Freight times ahead
Navigating the logistical potholes while trying to successfully get a show on the road has never been easy but post-Brexit , and with the impact of the pandemic ongoing , the need to employ an experienced specialist forward freight operator has never been more vital . Access investigates how freight forwarding specialist are preparing for 2022 .
Words : Cameron Roberts
At the start of 2021 , the failure of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement to deliver a deal for international touring was a huge blow for UK artists . Musicians and crew now need to navigate 27 different rules , requirements , and potential costs to tour across the EU .
Compounding this is the continued uncertainty surrounding the touring industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic . While many countries are open for touring , the situation regarding restrictions is very much in flux across the continent . The demand on services from numerous other industries is also creating a worst-case scenario for moving touring event cargo , as staff shortages and increased demand creates bottlenecks at numerous ports and boarders across the EU .
The two prongs impacting freight forwarding are not only creating headaches for operating companies but also the artists and tour promoters as we begin what should be an extremely busy year for the events industry .
The Brexit effect One of the biggest impacts that Brexit has had on freight is the litany of forms and processes that must be completed prior to moving equipment into the EU . This not only adds a time pressure to production companies , but also additional cost as staff must be allocated by forwarding companies to complete additional steps .
Longstanding specialist in freight forwarding for live events and music tours , Rock-it Global has worked on tours by many huge international acts including Queen & Adam Lambert , Roger Waters and Robbie Williams . In January last year , Rockit Cargo and Sound Moves , both subsidiaries of Rock-it Cargo USA , merged their offices and vendor networks to begin marketing their services together under the banner Rock-it Global .
On the impact of Brexit , Rock-it Global managing director Chris Palmer says , “ The key differences are that we now have to clear customs for shipments going in and out of the country . We are having to provide our clients with custom paperwork , for example an ATA Carnet or a commercial invoice . It ’ s adding additional costs , because while we are able to do these additional steps , it does mean we ’ ve had to add more staff and streamline our whole process .”
The ATA Carnet is a document that permits goods to be imported and exported in and out of the EU for up to one year . Often referred to as the “ passport for goods ”, the
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