Dolphin International based in Enfield, North London runs a regular service to Cyprus. But unlike other operators that might use a transhipped container service by sea, Dolphin chooses the speedy overland route. Adnan Shaikh, the company’s Sales & Marketing Director, explains how it works.

Dolphin International was started in 1991 by Hakan Bayram.  Hakan was born in Britain to Turkish Cypriot parents, and he used his family connections to provide a freight forwarding service to Turkey and North Cyprus.

“In those days the company was mainly involved in the forwarding of textiles,” explained Adnan.  Hakan lived in North London in an area known for its involvement in ‘the rag trade’. “But it soon progressed into forwarding other commodities including household goods.” 

In the early days the company used airfreight for urgent items and a traditional ocean freight service where time allowed.  It still does airfreight of course however it became clear that, by using road transport it could maintain better control and provide a faster transit time.  It also allowed greater flexibility to pick up and drop off on the way. 

Today Dolphin has its own freehold 2 acre warehouse and office complex based in Enfield, North London with a fleet of thirteen 100 cubic meter Mega trailers, six multi car transporters, two 7.5 ton’s and four vans serving the 7000-mile round trip to North Cyprus. All vehicles transit through Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey dropping off household goods to its trade partners who provide hub services for their country to ensure the best combination of local destination services. 

The average transit time by road from the UK to Cyprus is 8 days. 

On return vehicles collect household goods from mainly Turkey but also Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria and deliver to mainland Europe including the UK. 

Six years ago the company opened its own office in Northern Cyprus to handle local customs clearance and perform delivery in accordance to industry standards. “It’s very important to have our own people there,” said Adnan. “They know the local regulations and processes very well and have a good understanding of customs regulations.” 

There is also a tremendous demand for used cars in Northern Cyprus.  As well as the furniture vehicle fleet Dolphin also has a fleet of six car transporters operating via Trieste, Italy.  “The capacity the country has for used vehicles is amazing,” said Adnan. “On the way back we pick up single or multiple vehicles for return to the UK from any European country.” 

Today each vehicle carries about 35% trade groupage with the remainder coming from Dolphin’s own customers.  Around 30% goes to Cyprus, a similar amount to Turkey, and the remainder dropped off along the way.  

For more information contact:  adnan@dolphinmovers.com.