A special shipment of essential medical supplies from Poland has arrived in the UK by truck, promoting the TIR system to firms who continue to struggle with Brexit paperwork, delays and a shortage of customs brokers and transit guarantees.
TIR, combining a customs declaration and guarantee in one secure document (the TIR carnet), has continuously operated in the UK, Europe and beyond for more than 70 years. With a sense of “back to the future”, transport operators are now returning to the TIR system to smooth transports across the new customs border.
IRU member the Polish Association of International Road Transporters (ZMPD) and transport operator Sachs Trans organised the shipment of high-value goods in a special promotional vehicle showcasing the benefits of the system.
Driver Mirosław left Racibórz, Poland, in his truck carrying a sealed load of medical supplies, with a TIR carnet in the cabin and a blue TIR plate on the back of the trailer. He arrived in Ashford, UK, after speeding through customs.
“TIR works across borders all over the world and can make a real difference to companies struggling with the new EU/UK customs border,” said IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto.
“Amidst the pandemic, and its economic consequences, it is more important than ever to keep supply chains flowing quickly and efficiently. This special shipment of essential medical supplies to the UK shows once again that TIR works,” he added.
Also supported by IRU member the Road Haulage Association (RHA), this transport was a live demonstration of TIR as a simple, cost-effective and easily accessible way for all transport operators, shippers and freight forwarders to manage the new customs border between the EU and UK.
