ICS2 Rollout: What Hauliers Need to Know About the New RoRo Entry Summary Declaration Changes

by Debbie Patterson | Jul 18, 2025 | Uncategorized

The Trader Support Service (TSS) has begun rolling out updates to the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) process for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland via Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) transport. These updates are part of the broader implementation of Import Control System 2 (ICS2), which is being introduced to improve safety and security checks across the EU.

ICS2 is already live for air and sea freight entering Northern Ireland. The next phase includes road transport—both accompanied and unaccompanied RoRo shipments.

📅 Key Date: 1 September 2025
From this date, all carriers moving goods into Northern Ireland or the wider EU must switch from the existing ICS-NI system to ICS2. The ICS-NI system will no longer be in use after this point.

A Quick Recap: What Is ICS2?

ICS2 is the EU’s new security and safety data management system, which oversees:

• Lodging pre-arrival Entry Summary Declarations
• Confirming goods arrival
• Presenting goods to customs
• Assessing safety and security risks

What’s Changing for TSS Users?

The TSS portal is being updated to comply with ICS2’s enhanced data requirements. Some of the key changes include:

• RoRo Movement Type: You must indicate whether the RoRo movement is accompanied or unaccompanied.
• Additional Details for Unaccompanied Movements: You’ll need to provide the vessel’s IMO (International Maritime Organisation) number and the trailer identifier.
• Full Contact Information: Names and addresses of the Carrier, Importer/Exporter, Consignor/Consignee must be included. Where possible, their EORI numbers should also be submitted. TSS is working to introduce auto-fill functionality to make this easier.
• Product Information: Each consignment must include a 6- or 8-digit HS code along with a detailed description of the goods.

TSS will continue to support ENS submissions for RoRo (accompanied and unaccompanied) and maritime shipments. If you submit your ENS through TSS, you do not need to register separately for ICS2 for road movements.

What About Arrival and Presentation of Goods?

To meet ICS2’s new requirements, HMRC is introducing a new service to manage the arrival and presentation of goods for RoRo traffic. This will involve entering all relevant Entry Summary Declaration Movement Reference Numbers (MRNs) into the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS). This step ensures the ENS data is correctly transferred to the ICS2 system.

When Will These Changes Go Live on the TSS Portal?

From July 2025, TSS will allow users to submit ENS using either the existing ICS-NI system or the new ICS2 process. This transition period gives users time to familiarise themselves with the changes ahead of the 1 September 2025 deadline, when ICS2 becomes mandatory.

For TSS API users, integration with ICS2 requirements is already possible for unaccompanied movements, and will be extended to accompanied RoRo traffic from early July.

Need More Information or an expert customs team to call your own? customs@tstgroup.uk

Bridging the Irish Sea: Overnight Groupage and Full Load Services That Deliver Without Delay

by Liam Reid | Jul 4, 2025 | Uncategorized

For retailers, FMCG brands, and manufacturers moving goods between Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, timing isn’t just important—it’s everything. Whether you’re delivering palletised consignments to stores or full loads of consumer goods to distribution hubs, delays cost money and damage reputations.

At TST Group, we’ve built a logistics model that puts overnight performance, border expertise, and sector precision at its core. With daily departures, flexible groupage and full load capacity, and a track record trusted by the likes of Coca-Cola, Diageo, and Aldi, we don’t just move freight—we deliver peace of mind.

Speed That Doesn’t Sleep

With 24/7 operations and daily sailings from multiple UK ports, TST Group connects GB, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland in a truly seamless way. Our network includes confirmed booking slots and overflow capacity with both Stena Line and P&O Ferries, covering high-frequency routes including:

• Birkenhead–Belfast
• Heysham–Belfast
• Holyhead–Dublin
• Liverpool–Dublin
• Cairnryan–Belfast

Whether it’s a full load (FTL) or part load (LTL), our overnight service means freight loaded in Birmingham today can be delivered in Belfast or Dublin tomorrow—complete with full track-and-trace and online proof of delivery.

Border-Ready, Brexit-Proof

Moving goods across the Irish Sea has never been more complex. Post-Brexit customs requirements, varying excise rules, and port congestion can derail even the best-laid plans.

That’s why we invested in our own in-house customs team, operating 24/7 across both jurisdictions. With authorised consignor status in both Ballymena and Birmingham, we close transits quickly and avoid unnecessary port delays. Our 97.7% first-attempt customs compliance rate means fewer hold-ups and faster delivery.

Need bonded transport for alcohol or excise goods? We’ve got that covered too.

Tailored for Your Sector: FMCG, Retail & Manufacturing

We understand that not all freight is created equal. Fast-moving consumer goods need a fast-moving partner, especially when peak season never really ends.

Our performance record speaks for itself:

• 99.7% service performance across the board
• Dedicated handling for high-volume ambient lines (e.g., Lakeland, Monster, Costa Coffee)
• Scheduled multi-drop deliveries and larger trunk movements
• Peak season agility, supporting promotions and surges without missing a beat

For manufacturers, our trunking and stockholding options de-risk operations, provide visibility, and ensure goods arrive in spec, on time, every time.

Network & Fleet Built for Now—and What’s Next

With over 400 trucks, 735 trailers, and access to an extended fleet, we match the right vehicle to your load. From city trailers for urban access to high-volume trailers for long-haul trunking, our assets are GPS-tracked and supported by in-house maintenance and secure depots.

Our strategically placed infrastructure includes:

• 2 primary depots in Ballymena and Birmingham
• 7 additional depots in Cork, Dublin, Cairnryan, Heysham, Manchester, Birkenhead, and London
• 1.5 million+ sq ft of warehousing to support just-in-case stockholding or just-in-time replenishment

Whether you’re moving 25kg or 26 tonnes, our cross-border network is built to scale with your business.

Why TST Group?

Because we don’t just say we deliver—we prove it. Every day.

From single-pallet groupage to full load distribution across the UK and Ireland, TST Group combines the responsiveness of a family business with the capacity of a national provider. When your business depends on speed, compliance and consistency, we’re the team to trust.

Let’s move what matters—together.

TST Group Expands Fleet to Enhance Pallet-Track Service Across the UK & Northern Ireland

by Maire-Claire Reid | Apr 16, 2025 | Uncategorized

At TST Group, we’re committed to setting new standards in logistics by continuously investing in our fleet, operations, and team. As part of our ongoing expansion, we’re strengthening our presence in the West Midlands with the addition of four Pallet-Track dual-branded double-deck trailers and four Volvo FH500 tractor units. This investment ensures we can continue delivering top-tier logistics solutions to our growing Pallet-Track customer base across the entire UK and Ireland.

Strengthening Our Pallet-Track Network

TST Group has been a shareholder member of Pallet-Track since 2017, and in 2024, we took on the Northern Irish operation for the network. This move significantly expanded our capacity, allowing us to manage an increasing number of palletised freight shipments across both regions.

With operations in Ballymena and Birmingham, our Pallet-Track membership enables us to provide:

• Seamless overnight and next-day pallet deliveries across the UK & Ireland
• Improved network efficiency with increased handling capacity
• Flexible logistics solutions for businesses of all sizes

We’ve already seen significant demand for overnight pallet movement from Northern Ireland to the UK, allowing businesses to move single pallets efficiently rather than waiting for full-load consolidations. This agility is driving growth and reinforcing our reputation as a reliable logistics partner.

Award-Winning Service & Operational Excellence

At TST Group, we don’t just move goods—we deliver excellence. Our commitment to service quality, reliability, and innovation has been recognised with multiple accolades within the Pallet-Track network, including:

• Platinum Service Award – Awarded for consistently achieving a 99% service level over 12 out of 14 months.
• Pallet-Track Service Quality Award – Recognising outstanding service delivery and continuous improvement.
• Highly Commendable Award for Best New Joining Member (Ballymena Depot) – A testament to how quickly our Northern Ireland operations have integrated into the network and delivered top-tier service.

Our track record of operational excellence reflects the dedication of our 400-strong team, our state-of-the-art fleet, and our customer-centric approach.

Investing in Growth & Technology

To support this expansion and maintain our award-winning standards, we’re making significant investments in:

Fleet Growth – Adding 40 new trailers and 20 new trucks to our group operations, ensuring we meet increasing demand.

Operational Efficiency – Enhancing our logistics capabilities with technology-driven solutions for better route planning and load management.

Workforce Expansion – Recruiting 15 new team members, including 10 HGV drivers, 2 forklift drivers, and 3 administrative staff, to support our growing operations.

Delivering for the Future

As we continue to grow, our focus remains on modernisation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. With a fleet of over 250 lorries, close to 500 trailers, and 1.5 million square feet of warehousing space, we are well-equipped to handle palletised freight distribution, food logistics, and 3PL solutions across the UK and Ireland.

Our partnership with Pallet-Track has been instrumental allowing seamlessly support more businesses with reliable logistics solutions. As we move forward, our commitment to excellence, investment, and customer-first service will continue to drive our success.