A Guide For Businesses On How To Send Parcels To The Rest Of Europe From The UK

A Guide For Businesses On How To Send Parcels To The Rest Of Europe From The UK

Shipping From The UK To Europe After Brexit

Okay, let’s first address the elephant in the room - post-Brexit shipping involves more steps than before, but understanding the requirements can help ensure smooth operations. 

Here are our tips to streamline your shipping process:

• Understand New Customs Requirements: Post-Brexit, all parcels sent from the UK to Europe require customs declarations. You must complete a customs declaration form (CN22 or CN23) detailing the parcel's contents, value, and purpose.
• EORI Number: Ensure your business has an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. This number is required for customs clearance and should be included on all customs documentation.
• Accurate Documentation: Provide accurate and detailed information on the customs declaration. Incorrect or incomplete documentation can lead to delays and additional charges.
• VAT and Duties: Be aware of VAT and import duties that may apply to your parcels. These charges vary depending on the value and type of goods being shipped. Some couriers offer services that handle these fees on your behalf, ensuring smooth delivery.
• Shipping Software: Utilise shipping software that integrates with customs systems to automate the generation of necessary documentation and streamline the shipping process.
• Stay Informed: Regulations and requirements can change. Stay updated on any new developments in UK-EU shipping regulations to avoid compliance issues.
• Choose the Right Incoterms: Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international transactions. Choose the appropriate Incoterms to clearly outline who is responsible for shipping, insurance, and tariffs.
• Consider Delivery Times: Post-Brexit, shipping times may be longer due to customs checks. Factor in these potential delays when planning your shipments and communicating with your customers or partners.
• Leverage Expertise: Work with experienced logistics professionals or customs brokers who can provide guidance on navigating the post-Brexit shipping landscape.
• Insurance: Consider purchasing shipping insurance for high-value parcels to protect against potential loss or damage during transit.

The Cheapest Way To Send Parcels From The UK To Europe

We understand that cost-efficiency is crucial for businesses, especially with international shipping. 

Here are some tips to minimise shipping costs:

• Compare Shipping Options: Evaluate different shipping methods, such as economy and standard delivery, to find the most affordable option that meets your timeframe. While express shipping is faster, it can be significantly more expensive.
• Consolidate Shipments: If possible, combine multiple parcels into one shipment. This can reduce the overall cost as larger shipments often cost less per kilogram than smaller, separate parcels.
• Use Appropriate Packaging: Ensure your parcels are packaged efficiently to avoid unnecessary weight and size, which can increase shipping costs. Use lightweight, durable materials that provide adequate protection - we’ll look at this in more detail later.
• Bulk Shipping Discounts: Consider negotiating bulk shipping discounts with your courier, especially if you frequently send parcels to Europe. Regular and high-volume shippers often qualify for reduced rates.
• Plan Ahead: Avoid last-minute shipping, as urgent deliveries typically incur higher costs. Planning your shipments in advance allows for more economical shipping options.

Choosing The Right Packaging To Ship To Europe

Proper packaging is crucial for protecting your goods, minimising shipping costs, and complying with regulations.

Here’s what you need to consider:

• Material: Use high-quality, durable materials. Corrugated cardboard boxes are usually a good choice for most items. Consider bubble wrap, foam peanuts, or air pillows for fragile goods.
• Size: Choose a box that fits your items snugly without excessive space. This helps prevent movement during transit and reduces the need for extra cushioning material.
• Sealing: Use strong adhesive tape to seal your packages securely. Reinforce the edges and seams to ensure the box remains intact throughout shipping.
• Labelling: Label your parcels clearly with the sender’s and recipient’s addresses. Ensure labels are waterproof or placed in a protective sleeve. Include any necessary customs information and ensure it is easily accessible.

Tracking and Customer Communication

Effective tracking and communication are essential for customer satisfaction and operational efficiency:

• Real-Time Tracking: Use a courier service that provides real-time tracking updates. Share tracking information with your recipients so they can monitor the delivery's progress.
• Proactive Notifications: Set up automated notifications to inform recipients about the shipping status, including dispatch, transit updates, and delivery confirmation.
• Customer Support: Offer robust customer support to handle any shipping inquiries or issues that may arise. Ensure your team is well-informed about shipping processes and can assist effectively.

Insurance And Risk Management
 

Mitigating risks associated with shipping can protect your business from potential losses - we recommend you purchase insurance for valuable or fragile items. This provides coverage against loss, theft, or damage during transit.

It’s also important to regularly assess and identify potential risks in your shipping process. 

You can then implement strategies to mitigate these risks, such as improving packaging or choosing more reliable shipping routes.

Develop contingency plans for common shipping issues, such as delays or customs problems. Having a plan in place can help you respond quickly and effectively.

Documentation And Compliance

Ensuring all necessary documentation is complete and accurate is vital for smooth shipping. 

Here are some key documents and compliance tips for you to bear in mind.

• Commercial Invoice: This document includes details about the shipment, such as the description of goods, value, and the consignee. It is required for customs clearance.
• Packing List: This provides a detailed list of the shipment's contents, including the weight, dimensions, and quantity of each item. It helps customs officials verify the contents.
• Certificates of Origin: For certain goods, you might need to provide a certificate of origin, which states where the goods were manufactured.
• Customs Declarations: As mentioned earlier, customs forms (CN22 or CN23) are required for parcels sent to Europe. These forms must be accurately filled out to avoid delays.
• Compliance with Export Control Regulations: Ensure your goods comply with UK export regulations and any restrictions the destination country imposes. Some items may require special licences or permits.

The Best Courier Service From The UK To Europe

Choosing the right courier service is crucial for ensuring timely and secure delivery of your parcels. 

Here’s what to consider when selecting a courier:

• Reliability: Look for a courier with a strong track record of reliability and on-time deliveries. Reliable couriers minimise the risk of delays and ensure your parcels reach their destinations as expected.
• Coverage: Ensure the courier has extensive coverage across Europe, including major cities and remote areas. Comprehensive coverage means you can reach your customers and partners regardless of location.
• Customer Service: Good customer support is essential. Choose a courier that offers responsive customer service to assist with any issues or queries that may arise during the shipping process.
• Tracking Capabilities: Opt for a courier that provides detailed tracking information. Real-time tracking allows you and your recipients to monitor the parcel’s progress and anticipate delivery times.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While cost should not be the only factor, choosing a courier that offers competitive rates without compromising on service quality is important.

Why Choose GMR As Your European Courier

At GMR Couriers, we ensure your European deliveries are fast, reliable, and secure. 

Unlike many other couriers, our approach involves direct transportation. Your goods are picked up and driven straight to their destination, bypassing the delays associated with air freight. 

This direct route reduces transit times, ensuring your urgent deliveries arrive promptly.

Our service eliminates the risks of lost items and delays. The same driver and vehicle handle your parcel from pickup to delivery, providing consistent and secure handling. 

Additionally, our vehicles are equipped with real-time tracking, allowing us to update you on the exact location of your goods at any moment. We can confirm delivery within minutes of obtaining a signature.

GMR Couriers also offers cost-effective solutions, especially for larger shipments. 

We manage all necessary import/export documentation, making us a one-stop shop for all your European courier needs. 

Our pricing is, on average, 10% cheaper than most dedicated couriers, with no consignment too small and a maximum load capacity of 1,400kg. 

All goods are insured up to £25,000, with options for additional coverage.

We cover all EU countries, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

You may also like our article on What Makes Us The Best UK Courier For Small Businesses?

Our Final Word

There’s no denying that shipping from the UK to the rest of Europe is a little more complicated for businesses in our post-Brexit world than it once was.

However, businesses can effectively manage their logistics operations between the UK and Europe by understanding the cheapest ways to send parcels, selecting the best courier services, and navigating the post-Brexit shipping landscape.

If you’re looking for the right courier to partner with to ship goods from the UK to the rest of Europe, contact us here or call us on 0800 5118 077 to find out how we can help.