SPEEDY FREIGHT RECRUITS A DEDICATED TEAM TO SUPPORT CLIENTS THROUGH TRANSITION
With just over a fortnight to go before the EU transition period ends and discussions expected to go to the wire, national courier network Speedy Freight is pledging to work with businesses in the UK to help them get prepared and to keep goods moving, whatever the deal. A poll of 2000 customers showed a staggering 70%* of respondents were still confused about what exactly they need to do to be Brexit ready! This mirrors a recent warning from the Government’s Border and Protocol Delivery Group, which showed that whilst there are more traders in the UK now border ready, it found that only 26% of them had agreed processes with their EU importers.
Having enjoyed the free movement of goods to the continent without any specific customs procedures, from January 2021, goods will need to be cleared via HMRC to ensure all necessary duties are paid and goods movement are checked and controlled.
Shona Brown, Network Service Manager at Speedy Freight is heading up the new Brexit team, she said; “We’ve been preparing for Brexit now for 18 months, and my role has been specifically introduced to lead a team of expert advisors across our national network. It’s clear businesses are confused and need advice so we’ve created a jargon buster and other useful tools.
“Main concerns are how prepared their supply base is, so we have been engaging with customers who import and export goods to ensure we understand their requirements, we have also developed a handy checklistwith a list of the things they need to have in place dependent on the deal or no deal scenario’s, for example their EORI number and clarity on their commodity codes.”
Despite one of the most important elements of post-Brexit trading being an EORI number, many businesses have yet to apply. Historically used for businesses which operate between the UK and non-EU countries, an EORI number will be a legal requirement for businesses trading between the UK and the EU. Companies moving goods from England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland to the EU, and vice versa, must apply for an EORI number in order to move their goods safely through customs. Without an EORI number, goods will be held at customs and you may incur increased costs in addition to delays.
“While it only takes minutes to apply for an EORI, it can take up to five days to come through which means expensive delays, maybe total loss of perishable goods if not thought about in advance.” Continues Shona.
“Our key piece of advice for businesses moving goods in and out of the UK is to be patient, and also get their documentation prepared. We’re ready to support businesses large and small through the process and paperwork, and as a 24/7 business, we’re always on hand for planned freight movement and emergencies.
Speedy Freight has customs procedures in place in line with government guidelines to make sure that customers are compliant in all aspects of these new regulations.
“With news the government are short of their 50,000 custom agent target, we are offering our clients access to our duty deferment account. Once VAT and duty is paid into the account, this means we can move the clients goods, rather than them having to wait for payments to clear- which if they go direct, could take weeks.”
Speedy Freight operates over 60 branches across the UK. Its network of dedicated courier services means urgent or sensitive freight can be collected within 60 minutes. Speedy Freight moves any size or shape of consignment, with access to a fleet of 4,000 vehicles across the country, ranging from full-weight artics to small vans. A 24/7 business operating 365 days of the year, Speedy Freight delivers, whatever to wherever.
Speedy Freight is part of the Eddie Stobart Logistics family which enables us to deliver innovative supply chain solutions. Its specialised offerings in transportation, warehousing and value-added services have helped develop strong partnerships across a diverse customer base.
* Speedy Freight asked 2,000 customer contacts on 10 December 2020. Just 30% said they were ready for Brexit, 70% said they still needed to put plans in place.
