Brexit winner Toga Freight Services joins general cargo cooperation System Alliance Europe
Düsseldorf/Dublin, 25th September 2023 – System Alliance Europe eG (SAE) is expanding its network to include Toga Freight Services, a renowned, owner-operated logistics company based in Dublin, Ireland. As the 50th member, Toga Freight strengthens the presence of the general cargo cooperation on the Island of Ireland and in the EU. The cooperation between SAE and Toga enables seamless transport services and opens up new growth opportunities for both companies.
Before Brexit, the UK was Toga Freight’s main market, with 80 per cent of its business between the UK and Ireland. Since Brexit, the company has quadrupled its volume inside and outside the EU, as a free flow of goods only became possible without the UK. “We consider ourselves to be beneficiaries of Brexit and are excited about the new opportunities that have arisen for us,” explains Robert Dickinson, Managing Director of Toga.
Toga Freight will offer SAE members seamless services from all EU countries. Joining the general cargo cooperation is also crucial for the family-owned company’s growth plans in Europe. The service provider plans to fill gaps in its partner network in Portugal, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland. Most of Toga Freight’s volume currently comes from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France, and cooperation with SAE partners in these countries will play an important role.
Robert Dickinson is confident that trusting working relationships can be quickly established between Toga Freight and SAE members. He emphasises: “We hope to be warmly welcomed, as we are European-minded just like the other members.” Toga Freight will fly the SAE flag in Dublin and assist members with shipping requirements for general cargo from the UK and EU to Ireland or vice versa.
Founded by Peter Toner and Martin Gately (Toga) in 1978, the company handles around 300,000 groupage shipments a year, mainly to Ireland. Toga Freight handles around 200,000 customs declarations for its approximately 5,500 customers, including almost half of the top 100 manufacturers and retailers in Ireland.
With 50 employees at two locations in Dublin, the company operates a 6,000 square metre ACP customs warehouse where all inbound freight is processed. In addition, the company maintains a network of 15 depot partners in Ireland who provide daily scheduled transport to and from their own distribution centre. Around 250 vehicles are used on behalf of Toga to deliver goods in Ireland. Turnover in the current year is estimated at around 12 million euros.
Tassilo Schneider, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of System Alliance Europe, is pleased that the general cargo logistics company has joined the cooperation: “We are proud to have a company like Toga Freight Services as a member, which has just been awarded Ireland’s Best Managed Company by Deloitte.” The partnership between SAE and Toga Freight opens up exciting opportunities for smooth transport solutions in Europe and strengthens the general cargo cooperation’s presence on the Island of Ireland and in the EU.
