brexit

We’re ready, even if the politicians aren’t, says Calais

On the eve of 15 January’s Brexit vote in the House of Commons, the port of Calais published details of the new facities it had created in anticipation of a ‘No Deal’ outcome. Port Boulogne Calais says it has been working closely with government services, transport associations, maritime operators, veterinary inspection services and other to help it maintain a smooth border crossing while meeting new obligations for customs controls and ... [+]

Haulage permit deadline is this Friday

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is urging commercial vehicle operators to urgently submit applications for international road haulage permits urgently, applications for which close on Friday 18 January. It says that with No Deal exit from the European Union a very real possibility operators will need ECMT (European ... [+]

Brexit lifts forktruck market

Forklift truck maker Narrow Aisle says it is facing “unprecedented levels of demand” for short-term rentals from firms worried about potential customs delays after Brexit. It says that warehouses operators feel they need to bolster their material handling fleets as companies stockpile products to ensure their business is not affected ... [+]

Wagons roll in Manston

Live tests are currently underway to test the feasibility of using the disused Manston airport as an overflow lorry park in the event of post-Brexit problems in Dover or the Channel Tunnel. A fleet of 89 empty trucks, hired-in by the Department for Transport at taxpayer’s expense, set off at ... [+]

Shippers call for Brexit breathing-space

The European Shippers’ Council has called for a Brexit transitional period until at least December 2020 to allow governments and companies to finalise their preparation. It says that if the present Brexit withdrawal agreement is not passed in the House of Commons in mid-January, a cliff-edge scenario is most likely ... [+]

Government slammed over Brexit-busting ferry plans – updated

According to press reports in late December, some £47.3m has been awarded to DFDS and £46.6m to Brittany Ferries to ramp up services on their existing routes, in an apparent bit to ease the pressure on Dover should customs clearance be required for import freight into the UK. It is ... [+]

EU publishes no-deal Brexit plans

The European Commission published contingency plans in the event of a no deal Brexit published by the European Commission on 19 December. They included a nine-month permit free period for road haulage and measures to allow UK airlines to operate in and out of the EU, but not within it. ... [+]

Immigration White Paper disappoints

The Freight Transport Association said that the Government’s White Paper on immigration after Brexit, published on 19 December “ignores the very real needs and concerns of the logistics industry, which supports every facet of the UK economy.” Head of skills campaigns, Sally Gilson, said: “With skills shortages already being experienced among ... [+]

Common Transit Convention will help speed UK exports, say FTA and FTAI

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) and FTA Ireland have welcome the EU’s invitation to the UK to join its Common Transit Convention (CTC) in its own right, something the associations have been pressing for some time. In the event of no deal, traders would use CTC to temporarily suspend payment ... [+]

Ports fears rise as Brexit vote delayed

Following the Prime Minister’s statement this afternoon (10 December) confirming that the Parliamentary vote on the EU Withdrawal Agreement has been delayed, the British Ports Association’s chief executive, Richard Ballantyne says that many of the UK’s ports with EU trade and the wider logistics industry is becoming anxious to know ... [+]

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