Getting help with UK imports and exports to face the challenges brought about by Brexit
Your customer's needs, wants, and desires are changing faster than ever before, and to remain competitive is becoming increasingly difficult. However, you can still find methods of expanding your business, and one effective method of doing so is by exporting your goods or services abroad.
One way to ensure that these new customers return to your business time and again, is by maintaining very high standards when exporting. This will demonstrate to your buyers that they are dealing with a reputable company. You can consider this as the very first step in building trust and making sure products are shipped and delivered on time, every time. Your goal is to remove any doubt in the minds of your customers.
How can logistics help with UK imports and exports?
Logistics are the key to efficiency and effective supply chain management. The flow of goods from point A to point B, along with packing, handling, transportation, warehousing, inventory, security and disposal can all benefit hugely from the introduction of logistics.
Brexit has had a big impact on international trade since 1 January 2021 and affects the way logistics are dealt with when importing and exporting from the UK. If your business buys or sells goods or services with any country in the EU, you need to be aware of how Brexit has changed various processes and procedures, to avoid costly delays and penalties.
What effect has Brexit had on UK import and export logistics?
The logistics sector, given its role in the cross-border movement of goods, has been hit hard by Brexit, and this is particularly the case with road haulage (trucks). Here are some of the effects that Brexit has had on international trade logistics :
Road haulage
ECMT Permits - UK drivers will now need a European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) permit for driving in the EU or EEA. These permits are issued only in limited numbers.
Working Time Directive - Delays at borders means delays in delivery, and this also means increased logistical complexity to account for unknown factors.
Driving licences: UK drivers will need an International Driving Permit (IDP), and UK licences are no longer valid in the EU.
Shortage of drivers - Many of the drivers who drive small and heavy vehicles in the UK are EU nationals. Post-Brexit immigration laws have forced many drivers to leave the UK, resulting in a national shortage of drivers. Also, most of the vehicles used for importing and exporting are registered in the EU, not in the UK.
Sea freight
Seafarers' certificate - The EU no longer recognises UK-issued Certificates of Competency for seafarers.
Delays - Delays at the border will prolong the time it takes for trucks to reach port. This will consequently cause congestion at ports, resulting in shipping delays that lead to additional costs.
Cabotage restrictions - With the UK now considered as a third (non-EU) country by the EU, shipping companies in the UK trying to transport goods between EU ports now face cabotage restrictions, which means higher freight costs and reduced frequency of services.
Airfreight - Delays at the port and borders have resulted in businesses opting for air freight, in order to speed up their delivery times. This in turn has led to an increase in the demand for air freight.
Jeavons Eurotir is one of the UK's leading providers of road freight and logistics services. They are fully committed to providing their clients with flexible, tailored services that meet all of their requirements, whether that be small, or large shipments to Europe, or anywhere else in the world. With their extensive network of global connections and their highly trained and experienced team, Jeavons Eurotir can ship your goods quickly, to and from any in the world, all at competitive prices.
Jeavons never compromise when it comes to the quality of their services, and in that regard, Brexit has changed nothing! - Contact Jeavons today and find out how they can help your business stay ahead of the competition post-Brexit.
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