Customs Assured Realizes 30% Productivity Gain by Streamlining Customs Declarations with Descartes and AiDock

Date: September 8, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that U.K.-based customs consultancy Customs Assured is streamlining and automating large portions of the customs documentation process for its clients by using Descartes e-Customs™. Enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) from AiDock, the combined solution reduces the time spent on repetitive manual tasks associated with completing declarations, which has translated into a 30% productivity gain for the organization. 

“Customs Assured offers a range of customs consulting and clearance services to help organizations save time and increase accuracy when it comes to managing the customs declaration process,” said Alex Patterson-Vallis, Director, Customs Assured. “Managing the various customs processes for clients includes handling sensitive information and often involves manual and time-consuming processes to obtain, validate and transfer information from across the supply chain into the various key systems. Using automation and AI, we have reduced this pain for staff, increased accuracy and transparency for our clients, and our team is providing even more value-added services to clients. Thanks to Descartes and AiDock, we’ve experienced a 30 percent increase in productivity in a very short period. We have seen productivity continue to increase as the AiDock solution ‘digests’ more and more clearance examples; this means we’re able to take on more clients with a greater focus on compliance.”

Descartes e-Customs™ is a secure, web-based solution that can help filers submit data to HM Revenue and Customs (U.K. customs authority) and other government agencies from within a concise, easy-to-use interface. From template-driven declarations, client-specific data and the ability to duplicate previous declarations, Descartes e-Customs can adapt to the multiple ways that companies operate. The solution includes multiple options to support the needs of both small and large operations. Traders can manage inbound and outbound declarations from within one advanced solution. For Customs Assured, Descartes e-Customs is integrated with the AiDock Web Platform (AWP) from AiDock. By using advanced machine learning algorithms, its AI assistant can quickly analyze documents and identify key data points, such as product codes, quantities and shipping information. This process saves time, reduces errors and eliminates the need for manual data entry, so that businesses can improve efficiency and focus on growth.

“At AiDock, we design AI to serve people and deliver measurable impact through practical innovation,” said Tomer Shamir, Co-Founder & COO at AiDock. “Our collaboration with Descartes and Customs Assured demonstrates how AI can empower customs professionals to work faster and with greater precision—so they can focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional service and ensuring compliance.”

“We’re pleased to see the positive results the solution is helping Customs Assured achieve for the business and its team through automation and AI,” said Martin Meacock, VP Product Management at Descartes. “Our combined solution has been designed to also integrate into customs brokers’ organizations. Together we are enhancing how customs declarations are managed and filed by speeding up the process and making it more accurate, with a focus not just on document-to-data but on compliance as well.”  

About Customs Assured

Customs Assured are UK-based experts offering a range of customs consulting and clearance services. They offer expert independent advice on any customs related issues. And help to save time and money when it comes to what can be a complex, customs declaration process. Services provided include customs clearances, duty recovery reviews, and customs consultancy. Learn more at: https://customsassured.com/.

About AiDock

AiDock is an innovative AI-powered platform to streamline and optimize supply chain processes. Leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, AiDock automates manual tasks, reduces operational costs, and enhances decision-making capabilities. Learn more at: https://aidock.net/. Please connect with us to discover how AiDock can revolutionize your supply chain management. 

About Descartes

Descartes (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”) that relate to Descartes’ customs and compliance solution offerings and potential benefits derived therefrom; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, “Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results” in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities regulatory authorities across Canada including Descartes’ most recently filed annual and interim management’s discussion and analysis which are available under Descartes’ profile through the EDGAR website at http://www.sec.gov or through the SEDAR+ website at http://www.sedarplus.com/. If any such risks actually occur, they could, among other consequences, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, perhaps materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purposes of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

Eimskip signs agreement for two new container vessels

Date: September 8, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

The Board of Directors of Eimskipafélag Íslands hf. has approved newbuild contracts for two 2,280 TEU container vessels and a ten-year time-charter through ElbFeeder, a German affiliate of Eimskip. The vessels are intended to provide transportation services between Reykjavík, Iceland and Rotterdam, as well as Teesport in the UK, the Company’s current Blue Line.

In recent years, customer demand for transportation of fresh cargo has grown significantly, driven by increased exports of fresh seafood and farmed salmon, as well as imports of fresh products. Further growth is expected in fresh exports due to substantial development in land-based salmon farming in Iceland. The new vessels will be considerably larger than those currently servicing this route, supporting continued growth on the Blue line as well as in the Trans-Atlantic services, a core pillar of Eimskip’s service between Iceland and North America.

ElbFeeder, majority-owned by the German shipping company Ernst Russ which listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, has signed contracts with China Merchants Jin Ling Shipyard (Nanjing) Co. Ltd. Eimskip has at the same time signed a ten-year time-charter for the vessels, as previously stated. Delivery is expected in the second half of 2028.

The vessels will be specifically designed with customer service needs in mind, emphasizing service speed, reliability and high maneuverability ideal for the conditions in the North Atlantic. With a capacity of 2,280 TEU, length of 185 meters and breadth of 29.4 meters, the vessels will be the largest vessels in Eimskip’s operations.

In addition to the design supporting service speed in an efficient way focus is also on optimal energy utilization, including hull design, silicone coating, shore power connection and various other equipment selection. The vessels will also feature a dual-fuel propulsion system, methanol- and LNG-ready, supporting the Company’s environmental policy.

ElbFeeder currently operates seven container vessels and has performed strongly in recent years. The company is well positioned to invest in new vessels and the newbuilds will be funded through a combination of equity and debt within ElbFeeder. Expected lease liability for Eimskip balance sheet, for the ten-year time-charter with ElbFeeder, will amount to USD 86 million in 2028, partly offset by lease liabilities for current vessels on the Blue Line.

Vilhelm Már Thorsteinsson, CEO of Eimskip, said:

“We are very pleased to take this important step in renewing our fleet. We see great opportunities with the delivery of these new vessels, especially considering the ambitious plans to increase exports of fresh seafood and salmon. Over the past few years, we’ve also seen strong momentum in our Trans-Atlantic services from Europe to North America, which are the foundation of our weekly service between Iceland and North America. These new vessels will support further growth in that service.

“We are proud of the fact that the design of these vessels focuses on customer service, operational efficiency, and reliability. The design also enables transition to alternative energy sources when they become accessible and reasonable option, supporting the Company’s environmental journey.

“The strong partnership and trust we’ve built with our co-owners in ElbFeeder, Ernst Russ in Germany, is reflected in this positive outcome and strengthens our continued collaboration.”

Joseph Schuchmann, Co-CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of Ernst Russ AG added:

“This investment will be a milestone for Ernst Russ, marking our first newbuild investment in decades. We are delighted to be able to implement it together with our long-standing partner Eimskip, who will also function as the initial long-term charterer and thus contributes significantly to the financial viability of the project.”

Health and Safety culture earns Palletline 11th ROSPA Gold Award

Date: September 10, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

A stringent workplace culture encompassing every aspect of health and safety and the physical and mental wellbeing of every member of staff has earned Palletline a prestigious Gold Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) for the 11th time.

The accolade is in recognition of the leading palletised freight distribution network’s consistent efforts to ensure that its health and safety culture is firmly ingrained at every level of the operation – not just across its network of hubs, offices and warehouses but across its network of 96 members.

For Palletline, safety is not just a policy—it is embedded in its DNA, shaping every aspect of its operation with Palletline continuing to set the industry standard for health and safety in the wider logistics sector.

And with the lowest accident rates in the industry, Palletline was credited for its robust workplace management systems.

First introduced almost 70 years ago, the RoSPA national accreditation is given to businesses and organisations which have implemented world-leading health and safety policies, with rigorous health and safety management systems, outstanding control of risk in the workplace and very low levels of error, harm or loss.

Palletline has to meet an exacting set of criteria each time to win the award. Workforce buy-in at every level of the operation is measured alongside the company’s accident record and its health and safety management systems.

Graham Leitch, Group CEO of Palletline, said: “This award is a real testament to every member of the Palletline team.

“By the very nature of our industry where challenges can arise at any given moment every day continues to be a learning curve. As such we will continue to strive for the highest levels of safety in everything we do as we seek to build on the standards that have already earned us the reputation as the UK pallet network’s industry leader in health and safety innovation.”

Palletline’s success lies in its unwavering commitment to health and safety. Established in 1992 the 78-strong member owned network is made up of a 12,000-strong workforce, a daily fleet exceeding 6,000 vehicles across 96 strategically-located depots handling more than four million pallets of freight each year.

Over the years the company has introduced a series of industry firsts including being the first network to introduce a 750kg weight limit on unassisted tail deliveries, which have since been adopted by other networks and operators across the wider transport industry.

Innovations such as drive-through warehouses, pedestrianised operations, one way traffic systems and 10 mph speed limits and more recently the prevention of forklifts from lifting loads exceeding 400kg above 1.2m, mitigating double deck trailer loading risks, have all contributed to Palletline’s exemplary safety record.

Its revolutionary Palleteyes system is among the network’s latest game changers. The first forklift-mounted CCTV and scanning system enhances operational efficiency while significantly reducing risks.

cargo-partner expands airfreight services from the UK to 12 key destinations worldwide

Date: September 10, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

cargo-partner, a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., and a global transport and logistics provider, has announced the expansion of its airfreight services from the UK, offering businesses access to 12 new destinations across Asia, North America, and Africa. This service provides businesses with flexible, cost-effective, and reliable solutions for international shipments.

The new weekly services connect the UK to key global hubs including Johannesburg, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Doha, Boston, Tokyo (Narita and Haneda), Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Taipei. Thanks to secured capacity with partner airlines, customers benefit from greater control and flexibility when shipping cargo worldwide.

“Our expanded airfreight network makes it easier than ever for UK businesses to reach major markets across Asia, North America, and Africa,” said Fergal Keenan, Managing Director, cargo-partner UK & Ireland. “From high-tech products to pharmaceuticals, fine arts, and temperature-sensitive items, our teams provide tailored solutions to meet every customer’s shipping needs, backed by the highest standards of safety and reliability.”

cargo-partner offers a range of services – ECONOMY, PRIORITY, and EMERGENCY – to help customers balance speed and cost. All shipments are fully trackable via cargo-partner’s supply chain management platform, “SPOT”, with instant access to booking and transport documentation. Specialized services are available for dangerous goods and temperature-controlled items, with expert advice on customs, certificates of origin, and regulatory compliance.

Globally, cargo-partner operates a comprehensive network of regular airfreight consolidation services, with 35 inbound trade lanes to Europe from major Asian origins, and 49 outbound trade lanes from Europe to key markets including North and Southeast Asia, India, Japan, and the United States. Developed in close cooperation with Nippon Express, this network is continuously being expanded to provide customers with faster and more reliable global transport solutions.

The launch of these 12 weekly services from the UK strengthens cargo-partner’s global network and reinforces its commitment to supporting global supply chains efficiently and reliably. With dedicated local teams in Manchester, London, Bradford, Basildon, and Dublin, cargo-partner in the UK & Ireland offers expert guidance and personalized transport solutions across air, sea and road, meeting a variety of customer needs.

Peel Ports Group to invest £100m to expand national steel and metals multimodal hub

Date: September 11, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

• Investment includes immediate £32m spend to grow steel and metals storage at the Port of Liverpool
• Plans include new automated terminals in Liverpool and London Medway, with the development of a new automated rail facility in the Midlands

Peel Ports Group is to invest £100m into the steels and metals sector in a move to enhance capacity and boost the efficiency of logistics.

The UK’s second largest port operator is progressing with £32m to add a further 140,000 sq ft of storage at its Port of Liverpool steel and metals terminals.

Overall across the Ports of Liverpool and London Medway, warehousing will be increased by 50 percent from the current 1 million sq ft to create an additional 500,000 sq ft of capacity.

Further plans include creating a second automated terminal in Liverpool dedicated to steel coils, as well as a new automated terminal for the Port of London Medway in Sheerness.

These will be developed to include rail connectivity by a new inland rail terminal in the Midlands.

This fresh investment by the port group follows a record year for steel imports at the Liverpool facility and will help further grow the volumes of steel it transports across the UK.

David Huck, Chief Operating Officer at Peel Ports Group, said: “This is a game-changing investment for us.

“Demand for steel and metals handling across our port group, and the UK in general, has risen sharply over the past five years and this will allow us to expand our support to the construction and manufacturing supply chain right across the country.

“This investment ensures we have the scale, speed, and specialist expertise to support our customers today and long into the future, helping to also address some of the storage and transportation issues the steel sector currently faces.

“With expanded capacity and a growing, dedicated steel handling team, we can now move more product, more efficiently than ever before. Our location in Liverpool is in the heart of Britain and gives us a clear advantage – perfectly placed to serve stockholders and fabricators nationwide, supported by excellent road and rail links.

“Warehousing will remain a key focus for the business, with further expansion already in the pipeline as we continue to futureproof our service for the UK’s critical industries.”

“The addition of a new rail terminal in the Midlands will allows us to efficiently connect the two strategically located deep-water ports of Liverpool and London Medway, boosting the efficiency of logistics for our customers and partners.”

The business is already working with customers to bring steel cargoes closer to major centres of demand across its seven statutory harbour authority ports and 24 terminals.

This is the second time in under two years it has extended its Port of Liverpool steel and metals terminal and will involve the creation of two newly dedicated warehouses at its Seaforth Dock to handle these products.

The port group has added a new team of specialist Stevedores at the Port of Liverpool and is actively recruiting for extra positions and training internal staff to enhance handling capability to meet the rise in demand.

The port now boasts more than 610,000sqft of storage for the commodity, and this expansion means it will be able to store an additional 35,000 tonnes of steel and metals.

This fresh investment by the port group follows a record year for steel imports at the city facility. 

The port group has the capability to store and handle many different types of metal products, including rebar, plates, coil and aluminium, and handles significant volumes.

In April, the company reported a record-breaking year for steel imports at the Port of Liverpool, with volumes increasing by more than 35% year-on-year. 702,000 tonnes of bulk steel were processed at the port in 2024, coming from across the world including from South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Turkey, and Europe.

The port operator also recently underlined its commitment to supporting UK steel and metals supply chains by becoming the first and only UK port operator to join the Aluminium Federation (ALFED).

DP World opens driver welfare facility at Southampton

Date: September 11, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

DP World has opened a state-of-the-art new driver welfare facility at its Southampton container terminal and logistics hub.

The brand new 24,000 sq. m facility is the centrepiece of a £20 million modernisation project and contributes to efforts by industry and Government to deliver better working conditions for hauliers across the UK. Modelled on the successful Hireco Truck Park at DP World’s London Gateway Logistics Park, the new Southampton site continues DP World’s investment in best-in-class welfare facilities for drivers.

Following two years’ construction, the new facility will be operated by Cartland Truck Stop Ltd and offers a restaurant, café, bathrooms, showers and more than 130 secure parking spaces, alongside service bays for vehicles. To support the transition to low-carbon logistics, the facility also includes two twin EV charging points capable of fully charging a modern electric HGV in 1.5-2 hours.

In addition to improving welfare standards, the site features a new pre-gate entry system that reduces waiting times and eases traffic flow around the terminal, helping to further reduce the impact of congestion on the local community, key factors in securing Southampton City Council’s approval.

Ernst Schulze, DP World Ports & Terminals Lead for Northern Europe, said: “I am delighted with the opening of this exceptional new facility that puts driver welfare at the heart of our Southampton operation. This £20m investment is a clear statement of our commitment to drivers, who are a vital part of the UK supply chain. By providing modern, secure, and comfortable facilities alongside cutting-edge EV charging, we are working to future-proof UK logistics while ensuring the people who keep trade moving are well looked after.”

Satvir Kaur MP, Member of Parliament for Southampton Test, added: “The opening of this new facility by DP World is very welcome in Southampton. DP World’s recent investment into the Port has not only helped to ease local traffic flows for local residents and contribute towards tackling the climate crisis, but now also ensures that drivers are properly cared for. This project sets a strong national example of how greening our economy, can lead to additional benefits, from better welfare at work to less congestion on our roads. I wish it every success.”

The opening of the facility follows the launch of DP World’s Low Carbon Truck Programme (LCTP) at Southampton and London Gateway earlier this month, which will run for an initial two-year period and is designed to accelerate the decarbonisation of UK road freight by supplying participating hauliers with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) at the same cost as diesel. Alongside the opening of the driver welfare facility, the programme is part of a wider effort from DP World to support its haulier customers in the UK.  

New service accelerates growth for London logistics specialist

Date: September 12, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

A logistics specialist has expanded its London operation after investing a significant sum in a new site, and a new fleet, creating 20 new jobs.

Pallet Power Limited, which is part of the Parcel Power Logistics Limited Group, has undergone major expansion to accommodate a new service offering – palletised distribution.

The company has already experienced success in the parcels, general and refrigerated haulage sectors and now has ambitious plans to conquer pallet delivery, in the capital, as part of its new membership with national pallet experts Pallet-Track.

To achieve this, the Parcel Power group has invested heavily in a new 40,000 sq. ft site in Beckton, East London.

The site provides a prime location for pallet collection and delivery within Central and East London, which include the E1, E14, EC and WC postcodes, as well as links to major roads.

The new jobs have been created across all areas of the business, including driving, warehouse, and office roles.

It has also added 16 new vehicles to its fleet, including five double deck trailers and tractor units, seven rigid vehicles and four Luton vans. All are ULEZ compliant, equipped to Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and are dual branded with Pallet Power Limited and Pallet-Track visual identities to demonstrate the strength of the companies’ new partnership.

Tzali April, Managing Director at Pallet Power Limited, said:

“The Parcel Power group are well-established in both the refrigerated haulage and parcels sectors, so we are proud to be expanding our operation into palletised haulage.

“The new site and fleet will give us the flexibility we want to meet all our customers’ needs in the capital as we continue to grow our business.

“We had a choice of pallet networks and specifically chose Pallet-Track because of its ongoing growth, service performance, and investment in technology.

“It stood out to us as the national network and while we were previously able to offer our customers visibility and tracking on their freight, the innovative technology we have access to is enabling us to enhance the customer experience.

“As a business, we’re anticipating strong growth over the next 12 months and look forward to building our reputation in the pallet sector.”

Stuart Godman, CEO at Pallet-Track, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Pallet Power Limited to the Pallet-Track family, and we are excited be able to support the team on their growth journey.

“The company’s values align very closely with those of our shareholder member network, and we are confident that they will deliver service excellence while collaborating with us to increase our presence in the capital. This is a fantastic partnership.”

Shell and Hapag-Lloyd sign multi-year liquefied biomethane deal

Date: September 12, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Hapag-Lloyd and Shell Western LNG B.V. (Shell) have signed a multi-year agreement for the supply of liquefied biomethane starting with immediate effect.

The agreement builds on a strategic collaboration established in 2023 to accelerate the decarbonization of alternative marine fuels.

Biomethane, also known as Bio-LNG, plays a significant role in Hapag-Lloyd’s decarbonization strategy, which aims to achieve net-zero fleet operations by 2045, by enabling emissions reductions across its fleet and supporting customers in their efforts to decarbonize their supply chains. 

Since 2024, Shell has expanded its offering to include liquefied biomethane, which is now available at 22 strategic locations within its global LNG bunkering network.

“This agreement helps secure the fuel certainty and supply reliability we need to further expand the use of waste-based renewable fuels across our fleet – cutting emissions without compromising the quality and reliability our customers expect. Collaborations like this demonstrate that true leadership in shipping means acting now – using lower-emission fuels already available today and not waiting for future solutions,” said Jan Christensen, Senior Director Global Fuel Purchasing at Hapag-Lloyd AG.

Dexter Belmar, Shell’s Vice President Global Downstream LNG, added:

“Bio-LNG is no longer a concept – it’s here, and it’s fueling the next chapter of shipping decarbonization. These long-term deals help build the confidence needed to scale renewable fuels.”

The liquefied biomethane supplied to Hapag-Lloyd is ISCC EU certified, which ensures sustainability of the feedstock production, traceability of sustainable products through the supply chain, and credible, verified reductions of life cycle emissions. 

Biomethane is a drop-in fuel that enables Hapag-Lloyd’s LNG dual-fuel vessels to transition seamlessly to renewable fuels without any equipment modifications. Derived from the decomposition of organic waste – such as crop residues, livestock manure and food waste – biogas is upgraded to biomethane by removing CO₂ and impurities. The liquefied biomethane is then fed into the local gas grid, liquefied and supplied to ships on a mass-balanced basis. 

CLdN announces plans to develop a river berth in Liverpool

Date: September 15, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

CLdN has announced plans to develop a river berth for roll-on / roll-off cargo vessels at the port of Liverpool. The project is being planned in collaboration with Peel Ports Group and would represent a major, multi-million-pound investment for the Irish Sea market. 

The investment would involve the construction of a lock-free berth on the river Mersey adjacent to CLdN’s existing facilities at Brocklebank / Langton Dock. It would enable the seamless berthing of the most efficient CLdN ships with an even higher cargo capacity than those serving the terminal today. It is currently anticipated that the formal application for consent would be submitted in the second half of 2026 and that construction could commence in early 2028.

CLdN recently completed a major investment programme at Brocklebank Dock, expanding cargo handling capacity and enabling the use of the terminal by larger, more environmentally friendly vessels on CLdN’s Liverpool-Dublin route. This service plays an essential role in transporting freight between Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, with CLdN carrying more than 200.000 freight units on the route every year.

Commenting on the planned investment, Florent Maes, Chief Executive Officer of CLdN, said:

“This investment would bring significant additional benefits to customers on CLdN’s Liverpool-Dublin route. The position of the berth would provide increased operational flexibility and efficiency and would also enable a further reduction in the carbon footprint of each freight unit. The project underscores CLdN’s long term commitment to developing its port infrastructure and to providing essential freight services between Great Britain and Ireland. We look forward to working with our partners at Peel Ports Group to bring this project to fruition.”

Claudio Veritiero, Chief Executive Officer at Peel Ports Group said:

“As a leading port operator, our role is to facilitate projects that drive regional growth — strengthening the economy, expanding trade opportunities, and creating skilled jobs.

“CLdN’s significant investment represents a strong vote of confidence in the capability and the long-term sustainable growth of the Port of Liverpool. Together with CLdN, we are committed to delivering this transformative project, which will enhance supply chain efficiency, cut carbon emissions, and secure lasting benefits for the region and beyond.”

iCustoms unveils end-to-end solution to keep parcels flowing amid new US customs challenges

Date: September 15, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

iCustoms has unveiled a powerful end-to-end solution to address the new US customs clearance rules impacting parcels under $800.

A major shift in US import rules, including the end of the de minimis exemption, has triggered an unprecedented collapse in postal traffic, with shipments into the US plunging by over 80%.

According to the Universal Postal Union (UPU), 88 operators have already suspended service, putting over 1 billion parcels at risk and sending shockwaves across international delivery networks. Experts warn this disruption is not a short-term issue but a long-term challenge for global trade

“Postal companies and e-commerce businesses are facing unprecedented delays and compliance hurdles,” said Adnan Zaheer , CEO at iCustoms. “Our end-to-end  solution makes it easy for parcels to clear U.S. customs, helping businesses keep deliveries on track and customers happy.”

iCustoms is one of the few companies worldwide offering a complete, integrated platform that manages low value US parcels customs compliance from start to finish.

iCustoms handles every step of the customs process, from pre-shipment to post-delivery. Using parcel details, product description, and recipient information submitted via API, CSV, or web portal, the platform calculates taxes and duties, screens for restricted goods and denied parties, and manages payments and required submissions to CBP.

“With US parcel imports down and no quick resolution in sight, businesses face a long-term disruption and urgently need a reliable solution,” added Zaheer. “We help postal and e-commerce companies cut through the red tape and keep goods flowing.”

With an easy-to-integrate solution, iCustoms empowers postal operators and e-commerce businesses to adapt quickly, stay compliant, and keep global trade moving no matter how regulations change.

Freight forwarders get updated Standard Trading Conditions

Date: September 15, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

A new edition of the British International Freight Association’s (BIFA) Standard Trading Conditions (STC) has been launched, replacing the previous version revised in 2021.

The latest edition has been produced as a consequence of ongoing changes in the UK’s trading procedures, which has seen a growth in customs-related activities.

Furthermore, increased turbulence in global trade has increased the risks BIFA’s corporate members face in enacting their business.

A guiding principle of the review was to ensure that the STC continued to provide a fair and balanced contract between its Members and their customers. Therefore, the text of the 2025 edition of the STC was vigorously scrutinised against the Unfair Contracts Act 1977 to ensure legal compliance.

The Association wanted to modernise the language in the hopes that this will improve clarity via use of easier to understand language; as well as reduce disputes between members and their customers.

Steve Parker, Director General of BIFA says:

“Over time, in the same ways laws must change, so do contractual rights and obligations that flow from these changes. Therefore, it is essential to review any set of industry terms against changes in legislation and industry practice.

“The review proved a rather bigger project than expected and has led to a significant revision and expansion of the STC, which has now been completed.

“The importance of BIFA members ensuring that their incorporation of the BIFA STC into their contracts with their customers is effective cannot be stressed enough.”

The new STC, which can be viewed on the BIFA website, can be used by members from the 31st December 2025, but BIFA felt it was important to give all within the industry reasonable time to familiarise themselves with the new set of conditions.

For members, BIFA is arranging two webinars about the 2025 edition of the STC, which will take place on the 14th and 23rd October, outlining the key changes between the 2021 and the 2025 editions of the STC.

Industry leaders address major challenges facing the UK freight and logistics sector

Date: September 15, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

A coalition of logistics leaders from the Alliance of Logistics Trade Associations (ALTA) convened in Central London recently to identify key areas where collaboration can drive meaningful progress in the UK freight and logistics sector.

The meeting focused on some of the major issues affecting the industry, with a shared goal of fostering alignment, identifying synergies, and presenting a united front to government and stakeholders.

Much has been written about the skills shortage affecting the sector. A lack of skilled workers across all areas of the logistics industry remains a significant barrier to growth.

ALTA members agreed to campaign for greater access to the apprenticeship levy to play a critical role in upskilling especially in the creation of new apprenticeships schemes.

They also agreed to redouble the support for Generation Logistics and create a driver focused collaborative campaign.

In respect of trade and borders, there was general agreement of the need to reframe border issues around economic growth and resilience, whilst advocating for robust processes and faster release times, and adoption of digitalisation and AI to reduce friction.

There was strong support for engaging relevant departments to ensure freight is integrated into broader government strategies, especially around borders and energy.

ALTA reaffirmed its readiness to work with government to help shape this transformation. The group also recommended that government empower a dedicated lead to work across departments to coordinate progress.

Several key infrastructure projects were discussed, including the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC), Heathrow Airport, and the A14/Orwell Bridge. ALTA members highlighted the direct impact these projects have on the movement of legitimate trade and called for accelerated investment and delivery.

Members expressed concern over rising operational costs, particularly following the increase in National Insurance contributions earlier this year. ALTA urged government to be mindful of the cumulative burden on logistics businesses when considering future fiscal policy.

Recognising the logistics industry’s vital role in reducing emissions, ALTA members reaffirmed their commitment to sustainability. While many organisations are already taking action, members agreed that stronger government support and guidance will be essential to accelerate decarbonisation across the sector. Critically, this must be coordinated via a joint industry and government road map.

The participants emphasised the need to understand the relevant activity taking place on the transition to net zero, including bridging fuels; power supplies and location-based solutions.

Phil Roe, chair of ALTA, thanked Steve Parker, director general of the British International Freight Association (BIFA) for hosting the session and, thanked attendees for their engagement. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continued collaboration and progress.

Roe  said:

“ALTA was established to facilitate a collective voice for the freight and logistics sector.

“Its success will be defined by the level at which freight is considered in cross-government strategies and decisions.”

The Alliance of Logistics Trade Associations (ALTA) is a collaboration of 12 trade bodies with a shared common purpose to advance the interests of the logistics industry and the wider economy. Its purpose is to provide a single consistent voice to government and regulators on major issues that impact the whole logistics sector, and to advocate for policies and regulations that support a thriving, sustainable logistics industry.

It is an informal grouping currently, chaired by Phil Roe from Logistics UK and the brainchild of Steve Parker (BIFA) and Richard Smith (RHA). This collaboration is not a new trade association or organisation.  It includes representatives from the following trade associations: Association of International Courier & Express Services; Association of Pallet Networks; British Association of Removers; British International Freight Association; British Ports Association; Chemical Business Association; Cold Chain Federation; Logistics UK; Rail Freight Group; Road Haulage Association; UK Major Ports Group; and UK Warehousing Association.