How to avoid the long haul

THE WAY WE MOVE GOODS FROM GREAT BRITAIN HAS CHANGED. HERE’S HOW UNNECESSARY DELAYS ARE BEING AVOIDED

The UK has left the EU and the Brexit transition period has ended, meaning new rules for doing business with Europe are here.

As businesses adapt to the new processes, keeping lorries moving across the border is critical. From checking the correct documents are in place before starting a journey, to securing a negative Covid test where required, a few simple steps will help minimise delays and keep trade flowing.

Ian Uttley runs a fleet of trucks with his Leeds-based company Stagefreight. As well as general haulage, the firm specialises in events – transporting goods across the UK, Europe and beyond, for everything from music events to film sets. And as well as preparing for the end of the Brexit transition period last year, its usual work was hit by the pandemic.

“We’re doing more general haulage now as a result,” says Ian, who says things so far have worked well, largely thanks to the government’s network of information and advice sites (IAS – see box, right). “The help we’ve had at the truck stops has been brilliant,” he says. “They’ve been our saving grace – we can get our paperwork checked and a Covid test in one place. If we’ve had things missing from the paperwork, they’ve even allowed clients to email extras over and printed it off.”

Getting these issues sorted well before reaching Dover is crucial in helping things work efficiently, he adds: “We’ll choose an IAS that’s as far north as possible or close to clients.

Ian and his team have also used the Government’s new inland border facilities (IBF). “Even before we left the EU, timings could be tight at Dover, but getting all this stuff done away from the port has kept us from delays,” he says.

“Getting everything sorted in advance means our drivers are somewhere safe and comfortable until everything is signed off, and by the time they get to Dover they’re waved right through.”

With different rules in place for hauliers heading from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, Ian says he plans to visit an IAS to talk through the new rules. “I’ll go to one myself for advice because getting all this stuff cleared up in advance is a priority,” he says.

In addition to the support available to hauliers when travelling, businesses and hauliers can keep up to date with the latest rules and guidance by using the wealth of information and resources at gov.uk/transition, including the Haulier Handbook.

The new rules are now in force. Businesses must be prepared for new ways of trading to help avoid unnecessary disruption and ensure they can keep their goods moving.

Getting everything sorted in advance means our drivers are somewhere safe and comfortable until everything is signed off, and by the time they get to Dover they’re waved right through IAN UTTLEY, STAGEFREIGHT, LEEDS