Happy new year 2024. Reflecting on 2023 it was a challenging but celebratory year for us at TPS Global Logistics, in May the company reached 20 years of trading.
Commenting on this milestone, Managing Director Matt Smith said “Building this business from scratch has been an enjoyable journey, most of the time, and I am very proud of what we have achieved.
The team we have assembled never cease to amaze me with their positive attitude and togetherness to achieve ours and our customers goals. In recent years we have seen staff who have joined as apprentices successfully step up into senior positions and the structure of the company has never been so strong.”
We now operate 3 warehouses, with over 140,000 sq ft of racking and storage space. During 2023 we made considerable investment in our warehouse management system, pushing towards full automation for our customers. In addition to packing FBA orders for Amazon, we are also now able to offer fulfilment services direct to consumer through the amazon online marketplace.
To find out more about our warehouse services click here
Whilst celebrating our 20 year anniversary, in April we were thrilled to be announced as winners of the first ever King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. Having previously won the Queen’s Award twice, it is fantastic to receive such recognition and it was a huge honour to be received at Buckingham Palace in June where Matt met the King. We look forward to welcoming HM Lord-Lieutenant of Kent to TPS in April to officially present our award.
Our international freight departments remain busy going into 2024. The ongoing issues in the Red Sea has impacted sea freight with vessels still being rerouted around Africa. In addition to rate increases, this also means longer sailing times (avoiding the area can add up to 2 weeks to a journey time). Surcharges have been applied from 1st January and there is potential for disruption to schedules, as port operators try to avoid congestion.
Ships on the Asia to North America route will also be impacted, as they had already been rerouting to avoid the drought hit Panama Canal, and were sailing via the Suez Canal.
However sea freight rates still remain lower than the highs experienced in 2022.
Chinese New Year is approaching (10-24 February) so we urge customers to book early to avoid shipping delays.
Air freight rates remain stable, although we may see a shift as shippers look to air options for more urgent cargo as a result of the disruption to sea freight.
We do expect additional vessels to be added to major routes and we are in close contact with our shipping partners to offer our customers the best solutions.
Please speak to us, our freight teams will find the best routes and rates based on your shipping requirements.
It has been reported that 90% of UK manufacturers are still encountering issues when trading with EU countries. The biggest barrier is still customs paperwork and border delays, followed by logistics issues.
Our TPS import teams have adapted well to the new CDS customs system and we are well prepared for exports to be added in March.
We are trade experts, and our experienced account managers can complete customs clearance documents for imported and exported goods worldwide. Speak to one of our friendly team today.
When you don’t have direct control of your goods it is important to know that they are in safe hands.
Request a free quote sales@tps-global.com or call +44 (0) 1622 237 979 with your enquiry.
We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support. From all of us at TPS Global Logistics we would like to wish you, your families, and colleagues a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. We look forward to continuing to work together in 2024.