Should I expect port delays due to Brexit?

Unfortunately, there are still plenty of unknowns when it comes to exactly how Brexit will affect the shipping industry, especially how ports will be affected. But, the big question most shippers are wondering is if port delays and Brexit will go hand-in-hand.

Let’s talk a bit more about what you can expect when it comes to port delays from Brexit. We understand this feels like an uncertain time, and while we may not have every answer, we can try to ease your worries about what you can expect.

What Delays Can You Expect?

Recently, there has been a huge influx of freight into the UK due to the impending Brexit in January 2021. That includes equipment needed to manage the COVID-19 virus. The delays you can expect are different for road freight and sea freight.

For road freight, expect transportation costs to go up. There is currently a shortage of trailers because of the influx of freight entering the UK. So, haulage firms are trying to take full advantage of the “demand” by raising their prices. That, unfortunately, can cause delays until finances are taken care of.

Sea-freighters can expect pretty major issues with delays as well, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Post-Brexit, there are still so many unknowns when it comes to what the procedures will be to enter into the UK. That includes bringing in freight.

What Are the Current Delays?

As of now, the delays for road freight is only about 3-4 days, but sea freight is often delayed anywhere from 1-2 weeks. What’s causing these delays? Currently, it feels quite a bit like a “perfect storm” of things. The biggest culprit is COVID and the demand for equipment and supplies. The pandemic, combined with poor weather conditions and the weight of import freight is making it very difficult to get things in on time.

What Can You Do to Prevent Delays?

Right now, documentation isn’t the main cause of delays. But, if you’re wondering what you can do to prevent delays for your business as much as possible, having the right documents is always important.

Additionally, you must make sure that you educate yourself on the new formalities and stay as up-to-date as possible when it comes to the regulations associated with Brexit. Complete all of the required procedures now so you won’t have to experience any “down time” and delays once things change.

Delays can ultimately cost your business money. Having drivers held up, or losing money on offloading equipment that isn’t being used can be incredibly frustrating, so it’s important to stay on top of delays and schedules as much as you can.

What is Flegg Doing to Minimise Port Delays?

At Flegg, we are urging all of our clients to complete every required procedure as soon as possible to avoid delays. But, we’re taking things a step further by working with our vast network of haulers and forwarders with years of industry knowledge. We’re making sure we are completing every action necessary to operate hauling vehicles outside of the UK.

With delays happening in ports all over the UK, Flegg is trying to stay on top of what comes next, even though it’s a difficult thing to predict. That includes having a concrete idea of accounting for the cost of importing and exporting from the EU, as well as whether customers will need to pay duty on entry. While it’s frustrating not to have answers already, it depends on the Brexit deal details.

One of the only things we can tell our clients for sure is that we have seen many businesses importing stock prior to the deadline. Other than that, we haven’t been able to get much information yet as to what the Brexit deal will look like. But, our drivers will continue to operate outside of the UK and offer the same bespoke solutions we always have. We have prided ourselves for years on our ability to adapt and have a “can do” attitude. Port delays due to Brexit won’t change that.

How Will Brexit Change Things?

Everyone has their own opinion about Brexit. But, without getting into the political side of things, we can say that the one thing industry leaders agree on is an increase in costs when it comes to freight, including machine transport.

At Flegg, we have (and will continue) to do all we can to be as transparent as possible with our customers, and make and we’re excited to already have a few projects in the works outside of the UK for 2021. As of now, we don’t expect to increase our prices, but that, too, is something that depends on any changes in overhead costs due to Brexit. Find out more about how Flegg is dealing with Brexit.

Though it might seem like things are up in the air right now, we will continue to listen, create, and deliver solutions to all of our clients. If you have more questions or want to know more about what we can do for you, call us on 0845 458 4958 or use the contact form for more information.