NEWS & ARTICLES

CHIEF to CDS Migration – Are You Ready For The Move?
In 2021, HMRC announced after nearly 30 years, the closure of its Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system by 31st March 2023, as it was felt that the system was no longer fit for purpose.

Ellerman Add Hong Kong West Bound Route To Their Ever Growing List Of Sea Freight Services
Ellerman City Lines are pleased to announce the launch of their Hong Kong West Bound Sea Freight service.

Uniserve’s Market Update for June Now Available
Uniserve’s monthly market snapshot providing international freight, trade and supply chain insights and forecasts for the weeks ahead.

Shanghai Enter Phase 2 of 3 Stage: ‘Return To Work And Production’ Plan
Shanghai have entered the second phase of their three stage plan, which will see work and production resume in China’s largest commercial and industrial city.

Uniserve’s FMDC Infrastructure Project Shortlisted For UKWA Excellence Award
Recognition was given to Uniserve’s FMDC (Felixstowe Mega Distribution Centre) infrastructure project this week,

Gradual Easing Of Lockdown Measures Announced For Shanghai’s Logistics Industry
Shanghai’s government have released new policies for the gradual easing of lockdown for its logistics industry (16th May, 2022).

Uniserve’s Market Update for May Now Available
Uniserve’s monthly market snapshot providing international freight, trade and supply chain insights and forecasts for the weeks ahead.

Civil Unrest Continues As Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis Worsens
Civil unrest continues as Sri Lanka’s economic crisis worsens.

Uniserve’s Market Update for April Now Available
Uniserve’s monthly market snapshot providing international freight, trade and supply chain insights and forecasts for the weeks ahead.

Shanghai’s Lockdown Continues
Global supply chains are facing further disruption as the city of Shanghai extends its lockdown. The city went into a phrased lockdown on 28th March 2022 following a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Shanghai enters staggered COVID-19 lockdown
Shanghai has been put into a phased lockdown following the outbreak of COVID-19. The eastern half of the city is now in lockdown until April 1st after which the west of Shanghai will be locked down until April 5th.

Industry scrambles to seek P&O alternatives
UK and European supply chains are under increased strain following sacking of 800 staff and suspension services by P&O Ferries.

Uniserve’s Market Update for March Now Available
Uniserve’s monthly market snapshot providing international freight, trade and supply chain insights and forecasts for the weeks ahead.

COVID-19: Shenzhen enters citywide lockdown risking chaos in global supply chain
Immediate, week-long city-wide lockdown in Shenzhen.

Ukraine: Supply Chain Update 11.03.22
Following on from our earlier story, the war in Ukraine continues to place increasing strain on supply chains across the world. Read the latest updates here.

Uniserve Group Suspends All Bookings To/From Russia
In light of the escalating situation in Ukraine, Uniserve Group is with immediate effect introducing a temporary suspension on all cargo bookings to/from Russia – across all its divisions including (but not limited to) UniOcean and UniAir. Where possible this ban will not extend to the delivery of essential / humanitarian supplies such as food and medicines.

Uniserve donates essential items to Ukraine
Uniserve colleagues have pulled together to donate much-needed supplies to the families fleeing the conflict, filling half of our Tilbury office in under two days.

Ukraine crisis: supply chain update
While the situation in Ukraine is unfolding rapidly it is clear that the turmoil in the region and the sanctions imposed on Russia are likely to have a considerable impact on global supply chains.

Uniserve renews BTCC relationship with ROKiT MB Motorsport
Uniserve are delighted to announce our continued partnership with ROKiT MB Motorsport into the 2022 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship. Following a string of successful races during the 2021 BTCC season and great customer engagement, renewing the partnership was a natural progression of a great business relationship.

Uniserve’s Market Update for January/February Now Available
Uniserve’s monthly market snapshot providing international freight, trade and supply chain insights and forecasts for the weeks ahead.

Chinese New Year 2022 – Your Services May Be Disrupted
As the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations will commence on Monday 31st January, there will be a number of service alterations. In addition, our City Global Administration (CGA) offices will be closed from Monday 31st January to Friday 4th February, returning to normal hours on Monday 7th February.

Uniserve donates unused Christmas food to local homeless charity
As with many businesses, the emergence of the new Omicron variant in December led to the team at our Felixstowe Mega Distribution Centre cancelling their Christmas party. Rather than lose the deposit, we donated the meals to a good cause in the local community.

Introducing JMC – UniEurope’s new Irish partner
UniEurope are delighted to announce a new partnership for our Irish operation. From January 2022, JMC will be our key strategic partner for services to Ireland.

Uniserve’s Market Update for December 2021 Now Available
Uniserve’s monthly market snapshot providing international freight, trade and supply chain insights and forecasts for the weeks ahead.

Uniserve tops logistics provider charts
Uniserve has taken top spot in Logistics Manager’s Top 50 Logistics Service Providers 2021, beating ecommerce giant Amazon into second place as the fastest growing company in the industry.

EU to UK Exports: REX Numbers will be needed from 1st January 2022
From 1st January 2022, certain exporters from the EU will need to be REX registered. This will bring to an end the easements that were put in place during the Brexit transition period. Find out what’s changing from 1st January 2022.
EU Imports: Make sure your business is ready for GVMS
The Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) – a new UK Government Customs system – will come into force next year, affecting imports from the EU.
This will bring to an end the easements that were put in place during the Brexit transition period. Find out what’s changing from 1st January 2022.

Hong Kong Flights Cancelled as 130 Pilots are Quarantined
Following previously-reported Covid disruption in Hong Kong, Uniserve has now been notified that 130 Cathay Pacific cargo pilots are to be quarantined for 21 days. Carrie Lam, the city’s Chief Executive, made the announcement this morning, after three pilots tested positive…

Uniserve scoops Supply Chain Excellence Award
Uniserve has won the coveted Public Sector Supply Chain Excellence Award 2021 at this years’ Supply Chain Excellence Awards.

Uniserve’s Market Update for November 2021 Now Available
Uniserve’s monthly market snapshot providing international freight, trade and supply chain insights and forecasts for the weeks ahead.

Hong Kong air freight facing further Covid disruption
It is being reported that the disruptions at Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) due to Covid-related staff shortages may have wider implications and cause further issues at the Far East air hub.

New Typhoon Could Shut Hong Kong This Week
Reports are coming in that Hong Kong may be set to endure another tropical cyclone this week, possibly as early as tomorrow (Tuesday 12th October). Typhoon Kompasu is set to pass within 800km of the region…

Port of Felixstowe restricting empty restitutions
Port of Felixstowe has been forced to close its gates to empty containers from a number of major shipping lines as increased container dwell times and related congestion begins to threaten port efficiency.

Uniserve’s Market Update for October 2021 Now Available
Uniserve’s monthly market snapshot providing international freight, trade and supply chain insights and forecasts for the weeks ahead.

Chinese Electricity Rationing Hits Factory Production
Operations at China’s two largest ports – Shanghai and Ningbo – have been disrupted due to Typhoon Chanthu, with the cyclone predicted to stay around for the next two-three days.

Uniserve’s Market Update for September 2021 Now Available
Uniserve’s monthly market snapshot providing international freight, trade and supply chain insights and forecasts for the weeks ahead.

Typhoon closes terminals at Shanghai and Ningbo ports
Operations at China’s two largest ports – Shanghai and Ningbo – have been disrupted due to Typhoon Chanthu, with the cyclone predicted to stay around for the next two-three days.

Porttalk Feature: Felixstowe Mega DC is Ready for Business
As part of our ongoing promotion of the new Felixstowe Mega DC, we’re pleased to be featured on Porttalk. The article announces that the FMDC is now ready for business, with all the key points about our game-changing, port-centric warehousing facility.

UniAir Nominated at the Multimodal Awards 2021
We’re delighted to announce that Uniserve’s Air Freight division has been nominated as Air Cargo Operator of the Year at the 2021 Multimodal Awards.
If you have a moment, please consider voting for us.

Uniserve’s Market Update for August 2021 Now Available
Uniserve’s monthly market snapshot providing international freight, trade and supply chain insights and forecasts for the weeks ahead.

Ningbo terminal shut due to Covid-19 outbreak
Uniserve are receiving reports that Ningbo’s Meishan Container Terminal is closed following the detection of a single case of Covid-19 among the port’s workforce.
The closure began on Wednesday 11th August, and could lead to call delays at Ningbo…

China tightens restrictions due to Delta variant
The Delta variant of Covid-19 has started to appear in several regions of China, with a small number of cases arising in eastern parts of the country – including the cities of Nanjing, Hangzhou and Shanghai.

Port-centric FMDC feature in Retail Week
As part of our ongoing promotion of the new Felixstowe Mega DC we’re excited to reveal that an article by Warehouse & Transport Director David Barry is now running in Retail Week’s prestigious online feature “Christmas in July”.

Floods in Zhengzhou cause significant freight delays
The city of Zhengzhou – a major air and rail freight hub – has experienced record flooding since the weekend, with more heavy rain expected in the coming days.

Uniserve’s Market Update for July 2021 Now Available
Uniserve’s monthly market snapshot providing international freight, trade and supply chain insights and forecasts for the weeks ahead.

UPDATE: Ever Given to leave Suez Canal
The now notorious Ever Given looks like it will finally continue its journey to Rotterdam on Wednesday, as the owners and Suez Canal Authority strike a compensation deal.

Bangladesh Goes Back Into Lockdown
The Bangladeshi government has imposed a strict seven-day lockdown which started on 1st July at 06:00. This is to help curb the spread of Covid-19 following a recent rise in infections. While certain sectors have been forced to close, all ports and related offices are exempt.

WATCH: FMDC’s eFulfilment zone supports online shopping surge
WATCH: With ecommerce surging globally, take a tour around the FMDC’s 200,000 sq ft eFulfilment zone – four mezzanine floors of bespoke, automated and integrated solutions.

End in sight for Ever Given saga
The saga surrounding the Ever Given may finally be entering its final chapter as the ship owner and the Suez Canal Authority reach an agreement in principle in respect of the SCA’s compensation claims.

WATCH: FMDC Warehouse Team Pass First VNA Abseiling Course
In preparation for the opening of our new Felixstowe Mega Distribution Centre, Uniserve’s very own MHE instructors Steve Surridge and Barry Squelch have been busy providing high risk abseiling training to our three new warehouse operatives – Inga Bruzaite (pictured), Eduards Gordejevs and Antanas Notkus.

CCP 100th Anniversary Impacts Air Freight
Uniserve is advising its customers that celebrations in China commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party will result in temporary restrictions on and delays in air cargo services.

UPDATE: Port of Yantian expected to fully reopen on 24th June
Following efforts to control the earlier Covid-19 outbreak at Yantian International Container Terminal (YICT), we are now receiving reports that disruption is beginning to ease. It is expected that the Port of Yantian will resume full operation on 24th June.

Uniserve’s Market Update for June 2021 Now Available
Uniserve’s monthly market snapshot providing international freight, trade and supply chain insights and forecasts for the weeks ahead.

Uniserve’s Ocean 2021 Asia North Europe Schedule Launched
The 2021 instalment of the UniOcean Lines Service Directory has just been released, which includes all major inbound and outbound loops and services operating in the trade. It is the most comprehensive schedule available on the market.

UPDATE: Yantian Port delays increase to two weeks
Latest reports from China suggest that the existing backlog at the Port of Yantian is growing, with delays now expected to last two weeks or more.
Ongoing labour shortages due to the recent Covid-19 outbreak and a reduction in port performance at YICT…

Collision and crane collapse at Port of Kaohsiung
A container ship collision at the Taiwanese port of Kaohsiung has caused the collapse of two quayside cranes, with one dock worker suffering minor injuries and two others temporarily trapped.

Yantian Covid closure creating major box backlog and ocean omissions
Reports coming in from China demonstrate the scale of disruption caused by the restriction of services and temporary closure of Chinese port Yantian International Container Terminal (YICT). Following a Covid-19 outbreak in the area that included some port personnel,...

OCEAN FREIGHT ALERT: Port of Yantian restricts services after Covid outbreak
The Chinese Port of Yantian has imposed restrictions on its services as it seeks to tackle a Covid-19 outbreak.

AstraZeneca Supply Chain Apprenticeships under the Microscope
AstraZeneca Supply Chain Apprenticeships Under the Microscope

Environmental consultancy Comply Direct celebrate business growth, staff progression and appoint new managing director
It is an exciting time of change for environmental consultancy and compliance scheme Comply Direct, based in Skipton North Yorkshire, as they welcome a new managing director from within their existing team, and implement a staff re-structure as the business grows and...

Market Update May 2021
It has been another turbulent month in the world of international trade. This snapshot provides insight and forecasts for the air, land and ocean freight markets.

The Man Behind Comply Direct
It is an exciting time of change for environmental consultancy and compliance scheme Comply Direct, based in Skipton North Yorkshire, as they welcome a new managing director from within their existing team, and implement a staff re-structure as the business grows and...

COVID-19: PPE flight no. 972
Charter flight no.968 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

WATCH: Team Uniserve – MB Motorsport powers around Silverstone
Watch Team Uniserve – MB Motorsport power around the iconic Silverstone track at the British Touring Car Championship media day.

COVID-19: PPE flight no. 968
Charter flight no.968 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

COVID-19: PPE flight no. 951
Charter flight no.951 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

COVID-19: PPE flight no. 935
Today, our charter flight no.935 lands, carrying vital PPE & essential equipment for our heroes at the front line. Our personal mission continues. Together we will #BeatTheVirus. If you have any emergency logistics requirements and you need a solution, please do...

Uniserve joins MB Partner’s Official Partner Programme
Uniserve has joined MB Partner’s Official Partner Programme

COVID-19: PPE flight no.920
Charter flight no.920 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

Uniserve unveils partnership with MB Motorsport
Uniserve has announced its new partnership with MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square for the British Touring Car Championship 2021.

Market Update April 2021
Uniserve’s monthly market snapshot providing international freight, trade and supply chain insights and forecasts for the weeks ahead.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.903
Charter flight no.903 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

Uniserve creates Suez disruption schedule
In order to help our customers, Uniserve has created a schedule of container vessels whose transits have been impacted by delays through the Suez Canal.

WATCH: Salvage success as Ever Given finally freed from Suez Canal
Watch as the Ever Given is finally freed from the banks of the Suez Canal where it has been wedged for almost a week.

Government boost for Supply Chain Apprenticeships
New government incentives help businesses invest in the skills they need to recover and grow.

Cautious optimism as Ever Given partially refloated
The stranded boxship Ever Given has been partially refloated, with its stern now clear of the banks of the Suez Canal.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.892
Charter flight no.892 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

Supply chains under strain as Suez solution ‘days or weeks’ away
With the Ever Given blocking the Suez Canal potentially for weeks, global supply chains will be under severe pressure to adapt. Uniserve’s complete supply chain solutions on air, land or sea could help offset the gloom.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.878
Charter flight no.878 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.858
Charter flight no.858 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.841
Charter flight no.841 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

The Felixstowe Mega DC: redefining port-centric logistics
This video shows exactly how port-centric the FMDC really is and why this will deliver outstanding value into our customers’ supply chains.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.816
Charter flight no.816 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

Watch the Felixstowe Mega DC take shape
Uniserve is set to open a giant 750,000 sq ft ambient and freezer distribution centre less than a quarter of a mile from Port of Felixstowe.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.780
Charter flight no.780 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

Uniserve set to open game changing Felixstowe warehouse
Uniserve is set to open a giant 750,000 sq ft ambient and freezer distribution centre less than a quarter of a mile from Port of Felixstowe.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.758
Charter flight no.758 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.739
Charter flight no.739 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.716
Charter flight no.716 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.705
Charter flight no.705 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.689
Charter flight no.689 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.681
Charter flight no.681 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

Get yourself EORI registered
National & International logistical solutions for the careful movement of beer, wine & spirits.

Prepare your Customs Documentation
National & International logistical solutions for the careful movement of beer, wine & spirits.

Renegotiate your terms of sale
National & International logistical solutions for the careful movement of beer, wine & spirits.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.675
Charter flight no.675 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.

COVID-19: PPE flight no.665
Charter flight no.665 lands today as our personal mission to get vital equipment and PPE to our frontline staff continues.