Clothing Export to Europe
Freight Forwarding of Clothing Exports
Read how First European manage the import, export and legal documents involved in the freight forwarding of clothing exports.
PRODUCT CARRIED: Clothing
IMPORT TO: UK
EXPORTING TO: Italy, France, Germany
TRANSPORT USED: Trailer, Tautliner via Ferry
TYPE OF SERVICE: Full load
WHAT IS THE CUSTOMER DOING WITH THE CARGO?
Our client owns a textiles and fabrics manufacturing company and had purchased a large format Stenter Machine based in Prato, Italy. They needed the Stenter Machine to be shipped from the seller in Italy to their manufacturing plant in Blackburn, England within a short period of time.
WHAT IS THE CUSTOMER DOING WITH THE CARGO?
Our client is based in the port of Felixstowe (UK) and initially import clothing consignments from China. Once they have arrived they are cleared through customs at Felixstowe where they are then devanned from the container and re-loaded onto our trucks for export to Europe.
HOW ARE THE GOODS TRANSPORTED?
We collect these goods on Tautliners. This is a standard curtain sided trailer that can be loaded fom both the back or the side which obviously provides great access and makes devanning and loading cargo much easier and quicker.
WHAT DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED AND WHAT PART DO FIRST EUROPEAN TAKE IN THIS?
All transport is carried under a CMR document. This CMR document is created by the driver at the loading point, then our teams loading the truck check and sign once they are satisfied the cargo has been given the driver in a clean, working order and keep a duplicate copy.
This same document is then given to the offloading point (in Europe) to sign and confirm they have received the same goods in clean working order and again keep a copy. The driver hands all the paper work back into the office, who then send to us at First European.
Copies of CMR documents are available upon request
WHAT OTHER CONSIDERATIONS HAVE TO BE MADE?
With all loads carried by First European, security and safety of the cargo is paramount, so we have strict procedures to follow. We have a container reference number to collect the correct goods from the correct container at the quay and the drivers are given strict passwords once loaded, which must be double checked with the delivery point before any goods are handed over.
Once the truck arrives at the delivery destination, we will send a screen shot of the drivers GPS to the customer to show his exact location. The client will then send a representative to collect the load and take to a secure warehouse to unload – here is where the driver must check that the passwords match. Once everything is confirmed and declared safe, we can unload.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE PROGRESS OF THESE SHIPMENTS?
Due to the security restrictions on this particular work and load, we check on the trucks progress at least 3 times per day. We can also track the progress across Europe using our GPS system. There are many other precautions and instructions we provide to drivers such as ensuring they do not park in unsecured parking areas while taking recorded breaks.
WHAT IS THE CUSTOMERS FEEDBACK FROM THE SERVICE BY FIRST EUROPEAN?
We work very closely with our clients and in this particular job, have managed the process for over 3 years.
Our clients know we take extra special care with these loads and we report all our findings back to them. We know this cargo, route and process inside out and through our First European team, we have over 10 years experience on this particular freight forwarding route and within the clothing sector.
Written by: Richard Singleton.
With kind permission of the Client.