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Peter Orange takes helm of Metro’s global network development

Nov 21, 2024 | ,

Metro has strengthened its commitment to building robust partnerships worldwide with the appointment of Peter Orange as head of global network development. This strategic move underlines Metro’s focus on global growth, with a resilient, agile network that can adapt to the shifting demands of the logistics landscape.

With over 30 years of experience spanning key regions such as Australia, Singapore, the UAE, and the UK, Peter brings a wealth of expertise and a global outlook to his new role. His mission is to enhance Metro’s engagement with existing partners while identifying and securing new alliances that align with the company’s strategic objectives.

Particular focus will be placed on partnerships in specialised verticals such as automotive and high-tech, where reliability, compliance, and innovation are critical. Peter’s leadership will ensure that Metro’s partner relationships are optimised to address market dynamics, with regular evaluations and collaborative reviews to align strategies and identify growth opportunities across air, ocean, and multimodal transport.

Expanding network capabilities
To build on this foundation, Metro plans to expand Peter’s team by appointing dedicated route development managers for key regions. These include Asia Pacific and EMEA, complementing the existing emphasis on North America. The expanded team will work closely with Metro’s partners, driving sales, sharing market intelligence, and setting clear targets to support data-driven growth.

Metro’s strategy focuses on creating a network that combines global reach with local expertise. By strengthening ties with partners and investing in the right people, the company aims to ensure that its customers benefit from agile and dependable supply chain solutions, even in challenging market conditions.

Adapting to a dynamic landscape
Peter’s leadership will play a pivotal role in ensuring Metro’s global network can withstand disruptions and respond effectively to shifting demands. His efforts to foster collaboration and prioritise innovation will not only enhance Metro’s service offering but also position its customers for success in an ever-evolving logistics environment.

With a focus on value-driven partnerships and operational resilience, Metro’s global network development strategy is set to reinforce its market leadership. Under Peter’s guidance, the company is poised to deliver solutions that meet the complex needs of today’s supply chains, ensuring long-term value for its customers.

To explore how Metro’s partnerships can support your business needs, please EMAIL Peter Orange for more information.

Customs declaration

November 2024; Customs and compliance update

Nov 13, 2024 | , , , , , , , ,

Our customs consultancy team provide insights on the latest changes, making it easier for you to stay on top of your planning and development needs.

To help us better support your compliance and efficiency goals, including duty/tax reclaims, we encourage you to click the button below to complete our short, five question survey. By responding, you’ll receive tailored insights and support to address any gaps or opportunities within your customs and trade processes.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
As attention focused on the recent UK government budget, many missed the announcement about the UK’s own carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), coming into effect on 1st January 2027. This CBAM will place a carbon price on high-risk goods imported to the UK from sectors including aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, iron, and steel. This measure aims to prevent “carbon leakage” by ensuring the UK’s decarbonisation efforts truly reduce global emissions rather than simply shifting them abroad.

Key points:
• Goods from the glass and ceramics sectors are excluded from CBAM requirements starting in 2027.
• Only businesses importing over £50,000 of CBAM goods annually will need to comply.
• Lessons from the EU’s recent CBAM rollout, which faced data challenges, may offer valuable insights as the UK implements its own system.

Safety & Security Great Britain (SSGB)
The SSGB requires an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) for all goods imported to Great Britain from the EU, effective from 31st January 2025. Responsibility for filing lies with the carrier or haulier, but as the UK importer, you hold the key data.

Here’s what you need to know:
• For accompanied freight, the origin freight forwarder or haulier is responsible for the ENS submission.
• For unaccompanied freight, the ferry line is responsible.
• Some of the required data can be found on your import customs entry, but certain details may depend on direct or indirect liability, particularly if ENS filing is requested by another party.
• A GB EORI number is essential for those needing access to the system.
• HMRC requires accurate and updated departure details before sailings, although some linking issues with GVMS remain unresolved.

Final guidance is pending, but obtaining EORI information from your suppliers will support this new requirement.

Windsor Framework
The Windsor Framework, replacing the Northern Ireland Protocol, has seen its implementation date pushed from 30th September 2024 to 31st March 2025.

This framework introduces Red and Green lanes for goods traffic and replaces the TSS (Trader Support Service) with the UKIMS (UK Internal Market Scheme). It will simplify trade, particularly for agrifoods moving into Northern Ireland, with the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS) reducing administrative burdens for certain goods.

import control system 2 (ICS2)
As ICS2 progresses for EU surface cargo, European hauliers have voiced concerns about the challenge of gathering essential data. Metro can assist exporters by preparing data in advance from the export entry, keeping hauliers on the move.

Key details:
• Much of the required information is found on the customs entry.
• Emphasis has shifted to 6-digit commodity codes, and the EU consignee’s EORI number is now required.

Simplifying the complex
While the list of complex abbreviations and requirements continues to grow, don’t worry because our team can break down the jargon and provide clear, actionable guidance to ensure smooth customs compliance.

Client survey: Insight into your compliance needs
Please take a few moments to complete our survey. Your responses will help us understand your needs and provide solutions that enhance your compliance and streamline your processes. Thank you for your feedback!

Metro are at the forefront of customs brokerage solutions, with our automated CuDoS declaration platform and dedicated team of customs experts, reacting swiftly to any changes in the UK and EU’s trading regimes.

To learn more about compliance, CBAM, SSGB, The Windsor Framework or ICS2 – OR to see how we can simplify and automate customs declarations – please EMAIL Andy Fitchett, Brokerage Manager.

Ellerman boxes

Ellerman City Liners expands fleet with sustainable new container ships

Nov 13, 2024 | , , ,

Group member, Ellerman City Liners, a historic and customer-focused shipping line, is enhancing its container vessel fleet with two newly chartered 1,400 TEU ships, designed to meet current and future environmental regulations.

These new-build additions mark a significant step forward in Ellerman’s commitment to providing sustainable and efficient container shipping services, and will bolster the company’s capabilities on key routes across Europe and the United States.

Enhanced service with sustainability in focus
The new vessels, equipped with impressive 45’ intake, offer increased cargo handling efficiency, supporting Ellerman’s objective to deliver reliable shipping solutions with a reduced carbon footprint. Reflecting Ellerman’s proactive approach to sustainability, these vessels not only meet existing environmental standards but are also designed to comply with future regulations, positioning Ellerman at the forefront of eco-friendly shipping.

As part of a joint service with CMA CGM, the first vessel, will connect ports in Northern Europe, including Tilbury and Rotterdam, with destinations in Iberia, such as Cadiz, Setubal, Leixoes, and Ferrol, through weekly sailings. The second vessel, the Elbbridge, will join Ellerman’s United States Express Service (USX), linking the UK and continental Europe with the US East Coast.

Modernising a historic brand
Originally founded by John Reeves Ellerman in 1892, Ellerman City Liners was one of the most recognised names in British Merchant Navy history. With its relaunch in 2021, the company remains committed to its roots while adapting to the modern needs of global logistics.

The addition of these advanced vessels underscores Ellerman’s dedication to sustainable practices, supporting the evolving requirements of the industry and reinforcing its position as a trusted name in ocean freight.

Shared commitment to the environment
Ellerman’s focus on sustainability mirrors Metro’s long-standing commitment to reducing environmental impact. Certified carbon neutral for three years, Metro actively supports the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge and the goal to achieve a net zero carbon economy by 2041.

Through proactive carbon reduction initiatives, offsetting projects, and ISO 14001 accreditation, Metro empowers customers to make positive environmental changes. 

Using tools such as the MVT Eco module, Metro enables customers to measure, monitor, and offset emissions for every shipment. This free tool, which aligns with Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) standards, simplifies Scope 3 reporting and helps clients work towards carbon neutrality in their supply chains.

To request a demo or discuss your sustainability goals, please EMAIL Ian Powell. Together, we can take meaningful steps toward a greener future.

To learn more about our Ellerman solutions, please EMAIL Chief Commercial Officer, Andy Smith.

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Leading Innovation in Logistics and Customer Service

Oct 30, 2024 | ,

Last week’s announcement of BIFA’s freight service award finalists underscores Metro’s dedication to innovation, efficiency, and customer-centred solutions. This year, Metro has been recognised with four award short-listings from two prestigious industry bodies: the British International Freight Association (BIFA) and Logistics UK.

At BIFA’s 2024 Freight Service Awards, Metro is a finalist in both the Air Cargo Services and Specialist Services categories. Metro’s accomplishments have also been acknowledged by Logistics UK, where it is shortlisted for both Air Business and International Logistics Business of the Year. This recognition from industry peers not only highlights Metro’s expertise but also reinforces the value these achievements bring to its customers.

Streamlining Air Cargo and Customs Operations for Greater Efficiency
Metro’s shortlisted entry in BIFA’s Air Cargo Services category stems from its work revolutionising the handling of perishable goods at Birmingham Airport. In partnership with a UK-based fresh produce importer, Metro devised a supply chain solution that addressed environmental, timing, and cost challenges.

Metro innovated a handling process that made direct imports of perishable goods into Birmingham viable, in a move that has not only helped the importer meet its sustainability goals but also provided a faster, more efficient solution for bringing fresh produce to market.

For its Specialist Services entry, Metro focused on the development of its AI-driven customs clearance solution, CuDoS (Customs Documentation Solution). In the wake of Brexit, the complexity of customs processes escalated, with a substantial increase in documentation requirements leading to delays and higher operational costs. CuDoS was designed to alleviate these issues by digitising and automating customs workflows, using AI and machine learning to process large volumes of documents with over 99% accuracy. 

Demonstrating Metro’s Customer Focus
Metro’s achievements are further validated by its shortlist nominations in the prestigious Logistics UK Awards. Competing for Air Business and International Logistics Business of the Year, Metro’s work in the perishable and automotive supply chains was recognised for its impact on service standards, sustainability, and supply chain effectiveness. Logistics UK, representing a broad range of industries, awards companies that demonstrate excellence in meeting the unique needs of clients while pushing the boundaries of logistics.

These awards represent a commitment to delivering value, flexibility, and reliability to customers. As Grant Liddell, Metro’s managing director, explains, “This recognition reflects the dedication of our teams to pushing the boundaries of service quality and innovation. For our customers, these achievements translate to more efficient, tailored, and sustainable solutions that directly support their business goals.”

Metro’s dedication to improving logistics solutions, advancing technology, and upholding customer needs lies at the heart of these awards. With its expertise in managing complex supply chains and streamlining operations, Metro remains a trusted partner, providing flexible solutions that adapt to changing market demands. As Metro continues to pioneer in logistics, customers can expect industry-leading service, bolstered by a company recognised for its excellence.

If you would like to learn more about the solutions highlighted here, please EMAIL Andrew Smith, Metro’s Chief Commercial Officer. 

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