Resources - Future Forwarding

Resources

Welcome to our Resources page, your go-to destination for valuable insights and tools designed to support your logistics and supply chain needs. Here, you’ll find a wealth of information ranging from industry trends and best practices to guides and calculators that can help optimize your operations.

Whether you’re looking for shipping tips, compliance updates, or ways to streamline your logistics, our Resources page offers the expertise and solutions you need to stay informed and efficient. Explore our content and discover how we can help you navigate the complexities of global logistics with confidence.

Chargeable Weight Calculator

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Guides & Information

USA Information

FMC Rules Tariff

International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX)
Update 16/12/2024

POTENTIAL STRIKES ON THE US EAST COAST

The ongoing labour discussions between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) continue with negotiations still unresolved there is a potential for strikes to begin as early as mid-January.

What This Means for Your Shipments

Port Disruptions: Strikes could impact major US East Coast ports, potentially causing significant delays and congestion.
Supply Chain Uncertainty: Extended labour action could disrupt operations, affecting vessel schedules, container availability, and overall transit times.

How We’re Preparing to Support You

Our team is proactively working to mitigate potential disruptions by:

Monitoring Developments: We are closely tracking the situation and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Alternative Solutions: Identifying and planning alternative routes and transport options to minimize impact on your supply chain.
Capacity Management: Collaborating with carriers to secure capacity and adjust schedules as needed.

What You Can Do

Plan Ahead: Ship critical cargo early to avoid potential delays.
Stay Flexible: Be open to alternative routes, ports, or transport methods if disruptions occur.
Stay Informed: Keep in close contact with us for the latest updates and personalized guidance.

We’re here to help you navigate this evolving situation and ensure your supply chain remains as resilient as possible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss your concerns or planning strategies.

USA Downloads & Forms

USA POA and credit application

CTPAT

UK Information

Prepare Your Supply Chain: Full Border Controls on EU Imports Starting April 30, 2025

Starting April 30, 2025, the UK government will implement full border controls on EU imports, including all sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) goods. This change will impact businesses across the UK, as it introduces new documentation requirements, customs procedures, and potential delays at the border. To ensure your supply chain runs smoothly, it’s crucial to prepare for these upcoming changes. Here’s what you need to know:

Additional Documentation Requirements

With the introduction of full border controls, businesses will need to provide detailed documentation for their imports. For SPS goods—such as food, plants, and animals—this includes:

Health and safety certificates
Phytosanitary certificates for plant-based products
Importer declarations and customs paperwork

Make sure that all necessary paperwork is ready and accurate before your goods reach the UK border to avoid delays or potential fines. It’s advisable to work closely with suppliers and customs brokers to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Expect Customs Delays

The introduction of more thorough checks at UK borders means that customs clearance may take longer than before. The increased scrutiny of imports, especially SPS goods, will likely result in delays as goods undergo more detailed inspections.

To minimize the impact on your operations, plan for longer lead times in your supply chain and keep customers informed about potential delays. You may also want to explore options for customs pre-clearance or use trusted traders to expedite the process where possible.

Supply Chain Adjustments

To stay ahead of the curve, take the following actions to adapt your supply chain:

Communicate with suppliers and partners: Ensure that all parties involved in the supply chain, including freight forwarders and customs brokers, are aware of the upcoming changes. This may involve updating contracts or agreements to reflect new responsibilities for documentation and compliance.

Invest in new systems or processes: You may need to invest in new systems or software to handle the increased volume of documentation and ensure compliance with new customs regulations.

Conduct a supply chain audit: Review your current import and export processes to identify potential bottlenecks or areas where delays might occur. Work with your logistics teams to develop solutions.

Compliance with SPS Regulations

Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) goods—such as food, plants, and animal products—will face even stricter checks under the new border controls. These products will require:

Inspections upon arrival
Certification to prove they meet UK health and safety standards

This means that businesses importing SPS goods must ensure their products are fully compliant with these requirements, which may include updating their sourcing practices or adjusting shipping procedures.

Conclusion

With the UK’s implementation of full border controls on EU imports set for April 30, 2025, businesses need to act now to avoid disruptions to their supply chains. By preparing for additional documentation requirements, customs delays, and stricter SPS regulations, you can minimize the impact of these changes and ensure smooth operations. The key to success is early preparation, clear communication with your supply chain partners, and staying informed about regulatory updates.

Prepare today to stay ahead of the curve and avoid costly disruptions in the future!

How New US Tariffs Impact UK Imports & Exports

The latest changes in US import tariffs—including a 25% tariff on steel and 10% on aluminum—are set to have significant effects on UK businesses trading with the United States. These measures will impact both exports to the U.S. and imports from the U.S., affecting supply chains and pricing structures.

Impact on UK Exports to the USA

Steel & Aluminum Exports Affected
The new tariffs will make UK steel and aluminum exports to the U.S. more expensive, putting pressure on industries such as automotive, construction, and aerospace. Businesses reliant on these materials may need to explore alternative routes or suppliers to mitigate costs.

Potential Expansion of Tariffs
While current tariffs target metals, there is concern that the U.S. may extend them to other UK exports such as machinery, food products, or manufactured goods. Reviewing supply contracts and logistics strategies is advisable.

Impact on UK Imports from the USA

Higher Costs for American Goods
Should the UK introduce retaliatory tariffs, products imported from the U.S.—such as machinery, agricultural goods, and technology—could see price increases. Businesses relying on U.S. imports may need to assess cost implications and seek alternative sourcing options.

Supply Chain Disruptions
With increased uncertainty in trade negotiations, logistics delays and cost fluctuations are possible. Flexible shipping solutions can help safeguard supply chain resilience.

What’s Next?

The UK government is engaging in discussions to secure trade exemptions and protect British exporters. However, businesses should proactively prepare by diversifying supply sources and adjusting logistics plans to accommodate potential delays or cost increases.

Upcoming Plastic Tax Implementation Set for April 2025

The UK government has announced significant updates to the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) that will take effect In April 2025.

The new rate of PPT could be around £223.69 per tonne and will apply to plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled plastic that is manufactured and imported into the UK

The change is aimed at addressing the growing concern over plastic waste and its environmental impact. Importers of plastic packaging to the UK must prepare for updated rates and compliance requirements under this revised framework.

What Importers Should do:

Assess Current Practices: Review existing plastic packaging materials and assess how they fit into the new criteria being proposed.
Plan for Compliance: Create a compliance strategy that includes tracking plastic packaging use and ensuring that any imported packaging meets recycled content standards.
Stay Informed: Regularly check official resources from HMRC and government announcements concerning specific rates, regulations, and deadlines.
Engage with Suppliers: Work closely with suppliers to ensure they understand the implications of the plastic tax and are able to provide the necessary documentation regarding recycled content.

The update to the Plastic Packaging Tax marks a significant step towards sustainability and environmental responsibility in the UK. Importers of plastic packaging will need to act promptly to adapt to the new regulations set to take effect in April 2025. Staying informed and proactive will be key in navigating these changes successfully.

For the latest information, guidance documents, and updates regarding the Plastic Packaging Tax, importers should regularly consult the HMRC website and official government resources.

People standing in a warehouse with a man holding a tablet and two people in the background on a computer

ICS2 Advisory for Shippers: What You Need to Know

The Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is a new customs initiative implemented by the European Union, aimed at enhancing the security and safety of goods entering the EU. For shippers, adherence to ICS2 is crucial to ensure compliance and smooth shipping operations. Here’s a detailed guide and advice for shippers operating under the ICS2 framework.

ICS2 Advisory for Shippers Download

Chinese New Year: Recommendations for Shippers

Chinese New Year has significant implications for global freight operations and shippers. This period, often referred to as the Spring Festival, is a major holiday in China and many other Asian countries, leading to widespread factory shutdowns and disruptions in logistics networks.

Proactive planning is crucial to navigating this period effectively and minimizing disruptions.

Key Impacts

Production Delays:
- Factories in China typically close for 1-2 weeks or more, halting production entirely. Many businesses begin scaling back operations a week before the holiday.
- This can create a backlog in manufacturing and delays in order fulfillment for international buyers.
Shipping Congestion:
- A surge in freight bookings is common leading up to the holiday as companies rush to ship goods before closures. This causes congestion at ports and warehouses, along with increased competition for container space.
- Freight rates often rise during this pre-holiday peak, impacting shipping costs.
Post-Holiday Recovery:
- After the holiday, factories and supply chains may take time to ramp back up to full capacity. This is compounded by workforce turnover, as many workers seek new opportunities after returning from their hometowns.
Impact on Global Supply Chains:
- Businesses reliant on just-in-time inventory may face shortages or delays.
- E-commerce and retail industries may need to adjust inventory strategies to account for extended lead times.

Recommendations for Shippers:

Plan Ahead: Schedule shipments early to avoid the rush and ensure your goods are prioritized for transport.
Communicate with Suppliers: Understand their holiday schedules and production plans to align timelines.
Build Inventory: Stockpile critical products ahead of time to mitigate the impact of factory closures.
Diversify Supply Chains: Explore alternative suppliers in regions unaffected by Chinese New Year.

Air Cargo Screening – Who is responsible?

Dangerous Goods

Incoterms Introduction

Incoterms Wallchart

Known Consignor Information

Lithium Batteries

Road freight Specialist Services

Shipping Containers

Unit Load Devices – ULDs

UK Downloads & Forms

Commercial Invoice Checklist

Credit Application

House BOL

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