| Important European Service Update |
| The first seven weeks of 2021 have been extremely challenging for all logistics providers transporting freight to and from the UK, however because of our Brexit planning and Palletforce network membership, we have been able to maintain our services to many European markets. We are here to help connect local businesses to wider global markets and have sent a lot of information, FAQs, and checklists to support our clients and ensure you have all the correct information for sending your goods to the EU now we have left Brexit. We are still seeing some challenges and delays with customs due to certain documentation not being completed correctly, it is imperative that all the guidance we have sent is adhered to. This will minimise any potential delays further down the line. Below is a summary of the issues across the European service lanes that the network is currently experiencing. A gentle reminder- please do not load goods onto our collection vehicles until we have received customs clearance. Current Status Of European Service Lanes Republic of Ireland Currently there are significant delays to our largest export market. Delays in January were outside of our control with customs in UK and Ireland preventing both trailer departures and unloading into customs facilities. Our partners have responded quickly to the build-up of consignments but, like all import agents, they have struggled to engage importers, many of whom are not aware of their obligations. The key to reducing delays is getting the consignment export information correct, with the correct contact details awareness, and agreement of the importer. Getting this right will allow declarations to be raised and shipments cleared and delivered quicker. Germany Presently Germany faces the most severe challenges of our European destinations due to the new import customs requirements in Germany. Currently, there is a delay of some 2-3 weeks as a result. Our partners have implemented a number of changes and we have made proactive arrangements to clear the backlog with additional service providers. Additional services will be running this week to clear consignments and we expect to resume normal service as soon as the backlog is cleared, but this can only be with your support to ensure shipments that fully comply with the processes and data requirements that have been well communicated already. France The French and Benelux markets are running with regular departing services and although we have compliance challenges the issues are manageable by our customs agents. Eastern Europe Like other providers, we are aware of a number of issues reported by import agents for shipments into Eastern European countries and importers are requesting shipments need rerouting to alternative agents at a cost to Palletforce and its partners. We are currently reviewing arrangements to improve the end-to-end process. Spain/Portugal Our import agent requires the importer to be contacted and charges agreed ahead of export. As a result, there is export consolidation and schedules are running less frequently than pre-Brexit. Rest of Europe All other destinations continue to run at this time, some with minor service delays. There are no current delays to borders affecting trunking nor delays in networks either side of the customs clearance process. As far as exporting and importing is concerned it is an information and compliance challenge as a consequence of leaving the EU Customs Union where shippers need to learn quickly. Remember the biggest delay, where we need your help for things to run smoothly, is import clearance. PLEASE capture the full importer contact details for consignments and obtain DRAs as requested. HMRC have a lot of useful information regarding Brexit, please click here to see videos explaining more information and here for further downloads that may be useful if you do not already have them. We have a range of further supporting documents available should you require any further information, however, please be assured C & D are here to support your European Distribution despite Brexit. We hope you have found this information useful, but please contact us with any questions you may have or to request a quote. C & D South West Ltd Delivering Loads Of Quality |
