EN
The Client
Our client is a global manufacturer and distributor of Italian sparkling wine, supplying draught and bottled Prosecco to retailers and restaurants, pubs, and bars in mainland Europe, Asia, North America and the Caribbean.
With a solid reputation for delivering premium goods, our client contacted Speedy Freight’s freight forwarding team to help them navigate the import of their product into the UK.
The Consignment
Speedy Freight was tasked with facilitating the transportation of our client’s kegged and bottled sparkling wine with alcohol content varying between 8% and 11% ABV from the EU into the UK using articulated lorries. The intricacy of this shipment lay not only in its contents but also in the nuances of the importation process.
The Challenges
Speedy Freight's successful navigation of alcohol import logistics set us apart from other courier companies who struggled with the intricacies of this specialist process and wouldn’t take on the job.
This job brought forth some unique challenges that we welcomed and confidently navigated:
ARC Requirement: An ARC is required when importing alcohol directly into a bonded warehouse. This process, where duties are deferred until the customer retrieves the goods, hinges on an ARC referencing number linking the warehouse to duty payments. Unlike some courier companies, we understood that ARC documents couldn't be issued retrospectively. Therefore, timely ARC creation was vital to avoid duty payment obligations.
Tight Timetable: We faced a demanding schedule to complete the import process and secure the ARC promptly. Failure to do so before UK clearance would result in unexpected duty payments. Our team diligently collected all necessary information related to the goods and additional warehouse requirements. This was done before the cargo was loaded onto the ferry for departure, demonstrating our ability to manage time-sensitive logistics efficiently.
Communication with UK Agents: To navigate the intricacies of alcohol importation successfully, Speedy Freight prioritised effective collaboration with UK agents. Understanding and obtaining the required import and ARC documents were essential. We reached out to multiple agents, ultimately partnering with one who possessed prior experience working with the same client. This proactive approach ensured smooth operations.
Operational Continuity: Our commitment to maintaining seamless operations from ARC acquisition to product delivery in our client's bonded warehouse demonstrated our dedication to upholding their supply chain integrity. Meeting stringent timelines was paramount, and we successfully adhered to our client's schedule.
The Conclusion
Despite the challenges, Speedy Freight adeptly navigated the complexities of alcohol importation for our client. Our ability to handle the challenges of alcohol import logistics, where others faltered, exemplifies our expertise in this specialised field.
Through meticulous research, collaboration with experienced UK agents, and successful timeline management, we secured the essential documentation and ensured ARC creation before the goods arrived in the UK, which led to complete client satisfaction.
We ensured the process was executed flawlessly, leading us to complete three additional successful runs for our client, cementing our reputation as their go-to courier company for complex logistics scenarios.
Have a Logistics Challenge for Us?
This case study underscores Speedy Freight's commitment to not only meeting our client's needs but also welcoming logistics challenges that other companies don’t want to undertake.
Do you have a logistics challenge for us? Our team is always keen to take on new challenges and will go the extra mile in solving your logistical issues. No matter what you need moving, we can handle it.
Contact our import team here or fill out our consultation form for any and all requests including same day delivery.
