The United Kingdom officially withdrew from the European Union at 23:00 GMT on 31 January 2020. This historic event marked the beginning of a new era for UK businesses requiring European transportation.
The transition period concluded on 31 December 2020, and the landscape of European trade changed dramatically. Companies faced the loss of single market benefits, leading to concerns about the competitiveness of their goods. Additionally, they were concerned about transit time challenges.
Traders were faced with challenges such as increased paperwork, customs checks and varying trade tariffs, together with the additional risk of possible supply chain disruption.
These effects were felt by both SME (small to medium size enterprises) and larger organisations; with additional legal requirements such as the need for an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number and compliant commercial invoices, it has become essential for companies to work with a logistics and transport partner who has a robust understanding of these new regulations.
It is reported that in the 12 months to the end of September 2024, UK exports to the EU were valued at £346 billion, and UK imports from the EU were valued at £444 billion.
Thanks to a dedicated team of international freight specialists, Palletforce adapted quickly to the new challenges, educating our network members and their exporting and importing customers about evolving requirements and helping remove the perceived complexities around international deliveries. Palletforce plays a crucial role in helping our members and customers maintain their market presence, by enabling seamless trade across our European market network extending to 25 countries.
Working alongside both SME and brand name organisations, be it import or export, we support customers by removing the daily challenges; providing a simple, user-friendly data entry experience, or supporting real-time API data receipt, we provide a seamless transition between data entry, customs processes and the final-mile delivery of their cargo.
Consideration needs to be given to factors such as Rules of Origin, INCO terms, product classification, HS codes, and defining the rules for VAT and duty when applicable.
Through ongoing dialogue, we’ve learned that companies find the customs processes for Northern Ireland, Ireland and mainland Europe to be challenging. There is a constant need to understand evolving processes and legislation. Recent examples include the General Product Safety (GPSR) regulations for Northern Ireland and the changes brought by the Windsor Framework. Additionally, the requirement for Safety and Security Declarations on GB imports from the EU adds to the complexity. These factors create a complicated landscape of compliance and operational adjustments. Palletforce provides expert support and guidance to help businesses navigate these challenges with confidence and ease.
This includes simplified postcode-zoned tariffs accompanied by visual guides, ensuring cost effective and clearly defined freight costs. Our INCO Term products clearly outline the lines of responsibility, as well as ensuring transparency for customs administration fees.
We offer tracking events, shipment updates and comprehensive support. Our dedicated teams of professionals are well versed in the specifics of each country, sharing and cascading knowledge across the network. We ensure all cultural considerations, and compliance are met through direct connections to HMRC platforms, such as the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and for Northern Ireland the Trader Support Service (TSS)
Offering customers with a single route to market, we provide the option to inject either through a Palletforce member or via direct customer injection. Our Super Hub’s patented technology ensures that each pallet is scanned for visibility, ensuring that every pallet correctly departs to its destination.
Our operating model of direct consolidated line-hauls under both the customs transit and pre-lodgement models, allows the flexibility to meet our customers’ needs effectively. Additionally, whilst consolidation offers cost efficiency, it also significantly supports our sustainability initiatives, which are equally important and beneficial.
For UK imports, in addition to scheduled transit times and a full provision for customs processes, we provide ETSF (External Temporary Storage Facility) services, enabling importers to clear goods inland and defer import duties and taxes until the goods are released into free circulation, after which, they can be directly injected into the Palletforce network for final mile delivery.
At Palletforce we are committed to supporting European freight movements in a way that not only meets the demands of the current market but also anticipates for future challenges. Our offering of simple rate structures, expert guidance, and support, together with a commitment to reliability we empower businesses to succeed in their cross-border trade.
As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of European transport our dedication and ability to adapt will remain.
