Intermodal rail freight hub iPort Rail has applied for Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status, to help maintain smooth cargo flows at the site post-Brexit.

Internationally recognised as a mark of quality, an AEO status is awarded by the UK Government to businesses that demonstrate that their processes within the international supply chain are secure, and that their customs controls and procedures are efficient and compliant.

Benefits include simplified customs procedures and the possibility of fast-tracking shipments.

Post-Brexit, AEO certification is set to become even more desirable as a globally-recognised tool to keep cargo moving, with the EU and UK each expected to recognise each other’s AEO schemes following the UK’s departure.

“Having AEO status positions us strongly to help customers move their goods into and out of the country whatever the customs arrangements post-Brexit may be,” said Steve Freeman, Managing Director of iPort Rail.

“In a time of such great change for the logistics and transport sectors, it is vital that industry stakeholders do what they can to maintain slick supply chains and keep cargo moving, while maintaining the highest standards of service.”

iPort Rail is designed to meet to SACTFF (Channel Tunnel) security standards, and has capacity to handle the UK’s longest trains and storage for 1500 TEUs on site.

The state-of-the-art terminal, which officially opened last year, is located on the 800-acre (324 ha) iPort site in Doncaster, where there is capacity for up to 6 million sq ft (557,414 sq m) of logistics space in total.