Navigating Post-Brexit Logistics

In the aftermath of Brexit, a leading American company specialising in innovative cryogenic storage and transport equipment faced the challenge of structuring their supply chain for the UK and European market. They turned to Superior Freight for a comprehensive solution. This case study highlights how we streamlined our clients logistics and ensured seamless distribution across Europe.

The Challenge

With headquarters in the USA and a European distribution hub in the UK, our client needed a reliable third-party logistics (4PL) partner to manage the supply chain post-Brexit. The goal was to establish an efficient system for receiving, processing, and distributing shipments throughout Europe while navigating the new regulatory landscape.

Our Solution

Brexit Preparation:  Superior ensured Clients were well prepared in advance regarding Brexit implications for cargo movements, Customs facilitation, VAT, and new regularity requirements, so we were ready from day one, making this major change a seamless experience.

Setting Up the Supply Chain

By understanding our clients objectives and full requirements we designed a robust supply chain strategy.

  1. Receiving Shipments: We manage the receipt of two containers per month at our UK warehouse.
  2. Pick and Pack: Upon arrival, we electronically receive pick and pack requests, which are swiftly processed.
  3. Organising Shipments: Shipments are organised into either palletised loads or courier packages.

Distribution Across Europe

  1. Transit to Germany: In bulk shipments are sent to our German office with a 3-4 days transit time.
  2. Customs Clearance: Superior Freight Germany handles the import customs clearance using our client’s German VAT number.
  3. EU Redistribution: After clearance, consignments are redistributed within the EU, ensuring timely delivery to end clients.

UK Distribution

Some cargo remains in the UK to meet the needs of local clients. The cargo includes a mix of small courier shipments to several pallets per customer, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to varying order sizes.

Technology and Transparency

Our 24/7 online portal provides complete visibility of all stock and cargo flows, allowing our client to track their shipments in real-time. This transparency ensures peace of mind and enhances decision-making capabilities.

Compliance and Reporting

At Superior Freight we also take care of raising our clients German VAT returns, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, and simplifying the client’s administrative burden.  This support currently includes guidance and reporting assistance on the EU CBAM implementation which has proved a complex challenge for so many.

Conclusion

With the dedicated support of the Superior Teams UK and in Germany, we have successfully navigated the complexities of post-Brexit logistics for our client. Our comprehensive 3PL/4PL services have optimised the supply chain, ensured regulatory compliance, and enhanced our client’s ability to serve customers across Europe and the UK.

All in a day’s work for Superior Freight. Don’t hesitate to contact us, to find out more. sales@supuk.com