NF Global Logistics has successfully tackled the challenges posed by Brexit using Descartes’ e-Customs solution.
- The Leeds-based firm is celebrating a decade in the freight forwarding business this year.
- The company has achieved notable productivity gains and streamlined operations since automating customs processes.
- Key benefits include adapting to new regulatory demands and maintaining high efficiency in groupage services across Europe.
- Descartes e-Customs provides a secure, web-based interface that integrates with existing freight management systems.
NF Global Logistics, a Leeds-based freight forwarder, has adeptly addressed the complexities introduced by Brexit through the strategic utilisation of the Descartes e-Customs solution. As the company marks its tenth anniversary, it reflects on significant achievements in automating and optimising customs compliance processes, particularly benefiting its European groupage services.
Founded in November 2014, NF Global specialises in European groupage consolidation, offering direct services to countries including Germany, Belgium, Holland, France, and Ireland. The company has experienced ‘significant’ productivity enhancements since integrating Descartes e-Customs. This platform allows the automation of previously manual customs clearance processes, aligning with rising demands for accurate import and export declarations in the post-Brexit era.
The Descartes e-Customs solution is a secure, web-based system that simplifies the submission of data to HMRC and other governmental entities. It features template-driven declarations and client-specific data, ensuring flexibility to accommodate various operational needs. This adaptability is key, as it allows companies like NF Global to manage both entry and exit declarations efficiently, facilitating seamless international trade.
According to Howard Nickerson, Managing Director of NF Global, the company manages increasing volumes of complex customs entries across road, sea, and air freight. These entries often require multiple commodity codes. The company offers a customs guarantee, stressing the importance of exemplary compliance with HMRC standards. Nickerson stated, ‘Without the Descartes solution, facing the additional demands that Brexit placed upon the freight forwarding and customs compliance sector, we simply would not have been able to fulfil customer demand for services with our existing levels of resources.’
Lars Persson, Vice President of Global Sales at Descartes, also emphasised their role in supporting NF Global’s expansion to meet international trade demands. Persson highlighted that the e-Customs solution has aided freight forwarders, customs brokers, and traders of all scales, enhancing productivity and streamlining workflows amidst significant changes in the UK’s customs landscape.
NF Global Logistics’ strategic use of Descartes’ technology exemplifies resilience and adaptability in navigating the post-Brexit customs environment.
