With Covid and Brexit, the last year hasn’t been great for business. For importers and exporters, supply chain cost reduction has become an essential point of focus, making European freight services, such as groupage and multi-modal freight, increasingly popular. But if your company frequently sends goods from A to B to C, cross-trade shipping could present the most cost-effective solution.
So, what do you need to know?
A Simple Guide to European Cross-Trade Shipping From the UK
What is cross-trade shipping?
Cross-trade shipping is essentially the transporting of goods between two locations in which you do not have a base. So, if you are a British business manufacturing goods in Spain and selling them to recipients in Germany, a cross-trade transaction allows for direct shipment to your buyers without the need of carrying your goods ‘home’ before sending them on.
What are the benefits of cross-trade shipping?
Cross-trade shipping can carry a wide range of advantages.
- Lower costs. By streamlining your supply chain – cutting out the UK completely – you can significantly reduce your costs. Not just removing additional freight fees, but associated taxes and duties too.
- Faster supply. Regardless of where you’re shipping from and to, if you are moving goods straight between A and C, cutting out B, your transit time will be reduced. Improving your service and reducing your overheads.
- Cross-trade shipping prevents the unnecessary movement of goods, superfluous logistics planning, needless expense, and wasted time. In short, it has the potential to make your business more efficient.
Are there any barriers to cross-trade shipping?
Although some cross-trade shipping can involve complex scheduling, it is no more complicated to arrange than any other form of European freight. Especially if you work with an established freight forwarder, like Plexus Freight. You need to be aware of the relevant trade agreements – are your destinations covered by a free trade agreement? If not, what is the trade situation? You need to make sure that your paperwork is correct and intact. And you need to ensure that you have made adequate provision for any duties and taxes. But that is the case in every form of freight movement. And your freight forwarder will be able to help you navigate these issues.
How can I begin sending my goods via cross-trade shipping?
At Plexus Freight, we provide cross-trade delivery to all parts of Europe. To get started, simply visit our fast quote page, enter your details and we’ll do the rest.
Cross-trade shipping is a faster, more cost-effective way of moving goods between third party destinations, without routing through a business’ home base. If you’re looking to reduce your supply chain costs, cross-trade can be a good place to start.
For more information, contact Plexus Freight today.
