Hauliers transporting goods to and from the UK can look forward to fast and seamless post-Brexit border controls with BEEMS, a new purpose-built online tool unveiled this week by smart logistics provider CNS (Community Network Services).
The Border Entry and Exit Movement Service (BEEMS) provides a digital fastrack for freight using the customs pre-lodgement process, connecting transport offices and ferry operators with drivers to streamline the flow of goods. It also acts as a direct interface with the British Government’s Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) to keep drivers up to date during crossings thereby minimising any delays at ports in the post-Brexit world.
From next year a Goods Movement Record (GMR), generated by GVMS, will be required for every vehicle carrying a commercial payload entering the UK on pre-lodgement routes – from 1st January for movements from Britain to Northern Ireland and all pre-lodgement routes into and out of the UK from 1st July 2021. The launch of BEEMS introduces an easy-to-use interface for hauliers to create their GMR prior to each trip, which also communicates directly with the driver and haulier every step of the way.
The innovative time-saving product will initially be available for all customers using the Northern Ireland routes from the 1st January deadline and will be available for use by all users of the English Channel routes before 1st July when full UK border controls will be mandated. It is the first of several digital solutions CNS is developing to help hauliers, their drivers and supply chain partners with the added complexities brought about by Brexit.
To help keep freight moving the UK’s leading ferry operator, P&O Ferries, will be mandating the use of BEEMS on its Cairnryan – Larne route from January.
Matthew Bradley, Managing Director of CNS, said: “New post-Brexit regulations may appear daunting but BEEMS makes the process faster and simpler, helping hauliers and their drivers feel in complete control. With digitally delivered communication ensuring no time is wasted on any journey, a new and successful era of smart trade can be delivered more efficiently.”
Henrik Pedersen, Freight Sales Director at P&O Ferries, added: “We are excited to be the first operator to offer this innovative new digital solution, which will put our customers in the driving seat. They will have to deal with a lot of new customs requirements after Brexit, making it essential that we work together to ensure trade keeps flowing for the thousands of businesses and millions of consumers who rely on our services.”
The product is offered with added value features. The core BEEMS product is priced at just £1 per GMR movement and ensures drivers will receive SMS alerts updating them on whether they are cleared for onward travel or being directed to customs for further inspection upon UK arrival.
Users can also upgrade to create their GMR movement through BEEMS, which interfaces directly with the Government GVMS system. The new tool also allows users to notify third parties – such as the cargo owner – about the status of the goods movements, providing yet more visibility for partners in the supply chain.
P&O Ferries customers will only be asked to pay £1 per movement on pre-lodgement routes for access to CNS BEEMS. The additional features will be free for the first three months, helping P&O Ferries customers embrace the new Brexit requirements.
CNS has over three decades of experience in designing and operating Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems that facilitate trade moving through the UK’s frontiers. Its range of innovations offer highly efficient yet easy-to-use IT control systems to manage evolving import and export processes, proudly serving Britain’s biggest ports, airports and inland facilities.
