Forward Thinking

Like with any fast-paced industry, some level of forecasting is important. Logistics Managers need to be able to forward plan for any potential needs and risks that their company may face, and with the lead-time that is needed in some cases to fix these potential problems and risks, the forward thinking and forecasting is vital. Ensuring there are enough resources, parts, transport or even staff for a particular job or time of year can help to ensure that a company stays afloat when things get tough, and forecasting will help do this.

Numerical and Analytical Skills

While a good logistics manager doesn’t necessarily need to be an amazing mathematician or a statistics graduate, even though it might be able to help. What they do need, however, is to be able to read and analyse data in order to make informed, accurate decisions about the future of the company. If you can do this with any success, then being a logistics manager could come easily to you. If you want to do further research into these skills, there are plenty of universities including the Open University who will offer courses in mathematics, statistics or logistics if you decide that this is something that you want to do.

Attention to Detail

Any logistics company will have a supply chain with numerous tiers and components, all of which a logistics manager may need to either manage, or at least have some form of communication with. Being organised and paying close attention to even the smallest of details is important in making sure that your business and its components are all running smoothly and with minimal, if any, risk. As a logistics manager, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own system of keeping track to make things as efficient and accurate as possible.

Good People Skills

Being a logistics manager will mean coming into contact with people from all areas of life. Workers, bosses, clients, suppliers and more are all important parts of your business and so good interpersonal skills are a must for keeping a good relationship with them all. Miscommunication can lead to big problems, and so it’s important to be clear and friendly where possible both face-to-face and in written communication. Confidence is key, but be careful not to come across as over confident!

An Understanding of the Industry

This may sound like a given, but an understanding of the industry that you are operating in is vital for good logistics management. You’ll need to know the bigger picture of the supply chain that you’re working in to truly understand the effect that your management of your employees will have. Having a full understanding of the product’s journey from start to finish not only helps you with management as a whole, but overall can help you think and act more strategically within the goals that you have for your company.

The post Five skills you need to be a logistics manager appeared first on Logistics Consult.

Pick the right gift

This may be a given in some respects, but if you find that you’re shipping gifts this year, it could very well be worth changing up your ideas in favour of something that is easy to mail. Avoid anything fragile or breakable if you know your parcel is going a long way to avoid any broken hearts when the shipments arrive at their destination. Clothes, books, DVDs and some toys are all safe bets and don’t cost too much to ship either, just make sure that you check the prohibited items for your shipping company just to make sure that you can actually send the gift that you want to send!

Pick the right packaging!

Picking your packaging is just as important as picking the gift in the first place. Smaller items should be fine in a well-padded envelope, but for larger items, be sure to pick the right box. Boxes that leave a few inches on each side of your item and allow for plenty of padding are perfect if you have an item that might get dented or broken. Using a new box that is sturdy and strong might cost you a little more than simply wrapping your delivery, but think of the money you’ll save and the extra peace of mind knowing your item is well protected.

Consider the deadlines

When it comes to shipping during the holiday seasons, it’s important to consider the deadlines that companies will set for delivery, and how much it might cost you if you leave sending things until the last minute. If you miss a deadline, your item won’t be delivered, especially in the busy holiday season for shipping. Similarly, the run up to the big holidays tend to be slower when it comes to shipping simply because of the sheer volume of parcels being shipped. Be sure to account for extra time when sending your items, even as far as how long you may need to wait at a post office or for a courier to pick up your items.

Flat-Rate shipping

All year around, there are often flat-rate shipping options that can work out cheaper for you around the holiday season. Flat rate boxes and envelopes mean that no matter the weight of the item inside, the shipping will cost the same amount. This can be particularly useful if you have small but heavy items. Seeking out deals like this are worth seeking out, as they can save you time, effort and can ultimately be more efficient.

Insurance

If you’re really concerned about the items you are shipping around the holiday season, look for insurance. Not every company will offer insurance with their shipping, or you may have to pay a little extra to get it. When it comes to expensive or rare items, this kind of insurance is definitely worth the extra cost for the extra peace of mind. If something happens to go wrong or your parcel is damaged or lost, then your insurance will cover the costs of the lost items and potentially more, depending on the cover.

The post Top Tips For Shipping During The Holiday Season appeared first on Logistics Consult.

Fuel Costs

Despite the improvements in fuel costs over the past few years, fuel prices within the UK are still much higher than the rest of continental Europe. The duty that has been placed on fuel, while frozen at 57.95p per litre, is the largest component of diesel and petrol prices. With VAT on top, paying for the fuel required for the long-distance journeys that transport companies regularly take can quickly add up to quite the hefty outgoing cost. However, while there is no way of lowering the cost of fuel overall, there are ways to optimise the fuel that you do get. Avoiding rush hours if you can is a way of reducing how much time you spend with your vehicle running, but not moving. The engine running will ultimately use up more fuel, so crossing as much distance as you can on the petrol that you’re using will be more efficient than simply sitting in traffic. Similarly, driving carefully and in the right gear, and avoiding any harsh breaking can save you fuel usage in the long run as well. Taking the most efficient routes is also far easier now with GPS systems and TMS all making finding the easiest and quickest route simpler than ever.

Customer Expectations

Managing customer relationships and ensuring that their expectations are met can be just as difficult, if not more so, than organising the deliveries themselves. Plenty of companies offer Next Day Delivery now due to a customer expectation for a fast service, and the more companies that offer this next day delivery, the more that need to offer it to keep up with the demand of the market. But the expectations go beyond this. More and most consumers are expecting updates on where their packages and deliveries are, and when they’re estimated to arrive. Technology is constantly improving to make this easier, and transport companies all over the world can take advantage of the rise of the smart phone age, and how easily their customers can access information.

Congestion

With more and more cars on the road and more and more built-up areas, congestion is a daily worry for everyone in the logistics industry. Navigating built-up towns and cities is difficult enough in big vehicles, but with traffic in addition it can make the whole experience not only unpleasant for the driver, but can also set them behind and risk them falling behind on schedule. However, some towns and cities are making routes for Lorries and trucks that are solely for the purpose of making transport easier for them. They won’t need to queue up behind domestic cars or commuters going to and from work, ultimately making the whole trip a little easier.

The post Common Issues for Logistics Companies – and some tips on solving them appeared first on Logistics Consult.

Who are they?

The British International Freight Association is the main trade association for any UK-registered companies that are involved in the movement of freight. Whether it’s by air, road, rail or sea, the BIFA are the lead organisation setting insurance-backed industry standards for any and all companies and related persons to the industry and its activities. It is a not-for-profit organisation that is entirely funded by subscriptions, meaning that it is run by its members for its members. With a full-time Secretariat, there is full-time cover and support for Freight companies and their assets.

Training

The BIFA can offer industry training to any of its members, but it doesn’t stop there. It also opens this training and development to International traders. Throughout the year, courses are run all over the UK, covering subjects including customs procedures, dangerous goods, security, imports, exports and international trade procedures. They also have information available about apprenticeships, as well as providing extra support for small companies who are taking on under 18 year olds.

Representation

Acting as an authoritative voice at official and government levels, BIFA uses its position to represent its members and the entire freighting industry. It is one of the only freight trade associations to be listed by the UK Government on their Business Link website, and is also regularly consulted by HM Revenue and Customs as a member of the Joint Customs Consultative Committee. It is also the UK National Association member of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), meaning that they can offer Freight Companies amazing representation and support at national and international levels.

Information and Guidance

All members of the BIFA will receive a copy of the Association’s monthly newsletter, the BIFAlink. I will keep them up to date on all sorts of things to do with the industry, and with a full list of the members on the website as well as constantly updated information about the freight and trade communities, there is certainly plenty for freight forwarders to keep up to date with. There are plenty of conferences and seminars taking place the whole year round, and any subjects that require any extra focus or coverage will always receive it.

Industry Promotion

The BIFA can offer plenty of promotion of not only its members to the industry, but the industry to its members. The Secretariat handles a large number of enquires every year, and the BIFA as a whole consistently encourages the world of freight and logistics as a path for students to take. It can also provide support and assistances to new importers and exporters, and for an extra leg up in promotion, they regularly partake in all kinds of industry trade fairs throughout the UK.

For more information about the BIFA or Logistics Consult and our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

The post Who are the BIFA and what do they do? appeared first on Logistics Consult.

Shanghai Port

A list of the busiest ports in the world would not be complete without mentioning Shanghai – perfectly situated on the long stretch of Chinese coastline. The port here is considered to be the single most important gateway for foreign trade in the country and the amount of freight shifted here equates to a massive 25% of all of China’s freight.

Port of Dubai

Dubai is known to be the city of wealth and extravagance and this is also very much reflected in its port. When it comes to hosting a variety of marine services, the Port of Dubai has an impressively comprehensive amount!

Port of Tianjin

Found at the mouth of Haihe River in the north of China, this port connects more than an incredible 200 countries, which gives only a hint as to just how busy and important this port is to the country it serves.

Port of Rotterdam

The port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe and is responsible for processing some of the largest numbers of shipping traffic in the continent. This port covers an impressive 100 square kilometres and can be credited in helping this South Holland neighbourhood flourish economically, so much so that it is in fact considered to be a major port city. Here, goods are moved forward through train, road, river barge or further shipment.

Singapore Port

Singapore has long been leading the way in being the world’s most lively and continuously busy port. It has also played a vital part in changing the economy of the country through increasing trade and encouraging freight forwarding activity. Interestingly, it has been reported that Singapore port transships approximately half of the crude oil supply in the world – impressive!

Ningbo Port

Ningbo Port is situated in a way that best facilitates and balances the amount of freight being brought into China in the North and South of the country. Ningbo port recently caught the attention of the media having successfully merged with the port in Zhoushan.

If you are interested in shipping your goods through sea freight at a competitive rate, do not hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable team at Logistics Consult. We specialise in delivering all kinds of cargo at the best possible price, so get in touch with us today for a quote.

The post A Look At Some of the Busiest Ports in the World appeared first on Logistics Consult.

ATR or A.TR is an EU acronym, standing for “Admission Temporaire Roulette”.

It is a customs certificate for the movement of industrial products. A separate certificate is needed for each UK-Turkey consignment.

It grants preferential rates of duty (mostly zero) for imports and exports between the European Union and Turkey. This applies under the terms of the Customs Union agreement between the EU & Turkey, which came into effect 31st December 1995. The intention was that industrial goods can travel between the EU and Turkey without customs restriction. For all practical purposes, most consumer items are included in this definition.

HMRC regulations regarding “European community preferences – trade with Turkey” is set out in Notice 812. At the time of writing, the most recent update was 09/12/2014, just click on the link below. All potential exporters and importers are required to read Notice 812:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-812-european-community-preferences-trade-with-turkey/notice-812-european-community-preferences-trade-with-turkey

What is the ATR Certificate for?

The certificate is used by HMRC (and its Turkish equivalent) to determine the rate of duty to be applied upon import/export of most industrial goods between the EU and Turkey. With the certificate, the duty on such goods is usually zero; without it, normal non-EU customs tariffs would apply.

Copies of all customs documentation (including the ATR certificate) must be retained for at least 3 years, since retrospective customs investigations can take place for 3 years from shipment. If you cannot produce such documentation on demand, then you may be forced to pay the full tariff retrospectively.

Who needs an ATR Certificate, and when?

You need an ATR Certificate to avoid paying customs duty on industrial products; a separate ATR Certificate is required for every such consignment between the EU and Turkey. The term “industrial products” also covers most consumer items.

What industrial products are covered by an ATR Certificate?

It is easier to say what can’t be covered. Most agricultural products & all coal and steel products CANNOT be covered; all other industrial products can be (including consumer items as mentioned previously).

Additionally: the goods must either originate in, or be in “free circulation” within, the exporting country. By “free circulation” they mean freely available for use – i.e. not held in some sort of customs warehouse, and not still subject to outstanding import formalities / duties / charges etc.

This sounds complicated – can I get help?

Of course. For experienced freight forwarders from the UK to Turkey or return (like ourselves) it is not as bad as it first sounds. While there is a lot to get right, when you do it regularly, it becomes second nature.

When shipping with Logistics Consult to Turkey, we are happy to advise or help you with the process. If you need, we can even organise much of the paperwork on your behalf (including the ATR); we make a small charge for this service, and also for necessary disbursements e.g. purchase of the certificate.

Where do I apply for an ATR Certificate?

It isn’t that straightforward; so for simplicity, let us think about exporting from the UK to Turkey. Though it is similar in principle for UK imports from Turkey, those ATR certificates will be applied for in Turkey.

You start with an original blank ATR certificate (otherwise known as HMRC form C1232) – but you can’t download it; in fact you won’t normally get it from the HMRC at all. The entire procedure is handled by the British Chambers of Commerce. You can only use forms which have been issued directly by the Chamber of Commerce; you can’t copy blank forms, or duplicate them in any way, you MUST use original forms.

Physically, this is a three-part copy; once completed and returned to the Chamber of Commerce, they will check it (and the supporting documents) for accuracy. They keep the bottom (white) copy for their records, whilst the top copies are returned to you with their authentication mark. One top copy travels with the consignment and is presented to Turkish customs by the importer. The other copy should be retained by you for your records.

Some chambers (including our local chamber here in Essex) also operate an electronic submission service, which can save a lot of time – especially if you have urgent exports to Turkey.

There is a charge for issuing the ATR. Most people use a local Chamber of Commerce; as a member, the charges are normally discounted by around 50%. Look for your local one here:

http://exportbritain.org.uk/uk-chamber-directory/

What supporting documentation do I require?

The application for an ATR certificate must be accompanied by a copy of your commercial invoice, and evidence that the goods either originate from (or are in free circulation within) the UK. The latter can be satisfied by a suitable “Exporter Statement” on your Company Letterhead paper.

How long will my ATR application take?

Assuming your supporting documentation is correct, and you visit the Chamber of Commerce personally, an ATR certificate can sometimes be issued while you wait. Conversely, postal applications can take well over a week; remember, the blank forms are posted to you, you fill it in and post back to the chamber, they authenticate it, and then post back to you once again. Electronic submission makes it much faster.

Before applying for your first ATR, you MUST have set up a “Formal Undertaking” with the Chamber of Commerce, which binds you to the Standard Rules of issue for various trade documentation. If you have not previously done this, be sure to include this step in your timescales!

What about UK imports from Turkey?

Normally, the certification will be undertaken by the exporter; so they will obtain all necessary paperwork. You just show it to UK customs upon receipt of goods. If you are purchasing the goods directly in Turkey, and arranging export from Turkey to UK yourself, it is then your responsibility; we are happy to advise our customers on all aspects of the ATR process.

Where can I get help and advice on the ATR?

Logistics Consult are a freight forwarding company, arranging international shipping for UK importers and exporters. We will happily advise on ATR certificates, customs declarations, customs clearance, import VAT and import duties.

For no-waffle, straightforward advice, contact Matt Everard at Logistics Consult today.

The post What is an ATR Certificate? appeared first on Logistics Consult.

EORI is an acronym for Economic Operator Registration and Identification.

The EORI system started on 1st July 2009. In the UK, an EORI number is assigned to importers and exporters by HMRC, and is used in the process of customs entry declarations and customs clearance for both import and export shipments travelling to or from the EU and countries outside the EU.

What is the EORI number for?

An EORI number is stored both nationally and on a central EU EORI database. The information it provides is used by customs authorities to exchange information, and to share information with government departments and agencies. It is used for statistical and security purposes.

Who needs an EORI number?

You will require an EORI number if you are planning to import or export goods with countries outside the EU.

As of today’s date (19/11/2013) you may need an EORI number to trade with these countries in Europe – Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Iceland, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Moldova, Norway, Switzerland.

VAT registered companies will see the EORI as an extension of their VAT number. Your VAT nine digit VAT number will be prefixed with “GB” and suffixed with “000”.

How do I check if I am EORI registered?

You can check if your VAT number is EORI registered by entering your VAT number in the box on this webpage – http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/eos/eori_validation.jsp?Lang=en&redirectionDate=20110411

How do I apply for an EORI Number?

• Non VAT registered companies IMPORTING can apply using this link – https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/shortforms/form/EORINonVATImport
• Non VAT registered companies EXPORTING can apply using this link – https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/shortforms/form/EORINonVATExport
• VAT registered companies can apply using this link – https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/shortforms/form/EORIVAT

EORI applications take up to three working days to process.

Where can I get help and advice about my EORI number?

HMRC operate a helpline for EORI queries, they can be contacted on 0845 010 9000 or you can email – eoriqueries@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

Logistics Consult are a freight forwarding company, arranging international shipping for UK importers and exporters. We will happily advise on EORI registration, customs declarations, customs clearance, import VAT and import duties.

For no-waffle, straightforward advice, contact Matt Everard at Logistics Consult today.

The post What is an EORI number? appeared first on Logistics Consult.

So, you have bought or sold some goods and now you need to arrange transport. One extra consideration is whether you take out full cargo insurance for your shipment.

Like many types of insurance product, Marine Insurance is optional and depends on your attitude to risk. Freight forwarders do not insure your shipment automatically, but depending on the nature of your goods and value, your freight company should be able to arrange full cargo insurance on your behalf.

Whilst your freight forwarder will do everything they can to avoid it, insurance claims do happen sometimes. The most common insurance claims in road transport can be caused by transport damage, total loss, fire, theft, and pilferage.

Logistics Consult have compiled some thought provoking considerations and questions to ask yourself when contemplating freight / cargo insurance:

*Are my goods of high value and/or a pilferable nature?

If stolen, small high value items like jewellery, DVDs and mobile phones are easily sold on the black market and therefore could be high risk.

*Are my goods of high value but of light weight?

Standard freight liability insurance is calculated based on the weight of your shipment. If you have light but high value cargo there could be a gap in insurance cover.

*Am I shipping fragile items?

Expensive machinery, solar panels, antiques, items containing glass and other fragile items should be professionally packed for export. Some items may be excluded on your freight forwarders general liability insurance, so best always to check.

*How well are my goods packed?

Shipping cargo to another country often involves multiple movement and handling of the same shipment. Items that are well packed in wooden crates and well protected are going to be lower risk than small loose double ply cardboard cartons. Customers should consider palletizing loose cargo for shipping and using black shrink-wrapping to conceal high value items.

*What is the level of cargo insurance liability provided by a freight forwarder?

At the time of writing, (Nov 2013) the standard CMR liability insurance for shipping European shipments by road is approximately £10 per kilo. This rate does fluctuate and the rates for air and sea freight are different. If you are in any doubt you should ask check with your freight forwarder.

Shippers sending cargo with Logistics Consult will complete a booking form and will be offered insurance before the shipment is collected. We have a very low claim rate and our staff are trained in advising on insurance best practice.

Logistics Consult can arrange full marine cargo insurance on most shipments, but only when we are arranging the shipping / transport.

If you have a shipment that you are transporting with Logistics Consult please contact Matt Everard about insurance advice.

The post Cargo insurance; should I be insuring my freight? appeared first on Logistics Consult.

Customers that are new to shipping to Jersey are often surprised to learn that Jersey is not an EU member, and that tax is payable on goods entering the island.

Jersey is officially known as the “Bailiwick of Jersey” and is a British Crown dependency. Jersey has its own independent governing democratic parliament, which controls the financial, legal and judicial systems on the island.

But what does this mean to a company that wishes to sell goods and transport them to Jersey? Below is our guide, and answers to some frequently asked questions.

Is UK VAT Chargeable On Goods Or Freight Services For Jersey?

There is no UK VAT chargeable on goods or transport charges either to or from Jersey. All invoices for trade with Jersey should be zero rated for UK VAT.

What Paperwork Is Required For Shipping To Jersey?

Clients wishing to arrange shipping to Jersey will need to provide their freight forwarder with a commercial invoice for Jersey Customs. This invoice will be used in the customs clearance process, to determine the amount of tax payable by the importer of goods into Jersey.

What Import Tax Is Applicable In Jersey?

A local Jersey import tax called GST will often be applied to the importer of commercial shipments into Jersey. This tax is called GST (an abbreviation for “Goods and Services Tax” i.e. the Jersey equivalent of our UK VAT), and is rated at 5%. It applies to on goods worth £240 or more.

How Is GST Calculated?

Generally, as a guide, GST is calculated on the “import value”, which is a total of the value of the goods + the total shipping costs + insurance costs. However, customs have the discretion to waive GST or duty if it is £12 or less.

Can I Import Goods Temporarily Without Paying GST?

Some goods can be imported into Jersey temporarily without paying GST. These categories include samples, goods imported for approval prior to sale, exhibition or public event goods, and professional equipment like tools of the trade. A security payment may be held by Jersey customs until proof of re-export has been provided.

How Do I Pay GST?

If your goods are being transported to Jersey by a freight forwarder, they will declare the shipment value via the Jersey customs CAESAR system (online customs software) before the shipment arrives in Jersey. GST can be paid by BACS / debit card / cheque / cash in person. Your freight forwarder will guide you through this process and will facilitate payment.

Where Can I Get More Information About GST And Shipping To Jersey?

Logistics Consult are experts in shipping to Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney, and have the knowledge and expertise to make your deliveries to the Islands go smoothly – our MD Matt Everard is happy to provide advice.

Alternatively, Jersey Customs can be contacted directly:
Jersey Customs & Immigration Service
Maritime House, La Route du Port Elizabeth
St Helier, Jersey JE1 1JD
Telephone +44 (0) 1534 448088
States of Jersey GST quick guide – https://www.gov.je/TaxesMoney/GST/GSTCustomers/Pages/GSTQuickGuide.aspx

The post Shipping to Jersey; what is GST? appeared first on Logistics Consult.

The decision to use the services of smaller freight forwarders has several benefits. Freight and shipping are multi billion pound industries in the UK. It is not unusual for large logistics giants to post revenues in the billions. Independent freight forwarders will have lower overheads and expenditure. The bigger companies generally only operate at fixed prices and with fixed supply channels, whereas smaller companies have the freedom to use a wider variety of suppliers, and can often do the same job at a lower rate without compromising quality of service.

An independent freight forwarding company will offer a more personal and bespoke service. We have all suffered the feeling of being “just a number” while dealing with large companies. Many small to medium sized freight companies will be dealing with a smaller client base, and will often recognise their clients by the sound of their voice on the telephone. Many independent freight forwarders are specialists in a particular niche, and this expertise and knowledge can be of great importance when dealing with customs paperwork and foreign shipping formalities.

Despite conceptions, there are no worldwide freight companies that operate solely with their own trucks, ships and planes. Some forwarders might have sole agency agreements, but most will sub-contract services at some point within the shipment. Many large freight forwarders have bulk throughput discounts with certain carriers, which limits their choice of carrier and can limit the transit times and price. Even today, many European countries are still very regionalised. A smaller freight forwarder may be able to save costs by using locally based hauliers, rather than having to use a large automated depot and hub system where shipments can get damaged and go missing relatively easily.

How can you guarantee the professionalism of a freight company?

Many UK freight companies are members of BIFA (British International Freight Association). This means that they:

* Incorporate the BIFA standard trading conditions into international freight contracts
* Maintain a freight liability insurance policy
* Demonstrate competence and understanding of the international freight industry
* Abide by the BIFA Code of Conduct

By using a smaller freight company you could be ensuring that you are given a more personal service, with more choice and often at a better freight price. Logistics Consult are an independently owned freight forwarders based in Essex. We have been trading since 2006 and are full members of the British International Freight Association.

For personal friendly service and shipping advice call our Managing Director Matt Everard today.

The post Using Independent Freight Forwarders Is Good For Your Business appeared first on Logistics Consult.