owned infrastructure, and enterprise-grade digital tools.
• CEVA Logistics: CMA CGM-owned global 3PL offering freight forwarding, contract logistics, and customs. Comparable in offering multi-modal forwarding services with similar customer segments (mid-market traders, importers/exporters), but at far greater scale.

Direct peers

• Yusen Logistics: Japan-headquartered global freight forwarder offering air/ocean forwarding, customs brokerage, contract logistics, and specialized transport. Comparable in scope of multi-modal services and mid-market positioning relative to top-tier global incumbents.
• Expeditors International: US-listed asset-light freight forwarder with air, ocean, and customs services across a global network. Directly comparable business model as a non-asset-owning forwarder relying on carrier relationships and network partnerships, though operating at substantially larger scale.
• Kerry Logistics Network: Hong Kong-headquartered mid-sized international freight forwarder offering multi-modal (air, ocean, road) services, customs brokerage, and warehousing with similar global network structure. Comparable in operating philosophy (asset-light forwarder with regional hubs) though larger in scale and Asia-rooted rather than Europe-rooted.
• GAC Group: Mid-sized global logistics provider headquartered in the Middle East with strong presence in shipping, freight forwarding, and customs. Comparable in mid-market positioning, network-driven model, and focus on specialized trade corridors (similar to EFL's Africa play).

Regional players

• Freight in Time (FIT): Irish freight forwarder offering air, ocean, and customs services from Dublin. Most directly comparable competitor in the same domestic market with overlapping customer segments (Irish importers/exporters) and similar scale, though with broader product scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/PetsonBoardIRL
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• Instagraminstagram.com/Eflintl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/efl-international-distribution

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about EFL International Distribution