Polish Gateway for British E-commerce
The shipping of goods from the UK to the EU is taking longer and costing more since Brexit, highlighting ongoing challenges in cross-border logistics.
The logistics landscape for shipping goods from the UK to the EU has notably changed post-Brexit, with average delivery times increasing by 2-4 days and service costs rising by 30-50% compared to pre-2021 levels. This has been confirmed by Arkadiusz Filipowski, CEO of Fulfilio, who highlights the additional delays and expenses created by customs checks, VAT regulations, and border controls that continue to affect the efficiency of cross-border shipping services. Despite these hurdles, there is a strong double-digit growth in the number of cross-border shipments, indicating that businesses are adjusting to the new realities of international trade.
Furthermore, Mirek Gral, Vice President of Last Mile Experts, points out that the courier, express, and parcel (KEP) industry has not completely resolved all the challenges that emerged following Brexit. Delays from customs and border services persist, yet the integration of automation in administrative processes, such as the implementation of EORI and PUESC systems, along with support from artificial intelligence (AI), is helping to streamline operations and reduce costs. This adaptation appears crucial as more companies reconsider their logistics strategies, opting for more efficient models rather than solely relying on UK based shipments or expensive logistics hubs.
Filipowski's insights reveal a significant trend where businesses are reevaluating their approach to supply chain management in light of new regulations and costs stemming from Brexit. The emphasis on automation and advanced technologies suggests a future where logistical operations can potentially become more cost-effective and responsive to market changes, shaping the evolution of cross-border e-commerce between the UK and the EU.