March 2024

Latest Company News

Our Handy Glossary of Customs Terms - Updated

We have just updated the glossary on ChannelPorts.co.uk with some of the latest acronyms and terms to enter into the customs clearance vernacular.

New entrants include BTOM (Border Target Operating Model) and the T1 Document, something we at ChannelPorts can help you with.??

Do take a look, if there is anything missing please let us know, we are keen to make it as helpful and comprehensive as we can.

Easter Customer Service Opening Hours

?Easter weekend is about to arrive, with many looking forward to the four day break.

However that is not the case for all, including those involved in transport and logistics.? This is something we are very aware of at ChannelPorts, which is why we are very pleased to confirm that we will be open 24/7 over the bank holiday weekend.

So if you do have any questions or issues our customer service team will be available to help, just get in touch.

?Celebrating Our Team!?

Meet Barb Cant - Customer Service Agent

We get lots of lovely feedback about our team members, so we thought we'd introduce them to you in a little more detail.

In this edition we're delighted to introduce someone many of you may know, Barb Cant, one of our super helpful Customer Service Agents, who has been working with us for over 3 years.

A typical day for Barb centres around the telephone; she's your first port of call on the telephone, answering any queries and dealing with your concerns.? She also helps customers complete declarations on the CustomsPro platform if they become stuck; taking them through each screen and explaining the requirements needed.? Barb is a key member of the team, liaising and supporting colleagues as part of the wider team.

Barb spends most of her time on the telephone, but sometimes does respond to emails or online queries.? The most rewarding part of the job for her is knowing she has resolved your issues, no matter how big or small, and so avoiding any further delays for your declarations and for drivers/hauliers.

She really enjoys helping nervous new customers use the platform for the first time.? This requires patience, especially where there is a language barrier or a lack of understanding of some of the complicated terminology.? Making everything simple is a key skill of Barb's.

The one thing she wishes customers knew about ChannelPorts and the services we provide is the amount of knowledge that the Company/Managers have throughout the "whole" of the industry due to length of service.? 50 years is a long time, there is not much we haven't seen!

And finally, a few little known facts about Barb... she's an identical twin, have they ever swapped places?! Who would know?? Barb also loves to travel, one memorable holiday was to The Gambia.? She loved the friendliness and politeness of the local people.? The schools there do not have much, so she took out footballs, sweets, pens, pencils, pads, trainers. It was emotional but very rewarding.? Barb also recommends the cocktails, apparently they weren't too bad either!

Industry Roundup

A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering Customs Clearance in the EU:?

We've recently created a step by step guide covering all of the key points of the customs clearance process.??

The aim of this is to provide guidance for any new starters about to begin a role involving customs clearance, or as a helpful refresher for those already working in this sometimes complicated area.

Covering everything from customs clearance to shipping documents, it's a valuable resource offering practical insights and serving as a go-to reference point.

Click to explore and equip your team with essential knowledge for managing international trade between the EU and UK (and vice versa).

UK Trade in Goods a Comprehensive Review of 2023

Earlier in the month we shared our Review of 2023 UK Trade in Goods, drawing on the Office for National Statistics (ONS) report: UK Trade In Goods, Year In Review: 2023 .

This was a disappointing year for international trade, with a downturn showing imports decreasing by ￡52.2 billion (8.2%) and exports by ￡17.4 billion (4.4%).

This shift reflects broader economic challenges within key sectors, particularly highlighting the volatile nature of food and live animal transportation against a backdrop of global pricing fluctuations and geopolitical tensions.

Our goal was to provide some insight into the UK's trade landscape, to help stakeholders navigate through these challenging times with a clearer understanding of market dynamics.

?? We wish you all a restful Easter Weekend. ??

As always, here at ChannelPorts we are ready to support you and your business - whatever your customs clearance query.? ?