Consolidated Cargo or 'Consol' is one of the 2 usual options, when goods are shipped via Air Freight, the other being a 'Back to Back'. Click here to read an overview of how the 2 systems compare.

Below is a brief explanation of what usually happens to goods being shipped via this method. ukimports.org

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1. The goods and paperwork are collected by, or delivered to, the Freight Forwarder, who is arranging the exportation of your goods.

 

- Your goods are grouped together with other freight, destined for the same airport.

 

- A House Airwaybill (HAWB) is issued for your goods, to which your documents are attached. The same happens to all the other shipments going to the same destination. All the paperwork is then placed in a document pouch, and a Master Airwaybill (MAWB) is then raised for the airline. ukimports.org

 

2. The Freight Forwarder will deliver the goods, airwaybill and other documents, to the airline, to catch a particular flight, for which cargo space has been booked.

 

- The paperwork go into the airline's office, to be added to the flight manifest, and to be input onto their computer system for billing and tracking purposes.

 

- The goods are taken to the cargo shed for labeling and then loading onto the next available flight. ukimports.org

3. The flight departs from the airport.

4. Once it has been established that the goods are 'Flown as booked', the Freight Forwarder will send a Pre-alert to their UK office / UK agent. This Pre-alert will be a fax or email containing a flight manifest for their consolidated shipments, and copies of all the documents e.g. HAWBs, Invoices, Packing Lists etc.

 

Please Note.
It is at this point when the Shipper / Supplier should advise you of the flight departure and arrival dates and times, and hopefully send you copies of the paperwork, including a copy HAWB.

 

To minimise any storage or rent, when your goods arrive into the UK, NOW is the time to find a Customs clearance agent / broker and advise them that your goods are due in, on which flight and date, and also provide copies of your documents. ukimports.org

 

5. The flight arrives at the UK airport. ukimports.org

 

6. The cargo and the original paperwork are collected from the plane, by the airline's chosen ground / cargo handling agent.

 

- The goods are then moved and stored at the handling agents cargo shed, awaiting Customs clearance.

- The original paperwork goes into the office for the airline's computer system to be updated (for tracking purposes), then once they see that the Master Airwaybill is consigned to a UK agent, the documents will be placed in a tray, at the drivers reception, for collection.

 

7. After about an hour after the flight has arrived, the UK office / agent should have a driver over at the airport to collect the original documents, and if they have their own ERTS / Bonded Warehouse, they will also collect the cargo as well.

 

8. Whilst the driver is at the airport, the imports team will be going through the faxed / emailed pre-alert, updating their system and sorting the shipments as follows:

 

a - Importers already known to them (regular importers)

Those importers who are already on their computer system, who have previously advised the airline as to who is their preferred Customs clearing agent, will have their documents passed to that agent. Quite often this is accompanied by an invoice for a 'Handover Fee'. This charge is for handling the documents and / or freight. That agent then becomes responsible for arranging clearance of the goods shipped under that house airwaybill (HAWB).

 

b -Importers NOT on the computer system

These importers will be contacted by the UK agent, advising them that goods have arrived for them and that they are awaiting Customs clearance. They will then ask you if you want them to Customs clear your goods. You do not have to use them, you can issue them with instructions, as to which agent / broker you want to clear your goods on your behalf, and they will then pass the original documents to that agent.

Please note
The UK agent may require authorisation in writing, as to the name of your preferred clearing agent / broker and their (airport system) badge code.

'Notify Party' on the airwaybill

 

You can advise the UK agent which is your preferred agent, BEFORE the goods arrive. How?

 

Not only does the house airwaybill show the name and address of the Consignor (shipper), and Consignee (importer), but there is also a section called 'Notify Party', where you can ask the shipper to declare your Customs broker.

 

If you would like us at UK Import Services to Customs clear your goods, please contact a member of our imports team, who can provide you with the necessary details to add to the notify party section of the airwaybill.

 

Please be aware.
Storage / rent usually begins 24 hours after your goods arrival.

 

5. Once your goods have been Customs cleared, and the UK agent and your clearance agent / broker have been paid (if applicable), you or your clearing agent can then arrange collection and / or delivery of your goods. ukimports.org

If your goods are not arriving via a Freight Forwarder, but were shipped directly with the airline, then read the usual procedures for goods arriving on a 'Back to Back' (MAWB) service.

Shipping directly with an airline (Back to Back)

 

 

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Please Note.
As the HM Revenue and Customs, EU, and different companies are constantly changing and updating their various rules, regulations and operating procedures. The 'usual procedures', described in our website pages, are to be used as a guideline only.
UK Import Services Limited does not take any responsibility for any differences resulting in delays, additional costs or any other problems.