Logistics solutions for agricultural machinery giant during Harvest 2024
The Client
Our long-standing client is a Global Agricultural Vehicle and Machinery Manufacturer. A world leader in tractor, combine, and agricultural machinery manufacturing with sites in the UK, Europe, and across the globe. They provide logistics support to dealers and customers with after-sales, warranty and urgent part delivery.
Harvest is an intense and complex time for farmers and their suppliers. The phrase “making hay while the sun shines” is not just an old saying but a daily reality for the farming community.
Our client offers their customers and dealers 24-hour, 7-day-a-week support during harvest so that any parts for vehicles or equipment can be obtained as quickly as possible. This reduces downtime and allows vehicles to be returned quickly to the field.
The Challenges
- Post-Brexit customs clearance is required into the UK and out of Europe. During harvest, this needs to be 7 days a week so that parts move freely and quickly between the clients’ warehouses and on to delivery.
- Our Client was looking for a complete solution: For us to manage the vehicles, customs clearance and any onward deliveries required on demand.
- To allow their dealerships the best opportunity to request parts, late collection times are required in Europe as there is a 1 hour time difference between them and the UK.
- The parts vary in size greatly — from small washers to 6-meter combine blades — so we have to be ready for anything including last-minute requests.
- The export paperwork is not available until the vehicle is loaded, as requests are being fulfilled right up to departure.
- The vehicle has to depart promptly to allow early delivery of the goods in the UK and Europe.
The Solution
Setting up customs clearance procedures with our customs agents in the UK and Europe. Tax implications were discussed, and power of attorney was set up to allow our agents to act seamlessly with our customers.
Working directly with the customs agents to process the clearance: 7 days a week, including export and import paperwork. Throughout harvest, we sometimes obtain customs clearance at 7pm to 9pm over the weekend.
Sending the clearance documents directly to the transport and track through to our warehouse. Establish parameters with our client’s customer service team to speed up and standardise delivery of urgent parts. Work and invest with our own fleet of vehicles to provide a high-quality delivery service, plus our national network of partners.
Establishing links with lead dealerships so that they can call us directly.
The Conclusion
From a standing start, we quickly established a working practice and service. Whilst it was quite stressful to start with, we are now confident in what we can provide and have excellent links with our customers and our customs agents.
Our customer regularly feeds back that we help in the most difficult of scenarios, which our team enjoy supporting:
Outstanding professional service and commitment to get the job done
We know we can rely on Worldwide Express for all our time-critical deliveries. WWE handle our UK and International urgent deliveries during our busy harvest period, ensuring our dealers receive their parts as quickly as physically possible. Friendly service and easy to do business with – would highly recommend.
Senior Shipping Co-ordinator – Agricultural sector
If you would like information on our Agricultural Sector support, please contact us.