New Arrangements for EUROPE post Brexit

From the Jan 1st 2022, the easement period that the UK Government had in place for EU imports has now ended and the new GVMS system is now up and running.  It is vital that EU suppliers and Hauliers interface with this system correctly or they will not be able to move their shipments.  In order for hauliers to create their GMR’s they will require UK pre-entries to be made before they will be able to make the ferry crossing, therefore it is very important that EU suppliers provide correct paperwork early before shipment so that this can be done. Once the UK pre-entry is done the ERN/ENO will need to be provided to the haulier of their agent in order to proceed.

 

 

BREXIT –  UK GOV HUB  ~ Preparing for Brexit ~

At this stage nobody knows what BREXIT will look like and so we continue to move towards a NO DEAL.   Despite the scaremongering, it is clear that even in the event of no withdrawal agreement, the UK and EU will have to put together a bare bones framework.  The UK Government has been busy issuing technical notices and information for businesses and there is now a useful HUB area on the GOV.UK website which seeks to collate much if it.

Here is the link: https://www.gov.uk/find-eu-exit-guidance-business

There is also a similar area from the British Chamber of Commerce: https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/page/brexit-hub

Whatever deal (or no deal) eventual happens, after the initial hysteria we remain confident that businesses will adjust and everyone will find ways to make things work because despite everything, UK and EU businesses want to continue to trade with each other.  Freightbrain International will be ready to assist you and find solutions for your shipping needs.

 

BREXIT – December 2018

BREXIT – It continues to rumble on and frustrate us all, and the continued uncertainty is not good for business not only in the UK and Europe but throughout the World.  There are thousands of factories and suppliers throughout the world and in particular the Far East that are looking on, anxious about how this will effect their exports to the UK and European markets.  At this late stage we are no wiser as to whether there will be a “deal” but we are beginning to think about what a “no-deal” means.  The Government have been in the background consulting extensively and have issued a series of Notices to Businesses.    Probably one of the more relevant ones for us can be viewed here:  HM GOV Partnership_pack_prepare_for_no_deal_changes_at_border

When it comes to customs clearance at the European Border, there are a number of us still in the office who remember well the customs clearances at Dover and other UK ports of entry. If customs clearances are required again we have a long-established partner at Dover who we are confident will be able to make import entries for our clients and deal with that side of things in order to minimize disruption to importers.  For our remaining customers and the vast majority who are importing from the “Third Country” markets such as the Far East, a “no-deal” will not make a big difference to the import customs clearances procedures – but please have a read of the above HM GOV notice with regards to current thinking of the accounting of Import Vat – which might even be of some positive benefit from a cash-flow point of view.

 

 

Christmas Opening Times

Please make a note of our office opening hours over the festive period:

Dec 25 / Dec 26 – Christmas Closed

Thurs 27  – 10.00 – 14.00 hrs

Friday 28 – 10.00 – 14.00 hrs

Thurs 29 – 10.00 – 14.00 hrs

Mon 31st – 10.00 -14.00 hrs

Tues Jan 1st – Closed

 

 

Air Freight – crazy season is upon us!   The usual fun and games have started already as we run up to Christmas.  All the airlines out of the Far East and China in particular, are experiencing peak demand with freight in back-logs and on standby.  This is not unusual for this time of year, but this year does seem much worse than last year.  We are already hearing of delays up to a week or more and together with some degree of chaos in LHR around the cargo centre and you have a recipe for some longer than usual lead times on import cargo to the UK.  All importers should be aware of this and plan accordingly.    The knock-on effect is that freight rates have gone through the roof and supply and demand dictates further increases coming from all the airlines.  Even on exports we know of one of the major consolidators that are struggling to meet their published tariff rates as the airlines seek to extract higher rates – and more profit for them!   Stuart Todd of Lloyd’s reports Strong air freight demand that has been driving up prices and creating backlogs on some trades looks set to continue until the end of 2017 and into early 2018″

 

 

Storm Ophelia – Update 16.10.17

Due to the well published storm due to hit Ireland and the UK today we have been notified by all the ferry operators that all sailings from/to Scotland and Heysham/Liverpool to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are likely to be cancelled.

Due to severe warnings on the west coast of Ireland hauliers will not be effecting any deliveries today in this area today i.e Cork, Limerick, Galway, Sligo.

 

 

 

 

 

Worlds Largest Container Ship (again !!)

The OOCL Hong Kong has now arrived into Felixstowe and takes the crown of being the worlds largest container ship to arrive into the UK.   In the space of a few weeks we have had the two largest vessels on the water.  The BBC have being covering this arrival and have provided video here:

OOCL Hong Kong

 

 

 

Worlds Largest Container Ship

The Madrid Maersk, the largest container ship (soon to be beaten by the OOCL Hong Kong arriving 21st June) has just arrived on it’s maiden call into Felixstowe. At 214,826 tonne and capable of carrying over 20,000/teu.  It continues the trend of the mega-ships currently coming on stream serving the Far East-Europe.  The vessel is currently discharging on berth 8&9 at Felixstowe Container port.

 

 

 

 

It’s Spring!

It is that time of year again when the sun appears and we feel things beginning to warm up, however unfortunately it is not the only thing warming (going) up and there is a definite trend for increasing freight rates for both import and export shipments at the moment.   It is therefore a good time to have a spring-clean and to make a fresh start when it comes to your shipping arrangements.  So if you are involved in importing or exporting at the moment do give us a call to look with a fresh pair of eyes on how you can protect yourself from increases to your costs.

 

 

 

Chinese New Year 2017

Our Far East colleagues and friends are now returning from their Chinese new year holidays and will be busy catching up with shipments and progress-chasing factories on behalf of our customers. In terms of the freight rate picture the rates continue to be volatile, however we will be working hard to spot-rate all our client’s shipments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK Ports Update

The congestion at Southampton seems to have now eased and rail services are back to normal levels, the same can be said for Felixstowe but we are very aware that it only takes a few days of bad weather, high winds or fog to create havoc. All the more reason to be very organised paperwork wise this time of year, don’t leave balance payments to suppliers to the very last minute – give yourselves a few days to ensure payment is cleared and Bills of Lading’s released.

 

 

London International Toy Fair

We have recently returned from our first visit to the London Toy Fair at Olympia. It was amazing to see all of the major toy suppliers all under one roof and also to enjoy the live TV stream with the roving reporters interviewing and covering many different companies and products. If you were one of the companies we spoke to, firstly thanks for giving us the time and secondly we are re-contacting all of you who gave permission for us to do so, with a view to working with you on your international import and export shipping.

We wish all of you every success this year in designing new and successfully selling your products and we look forward to working with you in the future.