Home / UK customs, GMR & transit
Customs and border
GMR and transit documents, handled
Wrong or missing paperwork is the most common reason a trailer gets stuck at Dover. We are very experienced with GMRs and transit documents, and we make sure everything is ready before your trailer sails.
- GMR via GVMS
- Transit (NCTS)
- Checked before sailing
- English · Polish
What we take care of
- GMR (Goods Movement Reference): created in HMRC's Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) and linked to your declarations, or checked if you create it yourself.
- Transit documents: transit movements opened in Europe and closed in the UK, so goods can move under customs control to the delivery point or an inland clearance site.
- Import declarations: coordinated with customs agents so the trailer is cleared without waiting at the port.
- Document checks: invoices, CMR and references checked against the booking before the trailer leaves Calais.
You can hand all of it to us, or keep your own broker and let us check that the GMR and transit references match before sailing.
Why it matters at Dover
Since the UK left the EU customs union, trailers entering Great Britain through Dover must have their customs paperwork linked to a GMR before boarding. A trailer without a valid GMR can be refused or held, and an unaccompanied trailer has no driver on hand to sort it out. Getting this right before sailing is what keeps the relay on time.
Rules change, so we check current HMRC guidance for each new flow. For the official rules see GOV.UK: get a goods movement reference.
Questions hauliers ask
Do I need a GMR for an unaccompanied trailer?
Goods entering Great Britain through Dover need a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) from HMRC's Goods Vehicle Movement Service. For unaccompanied trailers it is normally created by whoever arranges the crossing. We can create and manage the GMR for you, or check yours before the trailer sails.
Can you handle transit documents and UK import customs?
Yes. We are very experienced with transit documents and GMRs, and we work with customs agents for import declarations, so the trailer is cleared without delays at Dover. Tell us what you already have and we will cover the rest.
Who books the ferry?
Either you or us. Many hauliers keep their own ferry contracts and simply send us the booking. If you prefer, we book the Calais–Dover crossing and the return for you.