Long Ranges of HGVs staying to board ferries at the Port of Dover aren’t solely a consequence of new post-Brexit customs arrangements, Logistics UK has said.
Since 1 January 2022, haulage companies have had to complete their UK customs documents in full before their HGVs and vans can board ferries bound for the EU. There’s also a pre-notification demand for the significance of goods subject to aseptic and Phytosanitary formalities.
While this may have contributed to detainments, there’s also a host of other factors that are aggravating the issue, Logistics UK has said. The first is that there has been a faster than usual return to peak freight volumes beforehand in the time.
“We understand the frustration of motorists who have been held up in ranges for a long time; business is flowing but slower than normal. Our understanding is that this situation redounded from a combination of several factors,” said Sarah Laouadi, Head of International Policy, Logistics UK.
Added to which a quarter of the ferry line that operates across the Short Woe has lately been out of service, owing to refitting and essential conservation. Still, it’s understood that at least one of the ferries has formerly returned to service.
Laouadi added “As the line of ferries in operation through the Short Woe goes back to normal, we will have a further comprehensive view of the scale of the issues and how likely they’re to last. At Logistics UK, we’d be concerned if these ranges were to continue after all ferries are back in operation.”
Logistics UK continues to prompt hauliers to be redundant watchful in checking that their paperwork is in order before travelling. Incorrect or deficient paperwork will mean your motorists will be unfit to board ferries bound for the EU, which risks contributing to detainments. Members presently passing detainments at Dover and other UK anchorages are prompted to communicate Logistics UK to help it cover the fast- changing situation. The business group would like to assure members that no competitively sensitive information will be bared.