Looking back to a year ago when old colleagues & I got together in Leeds to discuss a couple of years making hay swansong...have to wonder again if we did right thing by abandoning plans to Covid: we were sure UK would request transition extension as was "obvious" it'd be needed.
https://twitter.com/vivamjm/status/1364158281850183680
We started as a small freight forwarding company that grew to specialise in direct *groupage* services to the (pre-EU) Eastern European countries...esp Poland & Czech/Slovakia.
The 'big boys' were trans-shipping via Austria while we struck deals with Polish & Czech/Slovakia
The 'big boys' were trans-shipping via Austria while we struck deals with Polish & Czech/Slovakia
hauliers/bonded w'house clearance agents & UK owner-drivers. At our 2003 peak we were getting business from across the UK with faxes coming in showing multiple sub-contracted agents all taking a cut. Funny..
We of course suffered after 2004 despite the *floods of extra traffic*
We of course suffered after 2004 despite the *floods of extra traffic*
as trade barriers were *removed*...because every man and his dog could now offer direct services as trade massively expanded in both directions. Profit margins slided. The more profitable groupage became full loads.
Not good for us but damn good for those making/producing things
Not good for us but damn good for those making/producing things
They no longer needed our specialist logistics & customs knowledge. Some stayed loyal but we had to constantly cut prices to keep increasing competition at bay. Instead we looked further East to focus on.
However our appetite was now less and the halcyon days were over.
However our appetite was now less and the halcyon days were over.
Ironically they would now be better than ever for logistics & customs businesses as UK makes the whole of Europe a pre EU "Eastern Europe"....
IF of course there was enough *experience* to meet the mammoth o/night new demand. which of course there isn't & is *the* biggest problem
IF of course there was enough *experience* to meet the mammoth o/night new demand. which of course there isn't & is *the* biggest problem
The race is on to converge needed experience (& infrastructure/extra holding space/fit for purpose IT etc support) with the dropping-off-a-cliff trade.
Where it will eventually settle in balance is the question. Freight esp depending on rapidity to market was always most at risk
Where it will eventually settle in balance is the question. Freight esp depending on rapidity to market was always most at risk
But of course now that UK has made itself (roles reversed) the pre-EU Eastern Europe
trade flows will be accordingly much reduced & much more (ironically"premium goods") expensive..
partly to pay for us former eventual replacement experienced customs & SPS processing "bureacrats"
trade flows will be accordingly much reduced & much more (ironically"premium goods") expensive..
partly to pay for us former eventual replacement experienced customs & SPS processing "bureacrats"
The Iron Curtain is long drawn back & lifted
(I experienced Checkpoint Charlie)
The Brexit Curtain is descending
(I experienced Checkpoint Charlie)
The Brexit Curtain is descending
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