December brings festive cheer—and the logistical rush to meet holiday deadlines! At Viamaster International, we understand the pressure businesses face to ensure goods arrive on time during the busiest season of the year. Thanks to our specialist customs team and decades of expertise, we’ve helped countless businesses avoid delays and keep their operations running smoothly. Here’s how we do it:

1. Staying ahead with seasonal operating schedules

The festive period often brings changes to operating hours across supply chains, from warehouses to customs offices. At Viamaster International, we:

• Keep our customers updated well in advance of any changes
• Proactively communicate holiday deadlines for bookings, shipments, and customs clearance.

2. Prompt communication with importers

Timing is everything in logistics. That’s why we prioritise contacting importers as soon as goods leave the EU—if not earlier. This early communication allows for smooth customs processing and avoids unnecessary waiting times.

“At Viamaster, we combine expert logistics solutions with tailored customer care to ensure your goods reach their destination without disruption. Whether it’s proactive customs handling, secure storage at our ETSF facility, or seamless coordination with importers and exporters, we’re here to support you every step of the way.”

3. Ensuring authorisations are in place

Delays at the border can be costly, especially during the festive season. Our team works closely with customers to ensure all necessary authorisations are in place before goods arrive at the EU-UK border.

4. Leveraging our specialist in-house Customs Team

At the heart of our success is our dedicated in-house customs team. Unlike many logistics providers who rely on third parties, we handle customs clearance in-house, allowing us to:

• Offer quick and accurate advice on customs requirements
• Respond immediately to any issues that arise
• Provide tailored support for complex shipments.

5. Added flexibility with Our ETSF Inland Border Facility

During peak logistics periods like Christmas, trailers often carry consolidated shipments from multiple businesses. While this is efficient, it can create complications if there’s an issue with one party’s goods, such as incomplete customs documentation or incorrect declarations. When this happens, the entire trailer can be delayed at the border.

At Viamaster International, we prevent this from becoming a bottleneck by bringing the entire truckload to our ETSF (External Temporary Storage Facility). Here’s how it helps:

• Addressing issues away from the border: Instead of holding up the trailer at the EU-UK border, we reroute the load to our ETSF. This allows customs processes to continue without disrupting the flow of other freight.
• Minimising delays: Our facility provides a secure, controlled environment where customs issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently, ensuring delays are kept to a minimum.
• Specialist support: With our in-house customs team on-site, we can address the issue promptly, ensuring the affected shipment can be securely held, and the rest of the trailer’s goods can continue their journey without further disruption.

With our ETSF inland border facility, Viamaster International offers a seamless and secure backup plan for your logistics this festive season.

Need help navigating the complexities of holiday logistics? Contact Viamaster International today and keep your supply chain running smoothly this Christmas!