Author: Paweł Boratyński

Gdańsk-Kowale – this is where our logistics centre operates, supporting the efficient transport of goods from the port of Gdańsk throughout Europe on a daily basis.

With our proximity to sea terminals and excellent road links, we are ready for any logistical challenge.

On site we realise:

• Receipt and transshipment of containers directly from the port of Gdansk.

• Loading and stowing of goods in containers

• Warehousing and inventory management with full process control

• Completion and consolidation of cargo – including our own consolidation transports

• VAS services such as labeling, repacking, tagging and more

• Professional road transport services on the domestic and international market

The whole thing works efficiently thanks to the modern WMS system, which not only allows for full control over warehouse stock, but also integrates with our clients’ systems.

We serve locally, we operate globally.

Znaczenie transportu drogowego w łańcuchu dostaw

What are the most important factors that influence the efficiency of road transport in the context of the organisation of supply chains?The importance of road transport in the supply chain

Rafał Maleta: The most important factors influencing efficiency are, first and foremost, the speed of action, efficient and effective decision-making, the ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, the selection of appropriate subcontractors to perform the service and the monitoring of individual stages of order execution.

How do you optimise your logistics processes to ensure on-time delivery and minimise transport costs?

R.M.: Optimising logistics processes requires the application of several key strategies:

Tracking and supervising deliveries in real time, thanks to monitoring systems or direct contact with drivers. This allows us to control transport fulfilment in real time and to react to any delays or problems that arise suddenly. This minimises the risk of delays by managing vehicles and using route planning software to optimise routes.

Tracking and supervising deliveries in real time, thanks to monitoring systems or direct contact with drivers. This allows us to control transport fulfilment in real time and respond to any delays or problems that arise suddenly. This minimises the risk of delays

– Working with trusted and proven logistics partners who ensure timely, safe transportation and competitive prices. This is crucial to maintaining the quality of the service at the highest level.

– Minimising empty loading spaces. Whenever possible, we make maximum use of the capacity of the means of transport. Through the use of groupage lines, or by offsetting several loads on one car, we can reduce the cost of freight.

What are the biggest challenges of managing road transport in the face of rapidly changing market conditions?

R.M.: Fuel prices are one of the main factors influencing road transport costs. Rising oil prices, significantly affect the costs of the entire supply chain.

Another factor is sudden crises caused by, crises in other areas of transport that force a shift in the supply chain to a more secure solution. We need to be able to flexibly adapt our operations to changing conditions and directions in transport.

Changes in road transport regulations (UiT, EKAER, SENT), including emission standards, driver working time regulations, customs clearance, which force the introduction of new operational solutions and often generate additional costs, are also not insignificant.

We must be ready to adapt to changing regulations, fluctuating demand and increasing environmental requirements. Attention to cost optimisation, constant market monitoring as well as investment in new technologies are the key to successful management in this dynamic environment.

What measures are you taking to improve sustainability in the area of road transport?

R.M.: Optimising loads to maximise the use of vehicle loading space. Through the use of groupage lines, we try to maximise the use of vehicle space. Through better load planning and more efficient load management, we try to minimise the number of trips and the use of cars which ultimately helps to reduce the environmental impact.

How do you deal with unpredictable situations such as delays or changes in transport conditions to minimise their impact on customers?

R.M.: A key element in managing delays or sudden changes during transport is maintaining constant contact with customers. In the event of unpredictable situations, we immediately inform our customers of any changes. This allows customers to better prepare and plan their operations. At the same time, depending on the priority of the delivery, we also take action, the scope of which may include rerouting the transport to another route, changing the order of unloading or transshipment to another mode of transport.

What changes in customer expectations and market trends have the greatest impact on the organisation of road transport?

R.M.: Customers expect transport services tailored to their specific requirements. For some, it is the increased flexibility of services. For others, the need to implement environmental solutions. Others focus on ensuring fast, safe and priority deliveries. All these guidelines are crucial and influence the individual tailoring for transport organisations. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so we analyse the needs of each customer individually and tailor a suitable solution to their requirements.

Questions were answered by Lucyna Chojnacka, ASL customs expert with over 25 years of experience in customs law

What are the key responsibilities of a customs agent in the import and export process?

At the outset, it should be noted that a customs agent is very often confused with a customs officer. A customs officer is a customs and revenue officer, a civil servant working for the National Revenue Administration. A customs agent, on the other hand, represents entrepreneurs before the authorities of the customs and revenue office in matters relating to the circulation of goods and their marketing.

The list of duties of a customs agent is long. Among his/her main tasks we can include:

• completing and verifying the necessary commercial documents required for customs clearance
• advice on commodity classification
• calculation of customs duties, taxes and other charges advice on goods classification
• preparation and submission of import and export customs declarations
• representing clients before customs authorities during controls

What documents and formalities are necessary for customs clearance?

During international trade, it is important to prepare a number of key documents required for customs clearance. Presenting the correct set of documents enables faster customs clearance. The most important documents are:What documents and formalities are necessary for customs clearance?

• authority to carry out customs clearance
• commercial invoice – a document confirming a commercial transaction
• proforma invoice – a document stating the value of goods for customs purposes used in the case of non-commercial shipments, samples
• specification / packing list
• waybill depending on the mode of transport: air, sea, road, rail
• an invoice including transport costs – if based on INCOTERMS conditions
• permits/permits if required for the circulation of restricted or prohibited goods, e.g. food, pharmaceuticals, weapons, plants, etc.
• certificate of origin, CE declarations of conformity, certificates of analysis, health certificates, pallet fumigation certificate, SDS data sheet – if the imported goods require it

How can a customs expert help minimise costs and risks during customs clearance?

How can a customs expert help minimise costs and risks during customs clearance?

• advise on optimising the customs clearance process – thus avoiding delays and associated costs
• choose the right customs procedure – speeding up processes, reducing costs and even generating savings
• thoroughly prepares all required documents, verifies their correctness in accordance with the applicable regulations – thus minimising the risk of error and withholding of goods by the customs authority, which entails additional costs
• oraise legally for import and export sanctions and restrictions (dual-use and sanction goods verifications) – resulting in smooth customs clearance and avoiding additional costs for storing goods in temporary storage
• advise on the correct determination of customs value, anti-dumping duties, embargoes and the correct classification of goods – thus minimising the risk of errors and related penalties
• advise on customs preferences – which will help to reduce or completely eliminate customs duties on certain goods

What are the most common problems in import and export procedures?

In import and export procedures, we can encounter all sorts of problems that can lead to delays, additional costs and even financial penalties. Some of these are:

1. Incomplete or erroneous documentation:
2. Niekompletna lub błędna dokumentacja:
3. no transport documents
4. incorrect data on the value of the goods or the quantity
5. discrepancies between different documents (e.g. invoice and packing list or waybill)
6. no translation of what is being imported

• Incorrect merchandise classification – the use of an incorrect tariff code can result in overpayment of customs duties, penalties for underpayment and control by customs and revenue authorities.

• Mislabelling of goods, which can result in goods being detained by customs and not being released. Depending on the problem, there are several solutions to implement a corrective procedure.

• Delay in the delivery of documents or goods resulting in additional costs and problems with customs clearance.

• Incomplete delivery – discrepancy in quantity or type of goods between the actual condition and the documentation.

What are the key differences in customs procedures in different countries?

Familiarising oneself with the variety of regulations and customs procedures between different countries allows for efficient planning of trade activities and optimisation of the trader’s costs. This diversity of customs procedures concerns several aspects:

• customs rates – within the European Union the same customs rates apply while other countries have their own customs rate systems

• Customs procedures – each country has its own specific procedures, which vary according to the type of goods, their value or country of origin. Different rules apply for customs declarations, documentation and deadlines for the submission of documents. For example, the EU applies a common customs policy for all member states.

• Customs procedures – each country has its own specific procedures, which vary according to the type of goods, their value or country of origin. Different rules apply for customs declarations, documentation and deadlines for the submission of documents. For example, the EU applies a common customs policy for all member states.

• Phytosanitary, sanitary controls – some countries such as China and Australia apply strict sanitary and phytosanitary controls to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases

• Internal market protection policies – some countries apply higher tariffs on imported products to protect their own economies and local producers. An example is the policy in the US relating to certain steel or textile products

• restrictions and import bans – various countries introduce them for safety, public health or environmental reasons

• Customs controls – can vary from country to country. Some countries may have more detailed controls, while others may use simplified procedures.

How does customs clearance affect the fluidity of the supply chain?

In the system of logistics processes, customs clearance is a key element necessary for the smooth flow of goods across the border. The main aspects are:

• delays in deliveries that are caused by customs clearance. Customs procedures lengthen the delivery time of goods, which is why it is important to make use of professional customs support, which will have a significant impact on the timeliness of deliveries

• .customs documentation management – proper preparation and management of documents is key to ensuring the smoothness of customs processes. Every irregularity in documentation requires time to be clarified and corrected, which slows down the entire customs clearance process.

• customs control – in order to ensure the compliance of the customs declaration with customs legislation, the customs authority verifies the correctness and completeness of the information given in the customs declaration. It is also possible to control the goods with a so-called customs revision. This control extends the time for the completion of customs clearance. Using a professional customs agency with AEO status, among other things, reduces the number of customs controls, speeds up their execution and consignments selected for examination by customs authorities are treated as a priority.

• Liquidity – its loss is associated with the inability to pay current obligations and disruption of the continuity of supply. Selection of an appropriate customs procedure, e.g. fiscal, deferred VAT, 4200 procedure – allow not to pay VAT or postpone its payment.

Working with an experienced customs agency with AEO status that offers comprehensive customs handling, warehousing, transshipment, logistics and international transportation can significantly help optimize customs and tax costs, minimize the number of middlemen which will streamline the entire customs clearance process and make it easier to maintain liquidity in the supply chain.

The end of the year is a time for reflection, gratitude and plans for the future. In this spirit, we would like to thank you – our clients, partners and the entire ASL team – for another year full of shared challenges and successes!

Every day, in different locations, we show that logistics is about more than just delivering goods – it’s about building bridges between people, cultures and businesses. This year, we are uniting under the glow of Christmas trees in our branches, which symbolise our global cooperation and shared values.

We look to the future with optimism, ready for the challenges and opportunities that 2025 will bring. Together, we are creating the logistical excellence that drives us to continue to grow and deliver the best solutions.

Thank you for this special year and we wish you a peaceful, joyful Christmas and a New Year full of success and new opportunities!

10 years of innovation in logistics – CrossTrades OBL meeting in Kuala Lumpur

We recently had the pleasure of attending the 10th anniversary meeting of CrossTrades OBL, held in dynamic Kuala Lumpur – the city of contrasts and inspiration! Our representative, Adam Rutkiewicz, partner and board member, was honoured to represent us at this prestigious forum.

During the event, logistics industry leaders from around the world shared their knowledge, experiences and vision for the future of global trade. The conversations were full of energy and innovative ideas!

Thanks to the experience gained and the relationships established, we are even better equipped to deliver top quality solutions to our customers. This event not only strengthens our position in the international network, but above all inspires us to continue growing!

Many thanks to the organisers and all participants for the inspiring atmosphere. We look forward to the next opportunities to work together!

We are happy to announce that our Gdynia branch of ASL has changed location! You will now find us in a modern, larger office at 31 Janka Wiśniewskiego Street in Gdynia.

Our new office has been designed with our team’s comfort and needs in mind – offering spacious interiors, inspiring areas for teamwork and modern facilities that promote efficiency and collaboration. We believe these changes will allow us to operate even more efficiently and effectively for our clients and partners.

Welcome to our new office – a new location, but the same passionate and committed team!

As early as 31.10.2024, the new systems AES/ECS2 PLUS and NCTS2 PLUS will be launched, which will revolutionise the way customs clearance is declared via the PUESC platform. After this date, it will no longer be possible to use the old versions of the systems – all transit and export operations will have to be initiated exclusively in the new systems.

What do these changes mean in practice? A key prerequisite for using these systems is to register with PUESC, if you have not already done so, now is the best time to do so.

ASL is already one step ahead. By setting up a test environment, our experts were able to familiarise themselves with the new systems and test them thoroughly. We can therefore assure you that we are fully ready to report customs clearances correctly, without any difficulties using the new systems.

The implementation of AIS PLUS, the system for import declarations, has been postponed until 1 January 2025.

We are proud that as a company, we constantly ensure the highest quality of service and smooth customs operations!

Last Saturday, ASL employees from the offices in Warsaw, Nadarzyn, Gdynia, Katowice and Wrocław joined together to take part in one of the most famous running events in the capital – Run Warsaw! Despite the rain and cold, our team did not give in to the weather. Some covered the full distance of the run – 10 km, while others took part in the accompanying event I’m marching – I’m cheering, supporting the runners and building team spirit.

Sport, like our daily projects, is not only about individual achievement, but above all about teamwork. At ASL, we believe that whatever the situation – whether on the running track or in the office – working together leads to success.

Congratulations to everyone who, despite the adverse conditions, showed that the ASL team is unstoppable! We look forward to our next challenges together.

The photos show our athletes who also found room for healthy competition during their sporting activities.

Due to the dockers’ strike and an overlay of other problems, the Port of Hamburg halted the receipt of goods trains for 24 hours on Thursday. Delays at the Hamburg terminals now amount to more than 24 hours and negotiations between employers and trade unionists are still ongoing.

Will strikes become more frequent?

The carrier expects that customers will have to get used to such delays. Metrans points out that the main rail lines do not have sufficient capacity. These circumstances force the carriers to raise prices. Employees of the Port of Hamburg are also demanding social guarantees in the upcoming change of ownership of the port.

Who is organising the strikes?

The strikes in Hamburg are organised by the trade union Ver.di, which is trying to negotiate the best working conditions with the association of terminal operators ZDS. Parallel to the port strikes, there was a demonstration in the centre of Hamburg. The main reason for the strike is the planned sale of a 49% stake in HHLA, Hamburg’s largest terminal operator, to the MSC group. The union members want to conclude a collective agreement before the planned transaction in order to secure their jobs.

Disruption in logistics chains

Problems at the port and congestion on the railway infrastructure negatively affect hauliers causing a significant increase in transport costs. In recent weeks, protests by seaport workers have been a direct cause of disruption to freight transport in various parts of the world. Dockworkers have gone on strike in the USA, India and Australia, among others.

Dear customers, partners,

We are pleased to announce that we have decided to extend the working hours of our warehouse in Nadarzyn. This is a step aimed at adapting our services even better to your needs. This change will not only allow us to speed up the execution of unloading and loading, but also to provide greater flexibility, which is a particularly important element in a dynamic industry such as logistics.

As of 09.09.2024, the ASL warehouse in Nadarzyn will operate from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Longer working hours mean that we will be able to respond to your needs more quickly and handle more transports in a shorter period of time. You will benefit from shorter turnaround times and greater availability of our services. All of this translates into better fluidity for your business, especially when deadlines and urgent deliveries are crucial.

We believe that the changes we have made will allow us to serve you even better by providing the reassurance that you can count on us. Thank you for your trust so far and we look forward to continuing to work with you!

Have a great weekend,
The ASL Nadarzyn Team

The Central and Eastern European region is currently entering a key moment of transformation. It has the potential to make the region one of the most important logistics areas in the world.

Development of logistics in Poland

Poland has been consistently strengthening its position on the European logistics market for many years. This translates into clear growth, thanks to which we are constantly improving our position in the global TSL rankings. Our country is investing heavily in warehouse logistics, infrastructure and road transport, as well as developing seaports.

What influences growth?

The region’s growing importance is due to a number of strategic infrastructure investments, such as Rail Baltica and CPK. These projects aim to improve transport connections. Both within the region and with the rest of Europe, which is key to increasing the efficiency of supply chains. Although already, at least in road transport, Poland boasts some of the best results in Europe.

The aforementioned investments, combined with the growing importance of secure and disruption-proof supply chains, make the CEE region increasingly attractive to international investors. In an era of global challenges, such as geopolitical tensions or climate change, CEE is gaining importance as a stable and strategic location for logistics operations.

The Central Transport Port, which is to become an investment combining air, rail and road transport – is one of the key elements of this transformation. These investments will not only improve regional connections, but also strengthen the position of Poland and its neighbours on the global logistics map.

European opportunity

The transformation of the CEE region into a logistics hub of the future is not only an economic development opportunity, but also a response to the global difficulties the world is currently facing. Through strategic investment and cooperation, Central and Eastern Europe has the potential to become one of the key players in global supply chains.

The icon of Poznań, the famous ‘Okrąglak’, has been hosting a new branch of our company since the beginning of September. This is the 8th branch of ASL on the map of Poland.

Strategic location

This is what Mariusz Rogowski, board member and partner at ASL Group, says about the new investment: ‘Poznań is a strategic location for the logistics industry due to its central location in Europe and excellent transport infrastructure, including motorways, railways and proximity to the airport. The city also offers a developed network of logistics and warehousing centres, which attracts investors and facilitates the distribution of goods to national and international markets.’

A modernist gem

It is impossible not to add a few words about the unique location of our Poznań branch: ‘Okrąglak’ is a modernist building in the centre of Poznań, located at 14 Mielżyńskiego Street, on the corner of 27 Grudnia Street. It was designed by architect Marek Leykam and built between 1948 and 1954. For more than 50 years it served as a department store, and is now an office and service building. ‘Okrąglak’ is distinguished by its unique cylinder shape and glazed facade, which makes it one of the symbols of Poznań.

We invite you to visit our branch in Poznań.