Simarco Stoke depot approved as bonded facility

Simarco is delighted to confirm that our regional warehouse in Stoke-on-Trent has now been approved as a bonded warehouse, enabling us to extend the range of services we provide.

Our strategically positioned facility already operates under the most stringent foodchain compliance standards, achieving a BRCGS ‘AA’ rating on last audit, which demonstrates the highest levels of quality are provided on site.

Using a bonded facility, importers and exporters can benefit from improved cash flow and supply chain efficiencies. Goods stored in bonded warehouses aren’t liable for customs duties or VAT until they have been moved or shipped from the warehouse.

Our Stoke facility runs numerous direct European import and export services and is intrinsically linked to our global ocean and air freight services through daily trunks. Therefore, we can provide local bonded solutions, for customers in the Midlands and the North, in conjunction with our extensive range of international services.

For more information on how this can benefit you, please do not hesitate to email us via sales@simarco.com

Do you have Cargo Insurance in place?

Even in the modern international logistics era, cargo insurance is a necessity for importers and exporters, and is probably as important now as it ever has been.

Technology, such as CCTV security and tracking systems, has dramatically reduced the likelihood of goods being lost or stolen. However, while the vast majority of shipments move safely and securely, there is always a very small chance that something uncontrollable may occur.

Climate change has brought on sporadic adverse weather conditions which can impact all modes of transport, we have also witnessed fires on cargo ships during the past 2-3 years, and accidents inevitably occur on roads. These are all uncontrollable.

It is important to note that all carriers, hauliers and forwarders are protected by liability limitations in their trading conditions. This means that cargo insurance is the only means of covering you for the full value of your goods in the unlikely event that something is lost, stolen or damaged.

The goods news is that Simarco can provide an All-Risk Cargo Insurance Service at competitive rates for customers moving shipments on our services. The benefits include:

• All risk coverage for physical loss or damage to the client’s goods.
• Expert risk analysis for the client’s individual business.
• Professional handling of claims.
• Fast payment of valid claims.
• Peace of mind for client no matter where their cargo is.

Please be aware, it is a legal requirement to advise us in writing, should you want us to arrange cargo insurance on your behalf.

We would be delighted to discuss our cargo insurance options further, so please do not hesitate to contact your local Simarco customer service representative.

Strikes Planned For Labour Day Weekend in France

Unions in France have called for more strike action this weekend, as the bitter pension dispute continues to cause disruption in the country.

Strikes are planned for this Friday, 28th April, and the Labour Day public holiday on Monday 1st May, with thousands of transport related workers, including rail workers and air traffic controllers, expected to join one or both of the days.

It is not uncommon for Labour Day to be the focus of industrial action in France, and widespread protests appear likely on the holiday itself.

The dispute has continued all of this year, following President Macron pushing through reforms to pensions which include the retirement age rising from 62 to 64.

Importers, exporters and freight forwarders have become accustomed to the regularity of the strikes and to some extent have learned to live with them, or work around them. However, there may be some small delays to cargo moving through France during the next few days.

Should you be concerned about any upcoming urgent shipments, then please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Simarco team.

Simarco Proud Of Marathon Men

Simarco are delighted to confirm that not one, but two of our valued team members completed the London Marathon at the weekend.

The onerous twenty-six mile journey starts at Greenwich, crossing Tower Bridge and taking in Trafalgar Square, before heading up The Mall to Buckingham Palace. Both Steve Wherrett and Chris Langohr of Simarco were there at the end.

Steve Wherrett completed the course with a chip time of 3 hours, 28 minutes and 15 seconds and commented:

“With the kind help of family, friends and colleagues I have managed to raise over £3000 in donations for Farleigh Hospice, a charity very close to my heart.  As expected, the race itself was incredibly tough but enormous fun at the same time. Many of my family and friends were among the hundreds of thousands of supporters that braved the weather to create an unforgettable carnival atmosphere”.

Steve thanked his sponsors and supporters and while still feeling the effects has already entered the ballot to do it all again in 2024. He added:

“My advice to anyone would be to ‘do it’ if you get the chance. Don’t worry about the time, as the longer it takes, the more fun you have and the more incredible people you meet along the way”.

Meanwhile, Chris Langohr completed the marathon in a time of 4 hours 42 mins and 9 seconds, and told us:

“It was definitely one of the best experiences and days of my life. All was going so well until around the eighteenth mile when my legs were constantly cramping, which meant I hobbled over the finish line. The support from the crowds was insane and definitely helped me get to the end”. 

The directors and staff of Simarco are very proud of Steve and Chris.

Simarco plant over nine thousand trees with Ecologi

Last month was the official ‘International Day Of Forests’, which also means its over one year since we started planting trees with Ecologi.

Simarco has been working with Ecologi in building it’s forest since February 2022. The climate based solutions business have made a huge impact, so far planting 60.9 millions trees and avoiding 2.5 million tonnes of CO₂e.

During our 14 months, we are delighted to have made our own positive impact on the world by being responsible for the planting of 9,750 trees and 96 tonnes of carbon reduction.

Simarco are also aligned with Ecologi’s Science Based Targets Initiative who recommend tree planting as one of the climate solutions to remove residual emissions to reach net zero. 

For more information on Ecologi please visit: https://ecologi.com/

Developing the next generation of budding logisticians

Simarco was delighted to be invited to attend a careers fair at Maltings Academy, Witham, Essex, hosted by Priti Patel MP.

This was a great opportunity for us to meet many enthusiastic students from various schools in the area and talk to them about a career in worldwide logistics and supply chain management. 

We are committed to developing the next generation of budding logisticians and continue to do so via our extensive use of apprenticeships and training. Thank you to our hosts for the warm welcome and we look forward to welcoming students to the next event!

If you are interested in working for Simarco, whether you are starting out on your journey or as an experienced colleague, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at recruitment@simarco.com.

Two new upgrades to the Simarco fleet

It has been a busy time for Simarco’s domestic transport division recently, and they were delighted to welcome new upgrades to help cater for an increase in demand.

Two brand new DAF vehicles joined the fleet this month and due to high demand have been put to work immediately by the team.

Simarco are continuing to invest in new vehicles equipped with the latest technology, which enables us to maintain optimum service levels, while also improving health and safety for our drivers, customers, and other road users.

By utilising modern technologically advanced vehicles, we are also improving fuel efficiency and creating less emissions for the environment, which helps us continue to achieve our ongoing sustainability goals.

Northern Ireland trade deal near completion

MP’s voted overwhelmingly in favour of the ‘Stormont Brake’ in the House of Commons yesterday, which is the key component in the UK approving the new Northern Ireland trade deal.

According to the government, this was the only chance that parliament had to reject the Windsor Framework, as there will be no further votes on the new deal. This follows news that the EU also passed the key elements of the deal this week.

We expect the deal, which should reduce a lot of the red tape involved with moving goods to and from Northern Ireland, to be phased in this year.

Simarco are continuing to monitor developments closely, as we provide established daily groupage and FTL (full trailer load) services to Belfast, with 48 hour and next day deliveries.

We also provide a daily import service for groupage and FTL, along with an express next day service.

The main features of our services include:

• Daily Northern Ireland export service
• Express Next day delivery
• 48 Hour delivery
• Accompanied trailers
• TSS completed by Simarco
• Full supplementary declaration on request
• Daily import service – Next day available

Ruby’s First Round of the BMX European Cup

As we confirmed last week, Simarco are sponsoring Ruby Moores who is competing this year in the UEC BMX European Cup, racing in the age 13-14 class.

Rounds one and two have just taken place at the BMX Olympic Arena in Verona, and we would like to share Ruby’s progress.

There were 47 girls in Ruby’s ‘joint’ race category and, as one of the youngest competitors, the weekend was always going to be an uphill challenge. In Saturday’s round one, she missed out on the final by 1 place when finishing in 9th position, although ordinarily that would have seen her finish 2nd in her actual age group.

On Sunday, during round two, Ruby did amazingly well in her qualifying races, beating girls amongst the best in the world to qualify comfortably for the semi finals. Ruby then came third to ensure her final place, before finishing 7th overall in the joint category final – the equivalent of first in her actual age group.

So, a great start to the European Cup ! Ruby now get’s a weekend off before heading to Kent next week for the first event in the National season. 

Simarco sponsor Ruby for European BMX season

Simarco are delighted to be sponsoring Ruby Moores who races BMX bikes competitively throughout Europe and is set for the season’s first event this weekend.

Rounds one and two of the UEC BMX European Cup are due to take place on the 18th and 19th March at the BMX Olympic Arena in Verona. Ruby will be racing in the age 13-14 class.

The European Cup competition continues throughout the summer, with 10 Rounds held in the five locations of Italy, Belgium, Latvia, Czech Republic and Norway. This is followed by the Final Rounds, which are to be held in Portugal on 2nd and 3rd September.

The team at Simarco will be following Ruby’s progress very closely and wish her every success for the weekend and the rest of the season.