The UK election 2019 - Update

Brexit: Important information for ASL customers

We face the possible event that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union by the end of October 2019. This will affect shipments from and to the UK and delays are to be expected. Reasons are amongst others that a higher percentage of shipments has to be processed by customs authorities and that European shippers might switch to Air Freight to avoid border controls. We expect delays particularly for shipments that do not move into the UK directly or out of the UK directly but via continental Europe. For example if Sea Freight shipments are unloaded in Rotterdam and then forwarded to the UK via truck and ferry: 

• Fiscal representation in continental Europe will no longer be possible for goods to the UK. Instead, a transit procedure must be opened.
• The expected problems in Calais/Dover will cause delays in the delivery of goods to the UK.
• Incoterms for subsequent deliveries from the EU to the UK may also have to be converted if necessary, as costs for customs clearance have to be included.

Therefore we strongly suggest to ship directly to the UK whenever possible, at least for some time following the Brexit until things clear up.

In addition to that, you can also find our “Brexit checklist” here.

National Strike in France - Effects

During the past weeks, massive strikes against a planned pension reform have paralyzed public transport in France. The strike is still going on this week.

French ports already impacted by days of strike are getting congested. Alternative options like Antwerp, Genoa or Barcelona are getting congested as well, therefore delays on bookings and pick up/delivery with those ports are expected.

Here is an overview of the duration of the strike activity in the French ports:

• Dunkerque: dockers/stevedores 23/01 & 24/01; tugboats 22/01 to 25/01 until 6 am
• Le Havre: dockers/stevedores 22/01 to 25/01 until 6 am; tugboats 24/01 to 25/01 until 8 am
• Montoir: dockers/stevedores 22/01 to 25/01 until 6 am; tugboats 21/01 to 24/01 until 9 am
• FOS: dockers/stevedores 22/01 to 25/01 until 6 am; tugboats 20/01 to 23/01 until 9 am

Pick-up and delivery by rail should be also very difficult. Airfreight is not concerned so far, but we will keep you informed about that.

Get assured that our operational teams will do their utmost to minimize the effects of the strike.

In case of any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your responsible contact person in the respective DACHSER branch.

Brexit Update: On Phase 3 of the UK Border Operating Model

Last year, the British government presented how the import of goods should proceed after the end of the transitional phase of the Brexit. With the so-called "Border Operating Model" guide, a three-stage plan for the introduction of customs controls was concretized.