There’s been a lot in the travel press about the introduction of the EU’s upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), but the focus has mainly been on passengers. While the impact on airports, holidaymakers, and passport queues is a valid concern, of equal interest is its potential impact on freight. With so much of the UK’s economy relying on the smooth flow of freight between the UK and EU, what many businesses need to know is whether EES will influence their operations.
Understanding the Impact of EES on Freight
What is the EU’s Entry/Exit System?
EES is a new EU digital border management system designed to record the entry and exit of non-EU nationals crossing the Schengen Area’s external borders. It replaces passport stamping with biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, aiming to improve security and reduce overstays. While freight itself isn’t subject to EES, the people driving it are, and that’s where logistics concerns arise.
Why freight operators are paying attention
For freight forwarders in Europe, border efficiency is everything. Even small disruptions can ripple across supply chains, affecting delivery windows, driver hours, and customer confidence. So, EES is raising a number of key concerns, including:
- Longer processing times at ports and border crossings during rollout
- Driver readiness, especially for non-EU drivers unfamiliar with biometric systems
- Congestion at mixed-use borders, where passenger and commercial traffic intersect
This is particularly relevant for time-critical movements such as European express road freight, where speed and predictability are essential.
Will there actually be delays?
In the early days after EES is introduced, some congestion is likely, especially at high-volume crossings and during peak periods. Similar patterns were seen when customs rules changed post-Brexit. However, several factors reduce the long-term risk:
- Professional drivers adapt quickly once procedures become familiar
- Freight lanes are often operationally prioritised at major crossings
- Digital systems tend to speed up processing over time, not slow it down
For operators offering established European freight services, the bigger risk isn’t EES itself; it’s being unprepared during the transition.
How importers and exporters can prepare now
If you work with the right freight forwarder, EES may not impact your business, but it pays to be aware of the risk of potential delays. And there are things you can do to help ensure that your operations run as smoothly as ever once the system goes live.
Work closely with your freight forwarder
Experienced freight forwarders in Europe are already paying close attention to how EES will be implemented and how it’s likely to impact freight movements. If you’re concerned about the potential for delays, your freight forwarder will be able to advise you whether they think their routes will be affected.
Ensure accurate and complete documentation
EES isn’t about reducing problems with customs, or any other area of freight. But the number one reason why freight is delayed is paperwork inaccuracies. So, look at your commercial invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations. Make sure they’re correct and submitted on time. That way, you have one less problem to deal with.
Review lead times and delivery commitments
During the early rollout phase, importers and exporters may wish to temporarily adjust delivery expectations, particularly for time-sensitive shipments. Building in small buffers helps protect customer relationships while border processes stabilise.
Prioritise reliable European road freight services
Not all transport solutions respond equally well to regulatory change. If you’re worried about delays, choosing premium services, such as European express road freight, will usually be a safer bet. Not just because you’re getting a two-man crew who can drive around the clock, but because proactive route planning and rapid issue resolution processes are already in place.
Communicate early with customers and suppliers
The best way to deal with potential delays is to be upfront with your customers. Transparency is vital in contemporary business, so be honest. Let them know that you have concerns around EES and that you’re working with experienced logistics partners to ensure that delays are minimal. Hopefully, your operations won’t be impacted, but if they are, your clients are prepared.
The new EU Entry/Exit System may create short-term pressure at certain borders, but widespread freight paralysis is unlikely. With the right preparation, communication, and partners, logistics operations can continue to run smoothly.
For shippers and logistics managers, now is the moment to plan, not panic. Those who act early will not just avoid delays; they’ll gain a competitive edge in an evolving European transport landscape.
Are you looking for an experienced freight forwarder to support you with EU logistics? Get in touch with Plexus Freight.
