The European Council meeting at the end of October does coincide with Halloween, and the future of a 29th March 2019 No Deal is certainly scary. But we’ve had a look at the information currently available in the government Technical Notices and fortunately at TPS Global we are familiar with international trade procedures and customs requirements – so should the UK exit the single market and the EU customs union, your goods will remain in our safe competent hands – in the last 5 years we have won 2 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade.
Under the current government guidance, road freight is the mode of transport most likely to be affected by re-imposition of frontier controls between the EU and the UK. As both Hauliers and Carriers will be expected to submit Exit Summary Declarations (EXS) for exports and an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) for all imports.
This will be an extra burden for the already struggling haulage industry, where an ageing workforce, driver shortages and higher fuel prices are affecting the sector. Available transport capacity is currently at an all-time low, creating lengthy lead times, and the costs of fuel and drivers are continuously rising with Hauliers being additionally squeezed by ever-tightening environmental considerations and the cost implications.
We can’t see this being a short-term problem for the freight forwarding industry, so to minimise disruption to our customers we have been investing in our domestic services. This year we’ve doubled our driver and vehicle fleet, and now have a full range of vehicles from short wheel base vans to a 13.6m artic, the largest vehicle allowed on the UK roads, we also have tail lift and Hiab, and the trained professional drivers to go with them.
Customs and Consular Management
We are trade experts and the government Technical Paper issued at the end of August states that in the event of a No Deal Brexit, freight forwarders and customs brokers will be able to advise customers on which customs procedures will be suitable for their goods. Deciphering the complicated Tariff Guidance to decide the correct classification of goods is a service we offer all our customers. Our experienced account managers understand freight, logistics and customs procedures for all goods and products, perishable, time critical, hazardous, fragile and over-sized.
The responsibility for goods classification lies with the importer (or its agent) and to avoid any hold ups it is important to get these classifications correct, we are here to help.
We will continue to keep a close eye on the Brexit negotiations and whatever deal is reached we will keep your goods on the road.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your goods, please contact one of the team on +44 (0)1622 237979 or email sales@tps-global.com