Road logistics

Logistics UK has launched an exclusive partnership with experts in customs declarations AEB to help members prepare for new trading conditions with the EU.

With only two months until the end of the Brexit transition period, the logistics business group (formerly known as the Freight Transport Association) said the partnership will help member organisations that will need to make customs declarations from 1 January 2021.

The tie-up will give members discounted access to AEB’s software platform, reducing administrative time and making it easier to process goods as they transit to and from the EU.

“For many businesses trading with the EU, the new trading conditions from 1 January will be the first time that they have ever had to make customs declarations,” said Al Richardson, head of membership at Logistics UK.

“Our exclusive partnership with customs experts AEB aims to remove the anxiety and unfamiliarity which this could cause and facilitate a smooth, easy transit for goods to EU customers, saving members time and money in the process.”

Logistics UK members are being offered a lifetime five per cent discount on the price of AEB’s four award-winning software packages, which can be used to speed up customs declarations by making them online before the goods leave their point of origin.

A seven stage online step-by-step process guides users through the process, while the platform can be scaled up or down according to the size of the export business.

Users are supported by operational videos online and have access to support and help online and on the telephone. More information can be foundhere.

“At a time when there is still much to be agreed about the UK’s future relationship with the EU, Logistics UK has been urging members to prepare as much as possible ahead of the 31 December deadline,” Richardson added.

“Customs declarations will be required whether or not the UK reaches a free trade agreement with the EU, and by taking advantage of the AEB offer for Logistics UK members now, exporters can cross this area off their to do list as they prepare for our new relationship with the EU.

“We are committed to helping Britain continue trading smoothly with the EU from the end of the year and this new partnership will undoubtedly smooth the path to continued EU-UK trade in the future for those who take advantage of it.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups and represents logistics companies and the seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods.

“With Covid-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc,” it said.