THE uncertainties for British business of a Brexit future remain, at least for some months to come. Exporters, retailers and manufacturers relying on supply chains that currently feature EU countries, must still plan for several possible regulatory scenarios. We at Dachser, with our UK regional office and primary operational base located here in Northampton, have long been preparing our services to be as flexible to our customers’ needs as possible.
Our principle logistics services feature daily distribution throughout Europe from all regions of the UK. Our 32,000 square metres of warehousing space located in Brackmills, along with facilities in Dartford, Rochdale and Bristol, provide hubs for our wide-ranging logistics and distribution operations. In addition, and crucially given the uncertainty of the UK’s status, vis a vis the EU after Brexit, we have a highly experienced customs clearance team which helps facilitate our international Air and Sea Logistics (ASL) division.
Customers with non-European import and export needs have enjoyed the professional documentation and customs declaration functionality that ASL has provided in the UK for many years. We have Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status, Authorised Consignor and Consignee status, as well as Customs Freight Simplified Procedures (CFSP) approval, a bonded excise goods warehouse in Northampton and a well-established working relationship with HMRC. Under the professional management of Falguni Clarke, who leads the ASL activity in the UK, Dachser’s network of own offices throughout the world are integrated via our tried and tested IT systems. These customised systems, called Domino and Othello coordinate information and data on shipments, allowing a seamless transition of cargo throughout our network.
Such technology and expertise means we stand ready to meet the customs clearance and documentation demands of whatever trade environment the UK finds itself in post-Brexit. Importers and exporters can expect seamless handling of their shipments, mitigating any delays.
Like many businesses in the UK over the past three years, we have been planning for any number of regulatory eventualities and this remains the situation. We have a specially convened Customs Committee at Dachser Northampton under our customs expert, Rachel Morrison. This group regularly reviews our post-Brexit capabilities based on the available and evolving information. Rachel and her team also liaise with a similar group at Dachser’s Head Office in Germany, ensuring that the entire process is coordinated and that our foresight is maximised.
Seamless transition is a term much used in relation to an overall Brexit solution, at least as far as customers of Dachser are concerned, that is something that can be expected.
Contact Dachser on 01604 433100 or visit the website www.dachser.co.uk