IPORT RAIL BECOMES UK’S FIRST STRATEGIC RAIL FREIGHT INTERCHANGE

Published 28 June 2021 at 3:49pm

More great news for South Yorkshire as iPort Rail in Doncaster has become the UK’s first Strategic Rail Freight Interchange to be given government approval for an on-site customs area.  This means that businesses can now clear customs in South Yorkshire and move goods through the Channel Tunnel by rail in both directions and avoid UK road congestion and seaport disruption.  This will have huge benefits for UK importers and exporters to the EU and other international markets.

For iPort Rail customers, this means:

• Local customs clearance, avoiding the congestion of larger ports
• Viable alternative trading routes between the UK and EU via the Channel Tunnel
• Warehousing and storage for goods until required, with duties payable on release
• Shorter transit times to end destination post-customs helping maintain security for goods
• Support managing trade documentation

Steve Freeman, Managing Director, iPort Rail, said: “Each train can take more than 70 HGVs off the road and it’s especially efficient for long distance journeys as well as being greener.

“Being able to clear customs in Doncaster should be a greater incentive for businesses to consider Channel Tunnel rail services for getting their goods into and out of Europe. As well as reliability and sustainability factors, shorter journey times outside customs controls and the ability to store bonded goods can be an advantage.

“In time we hope to coordinate our services with partners in the new Freeports but until then, our new customs facility can operate independently and is ready to start helping businesses immediately.”

For further information on iPort Rail click here.

ENDS