Priority Freight is a leading time-critical logistics specialist operating via strategically placed European hubs and a network of global agents to provide the most advanced, flexible and customer-centric logistics solutions. Its industry-leading response time and bespoke logistics solutions keep supply chains moving worldwide.
Although usually known for its expertise in arranging time-critical logistics for the automotive, manufacturing and medical sectors, Priority Freight’s agile approach allows it to assist with urgent movements in any sector. The company can arrange global time-critical delivery solutions no matter the geography, size, weight, distance or mode of transport, and facilitate all required customs clearance.
Priority Freight was enlisted at very short notice when an internationally renowned winemaker had been let down by its existing logistics partner. 99 bottles of wine and associated display-stand equipment were in transit to the National Geographic Traveller Food Festival in London, UK.
The consignment hit delays at the EU exit point in France when it materialised that the current logistics provider had not considered the change in customs requirements since the UK left the European Union.
Pre-Brexit, such a movement would have been simple as the consignment was moving within the EU, but the logistics partner had not prepared the correct customs documentation required under the new post-Brexit laws. This meant the goods were stuck at Calais with less than 24 hours until the exhibition opened to the public in London. If the situation was not resolved, the winemaker would have to cancel its presence at the exhibition, causing reputational embarrassment and impacting supplier relationships. Pulling out at the last minute would mean, not only a loss of investment, but an impact on future sales. It was imperative that the winemaker showcased its products at the exhibition to raise its profile in the UK market.
Thanks to Priority Freight’s 15-minute response time, the team began creating a solution almost immediately. Priority Freight’s in-house customs clearance team is formed of experts who are up-to-date with all post-Brexit procedures, meaning it was fully aware of the level of detail required and the quickest way to resolve the problem. Consequently, the team prepared the necessary customs documentation, got the goods moving again and delivered to the exhibition within a day of the initial call.
Although not initially responsible for the end-to-end transportation of this shipment, Priority Freight’s customs clearance capabilities quickly solved the problem. Acting as an agent between the winemaker, exhibition organiser and carrier, Priority Freight worked with the various parties to secure the correct documentation for rapid customs clearance.
Within 24 hours of receiving the call from the Portuguese winemaker, the goods were imported, taxes were paid, and Priority Freight delivered the goods in time for the stand and wine to be set up and ready before the exhibition opened to visitors. After the exhibition, Priority Freight re-exported the goods back to Portugal under a T1 transit document, ensuring no customs duties or taxes were due.
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status grants Priority Freight access to quicker customs procedures than providers without this internationally recognised mark of quality. Full AEO status means Priority Freight’s clients benefit from other value-added services, including the movement of goods into temporary storage between member states when needed, increased transport security and improved traceability of goods. If there are any delays to clearance, Priority Freight’s government-approved ‘Clearance on Wheels’ status means that goods can stay securely on board the vehicle without the need to offload, and the truck can be dispatched elsewhere until the appropriate time.
Priority Freight has a dedicated customs clearance office at its secure premises in Dover, meaning the customs team can process Customs Clearance Declarations and Transit documents on site, removing the need for trucks to report to Government-run Inland Border Facilities (ILB). This saves valuable time for the end client by reducing journey length and preventing long wait times at the often-congested ILB.
An agile approach and ability to quickly resolve a business-critical issue at customs affirmed Priority Freight’s position as a leading provider of time-critical logistics solutions. Next time, the client may elect to use Priority Freight for the complete end-to-end movement, safe in the knowledge that it can provide a comprehensive 24/7, 365 logistics service that includes customs clearance and guarantees a cost-effective and reliable solution.
