NEWS\\\


Issue 8 2018 - Freight Business Journal Brexit deal calms industry nerves


With Prime Minister Theresa May securing her cabinet’s backing for the draſt Brexit agreement between the UK and EU on 15 November – but still facing the task of getting it passed by Parliament and a possible ‘no confidence motion’ – the freight industry’s reaction was largely one of relief that the UK would, apparently, remain within the EU customs union until further notice. The Freight Transport


Association reacted positively to the contents, recognizing it “as a decisive step forwards in the process of the UK’s departure from the EU.” It added: “The detail of the


agreement, which will go before Parliament includes essential elements which will allow continued frictionless movement of goods and maintain the integrity of the UK’s supply chain. Remaining in the customs union will maintain seamless transport of goods and services between the UK and the EU until a new trade agreement can be negotiated, while the protection of citizens’ rights, both in the UK and the EU, will safeguard the logistics workforce. A transition period, which FTA has been lobbying for, will enable Britain’s businesses to prepare for a seamless transition to new trading arrangements, without concerns over a cliff edge which could be disastrous for the supply chain.” FTA called on Parliament to respect these crucial economic


factors in deciding how it votes, to avoid a disorderly departure from the EU. Chief executive David Wells “Based on the


commented:


briefing I received from the Chancellor and the Business Secretary, the draſt text seems to have recognised the vital importance of preserving the frictionless movement of goods and the availability of EU workers whilst a new permanent trade deal is negotiated. If so, we believe it is crucial that MPs understand how important these outcomes are to the economy and the economic security and welfare of the country”. The International Road


Transport Union also described the news as encouraging, saying that it paved the way for further negotiations on a post-Brexit arrangement, including transport and customs issues. Matthias Maedge, who leads


IRU’s work in the EU, commented: “IRU welcomes this development. The persisting uncertainty is detrimental for the road transport operators’ preparations for Brexit. The UK is the EU’s second biggest trading partner and 70% of the goods traded go by road transport and 2.6 million trucks pass through the Port of Dover annually. Road freight transport is the backbone of the European economy and we hope that the road transport industry will get clarity on post- Brexit arrangements soon.” Chief executive of the


United Kingdom Warehousing Association, Peter Ward, called on members to contact their MPs and support the Brexit deal. “While recognising that the withdrawal agreement tabled by the Government is not perfect and includes areas of compromise, if this is the mechanism that allows us to get over the line into a transition agreement, we welcome it,” he said. “The PM


is in an impossible position in trying to carry everyone with her, but the alternative of no deal is unthinkable.” Director of Leeds-based


forwarder, Tudor International Freight, Adam Johnson,


also


welcomed the deal between the EU and UK negotiating teams, saying that, if finally approved, it would provide much-needed certainty about future trading


arrangements aſter over two years of considerable doubt. He said ratification would also


confirm that goods could continue being shipped between the UK and EU without tariffs being imposed or burdensome and time-consuming border checks taking place. Employees from EU countries


being able to come to the UK easily for some time yet and avoid what he called “the horrors” of the UK crashing out of the EU without a deal.


3 However, Johnson pointed


out that while the withdrawal agreement had been written, it was still a draſt and not yet legally binding and would, moreover, have to be passed by parliament as well as the EU member states. While it was encouraging that there was for the first time a definitive answer as to what Brexit could look like, it was “absolutely not yet at a stage where it could be used as the basis for business decisions” such as training staff in customs clearance.


You need it. We move it.


Vacancy for the position of ‘Chair’


The Association of Freight Software Suppliers has a vacancy for the role of Chair from April 2019. The successful candidate should ideally be available from January 2019 for a 3 month hand over period from the current Chair.


The candidate should have experience in the Freight and Logistics industry with an emphasis on the systems and technol- ogy used within the industry. Having experience in representing trade at meetings with Government bodies and Trade organisa- tions would also be an advantage.


The candidate will take their Base salary and any expenses from the AFSS annual membership Fees once the costs of AFSS admin- istration have been covered.


The role is part time approximately 3 days a week. Duties include: • The management and administration of AFSS matters including finances. • Promoting AFSS within the industry. • Organising two annual membership meetings. • Attending Trade Consultative Meetings on behalf of AFSS. • Submitting articles to Trade Publications. • Providing reports to AFSS members on matters of interest and circulation of an AFSS newsletter twice monthly.


AFSS is an Affiliate of EurTradeNet and the Chair is required to coordinate with ETN on matters of common interest.


Those wishing to apply or require any information on this position should contact Gordon Tutt email: gt@afss.org.uk. The closing date will be 14th December 2018.


Across cultural differences and challenging terrain: Whatever you need to keep your business going, we provide it. Around the corner or far away to places of other habits and climates. Whether it is a simple matter of transport from A to B or securing a tight supply chain, experience makes a difference. We are present in more than 80 countries to make the world your home turf and we are ready to get things moving at uk.dsv.com.


0844 880 0844 contact@uk.dsv.com Global Transport and Logistics


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