Brexit Update
Prior to the reality of Brexit, the freight industry was led to believe that consignments to the EU would only require a simple customs clearance and any need for additional documentation would be communicated clearly. One would think that during the past four years of extensive planning, the government would have ensured the free circulation of goods could continue between the UK and the EU unimpeded, but this is sadly very far from the case. And so, as we find ourselves in the early stages of the new ‘normal’ post Brexit, the entire freight industry has been thrown into bureaucratic and logistical chaos.
While we do continue to perform customs entries as always, we are finding that the information regarding the additional travel documentation now required for some goods going to the EU is near impossible to access via HMRC. Despite the Government’s exhortation to access the information via the GOV.UK website, this has not been updated since the end of the Brexit transition period came into effect on the 1st January, and telephone help lines are overwhelmed during these unprecedented times and are stretched beyond capacity.
In addition, this increase in processes has resulted in long delays for outbound trips causing a backlog of freight waiting to leave the UK. Equally, these problems with new border regulations have resulted in a number of courier, pallet, and freight carriers refusing to accept UK-bound consignments; the entire situation has been compounded by coronavirus testing. Needless to say, the cost of moving cargo between the UK and the EU has risen significantly and it is likely that rates will increase even further over the weeks ahead.
As with any new processes, the first few weeks are always going to be a sharp learning curve, and the new UK/EU requirements should soon become the norm; but we are dealing with complex changes and unfortunately at the current time, it is arguably far simpler to send something to Brazil than it is to send something to Belgium.
We are in constant contact with our partners/suppliers and providers, all of whom are entirely focussed on resolving the current issues and bringing this period of uncertainty to its fastest possible resolution. Please be assured in the meantime, that we appreciate your patience and continue to have your best interests at heart. We are working tirelessly to return to the pre-Brexit levels of service our valued customers deserve and expect.