Viamaster International Boosts Efficiency with ETSF

Viamaster International, is dedicated to delivering tailored logistics solutions that drive efficiency, reliability, and success for business. With decades of expertise, a robust European network, and a commitment to innovation, Viamaster International has become a trusted name in the logistics and freight forwarding industry. 

Viamaster’s comprehensive freight forwarding services offers a full spectrum of solutions designed to meet the logistics industry unique requirements. From road transport to sea and air. By implementing a Descartes Pentant badge and setting up an External Temporary Storage Facility (ETSF), Viamaster International not only mitigated Brexit’s challenges but also transformed them into opportunities for growth and differentiation. This case highlights the importance of proactive planning and the value of partnering with experienced providers to navigate complex regulatory landscapes effectively. 

“Thanks to Descartes’ innovative solutions and their user-friendly system, we successfully established an ETSF at our site in West Yorkshire. This strategic move was vital especially in the early stages of Brexit, ensuring seamless operations, minimising delays andkeeping our valued clients supply chains moving.” 

Paul Pedley, Managing Director

Viamaster International, a freight forwarder specialising in European road freight, faced significant uncertainty in the wake of Brexit. The evolving Border Operating Model, coupled with the complexities of pre-lodgement and customs clearance, posed a serious risk to their operations. With a client base heavily reliant on efficient automotive logistics, they anticipated major disruptions at the border due to the increased customs workload and the potential for delays.  

Many in the industry were adopting a “wait-and-see” approach,hoping that the issues would resolve themselves over time. However, Viamaster International, both a site operator and agent, recognised that this was not a viable strategy. They madethe proactive decision to establish an External Temporary Storage Facility (ETSF) to streamline their operations, maintain client confidence, and stay competitive in a challenging environment. 

To address these challenges, Viamaster International partnered with Descartes to leverage their expertise and the Descartes Pentant badge. This collaboration was critical in navigating the complexities of setting up an ETSF. End-to-end support, included: 

1. Guidance and Training: The Descartes team provided training on the ETSF setup process, from licensing and permissions to integrating with the Customs Declarations Systems (CDS). In addition, the team was able to demystify technical processes and present them in plain English ensuring a smooth adoption, even for users with limited IT experience. 
   
   
2. Inventory Management Expertise: With the Descartes tools, the client efficiently managed inventory and compliance, incorporating features like fast accounting to optimise operations. These capabilities allowed Viamaster International to offer reliable customs solutions to their customers, creating a new revenue stream. 
   
   
3. Operational Resilience: Despite initial uncertainties, the client maintained seamless freight forwarding services during the Brexit transition. While many competitors faced operational suspensions, Viamaster International continued to serve clients, gaining trust and expanding their customer base.
   
   
4. Compliance and Auditing: The Descartes solutions ensured flawless compliance with customs regulations. Viamaster’s International ETSF processes received glowing reviews Border Force audits, reinforcing their credibility and paving the way for additional certifications, including a customs warehouse authorisation. 
   
   
5. Business Growth: With the ETSF in place, the client captured new business opportunities. For example, they secured a major Polish partner, previously hindered by inadequate customs solutions, and scaled their trailer operations from one per week to three, with further growth expected. The strategic placement of their ETSF in Northern England further enhanced their appeal, offering logistical advantages over competitors based near southern ports.  
   
   

Paul Pedley, Managing Director at Viamaster International explained that ‘’Thanks to Descartes’ innovative solutions and their user-friendly system, we successfully established an ETSF at our site in West Yorkshire’’, this enabled, Viamaster International to handle customs processes efficiently away from the UK border. This strategic move was vital especially in the early stages of Brexit, ensuring seamless operations, minimising delays and keeping our valued clients supply chains moving’’ 

By implementing a Descartes Pentant badge and setting up an External Temporary Storage Facility (ETSF), Viamaster International mitigated the challenges faced with the onset of Brexit and were able to stay one step ahead of their competitors. 

• Allowed Viamaster International to handle customs processes efficiently away from the UK border, mitigating costly delays and ensuring seamless operations.
  
  
• The setting up of the ETSF transformed challenges into opportunities for growth and differentiation for Viamaster International. 
  
  
• The ETSF has become an important inland border facility in the industrial heartland of the North of England, attracting new European partners seeking a reliable customs solution.