INTERNATIONAL HAULIERS RESUMING UK-EU SERVICES

Major international hauliers DB Schenker and DHL have resumed some of its UK-EU services after previously suspending several routes to ensure adjustment to the new customs rules.

The organisation, based primarily in Germany, has altered its systems to ensure that shipments are collected if and only if the necessary documentation for exporters and importers has been completed and provided to them, according to the Institute of Export and International Trade.

This news comes around a month into new international export and import rules for businesses trading to and from the European Union coming into force and causing issues for supply chain businesses and owners of haulage equipment and vehicles.

A Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply survey suggested that 60 per cent of supply chain businesses have faced delays in acquiring goods from Europe, with 37 per cent of these reporting delays of several days.

This, combined with enhanced health and safety guidelines brought about by the current circumstances have led to delays in goods transportation, although they have also led to a reduction in overall traffic compared to previous years.

Discussions are set to take place in the coming weeks between road haulage representatives and government departments in order to resolve early issues that have become apparent when transporting goods from the UK to Ireland and the rest of the EU.

As haulage firms become more familiar with the new rules, it remains to be seen whether these initial troubles will continue and what aspects of the new rules may need to be altered to avoid major delays.