SAD swindle for hauliers
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• UK hauliers are being swindled by double-dealing export agents out to make a quick buck from new customs laws, claims the Freight Transport Association.
The FTA warns that some of the agents, who handle export and import paperwork for British firms, are charging more for their services — even though the changes, implemented on 1 January, ought to make them simpler and cheaper. Already six FTA members have complained to the association about extra charges of up to £7.50 per export entry on standard bills of between £15 and 220 from their agents.
FTA customs and international expert Dave Green says that under the Customs 88 regulations less data is required from exporters, and combining the crucial documents into a single declaration should cut costs: "Under these circumstances there are no grounds for imposing increases, and indeed many major clearance agents have indicated they can see no requirement for increased charges."
One haulier who does not wish to be named, has told Commercial Motor that his company will refuse to pay the extra charges to the agents concerned: "This system is supposed to make things simpler and less expensive," he says. "There is no justification for the higher charges."