New strategic partnership strengthens freight forwarding connections between the UK and Portugal

Two of Europe’s leading independent freight forwarding companies are partnering and combining their strengths, expertise and local market knowledge to deliver enhanced transport and logistics services in the trade between the UK and Portugal.

Davies Turner and the Torrestir Group are now working together to enhance their established import and export services to offer operational efficiency across the supply chain.

This will be delivered via improved connectivity, increased capacity, and faster transit times, strengthening logistics support for businesses trading between both countries.

Overland trailer services will offer multiple weekly departures in both directions, connecting Torrestir’s logistics hubs in Lisbon and Porto with direct links to five of Davies Turner’s UK regional hubs: London, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, and Glasgow.

The services will offer full load, part load, and express options, using curtainsider and box trailer vehicles according to cargo requirements.

In both countries, Customs clearance on arrival will be available at each company’s customs bonded warehouses or at the border for northbound traffic using Davies Turner’s Smart Border service.

To date, Torrestir’s northbound shipments have utilised a centralised model with a single entry hub in London.  Moving to a network of direct connections with five of Davies Turner’s UK freight hubs will enhance responsiveness and strengthen proximity with customers and partners.

“This transformation will raise our service standards in groupage and open new opportunities in the LTL market,” said Hélder Silva, managing director of Torrestir Transitários. “Together with our partner, we are expanding into the ADR market for the carriage of dangerous and hazardous goods by road.

“This represents a significant opportunity, particularly in imports, and aligns with our strategy for growth and innovation.”

The partnership reinforces Davies Turner’s long-standing presence across the Iberian Peninsula. Torrestir already serves as a key partner to Salvat Logistics, Davies Turner’s long-term Spanish agent, creating a seamlessly connected and highly aligned service network across both Portugal and Spain.

“This partnership with Torrestir reflects our commitment to continued investment in high-quality, reliable European logistics solutions,” said Jason Edwards, director of Davies Turner & Co. “By partnering with a well-established and reputable independent forwarder, we are reinforcing our commitment to service excellence and delivering seamless freight solutions for our customers.”

Luís Torres, CEO of the Torrestir Group, added: “At Torrestir, we believe the best partnerships are built on shared values and a common vision of the future. Davies Turner embodies that same philosophy — a family business with tradition, rigour, and a focus on service quality. Together, we are strengthening our international presence and our ability to provide logistics solutions that are more efficient, and more sustainable.”