Gerlach Customs entered a strategic partnership with UK logistics provider Baxter Freight for customs clearance one year ago. After a successful year, both companies are looking forward to continuing their co-operation with new services in 2022.
Acting as UK Sales Representative for Gerlach, Baxter Freight manages market-leading end-to-end logistics solutions between the UK and EU. Driven by customer service, the team’s collaborative capabilities ensure a full-package product which includes managing and fulfilling both customs clearance and freight movement.
Business to Consumer distribution
The unique 2-day B2C distribution model delivered by Baxter Freight and Gerlach allows European customers quick access to UK products. The team provides next-day delivery for UK to Germany shipments, achieved by overnight management with 30 scheduled touchpoints. The goods are injected directly into parcel carrier hubs in Germany within 24 hours of leaving the UK, leaving the following day for final customer distribution across Europe.
Transit and clearance times
Throughout the year, transit and clearance times have decreased, with German import clearances for around 600 commodity codes taking under an hour in December 2021. There were also major efficiency gains in Rotterdam, where high volumes of DDP clearances take place quickly. The bespoke, integrated technical system, developed by both companies, ensures customers are supported by a direct result of both companies’ efforts.
New ways of working
To support time-critical movements, both companies have adapted and restructured to ensure continual customs support. Gerlach UK and Baxter Freight have moved to working 24/7, with Gerlach Germany transitioning to working extended hours to facilitate the freight and customs movements for this solution.
Looking forward
John Peeters, Managing Director Gerlach Benelux & UK, said:
“We’re proud to work collaboratively with Baxter Freight, whose sales focus and customer service driven approach means together we offer unique, end-to-end logistics solutions. We’ve spent 2021 providing value-added services for our customers, and the next step is to grow our product portfolio in 2022. This is great news for all our joint customers.”
Peter Isler, Managing Director Baxter Freight, said:
“With the advance of new customs rules for UK imports, we’re excited to work closely with Gerlach as we launch an upgraded UK import product for palletised freight. The expertise delivered by Gerlach directly impacts our customers, allowing us to keep freight moving despite the complexities of new rules and Brexit challenges.”
