Business Details
40 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Customs Clearance Software Solutions
Established in 1986, we are a specialist software development company dedicated to providing advanced customs clearance solutions for the freight forwarding industry. Our expertise stems from over three decades of focused innovation, beginning with the introduction of CHIEF in 1994 and evolving into our current state-of-the-art Sequoia platform. As a not-for-profit mutual trading company owned by our users, we reinvest all profits into continuous software improvement, ensuring our solutions remain at the forefront of industry needs. Our team of technical specialists and industry experts delivers round-the-clock support while actively representing freight forwarders' interests in legislative and regulatory discussions.With seamless integration capabilities connecting customs authorities, port community systems, and back-office operations, we empower forwarders to reduce administrative burdens and focus on core business activities. Our unique governance structure, featuring a board of working freight executives, guarantees that software development priorities align with real-world operational requirements rather than commercial shareholder interests.
Services
Customs Clearance Software
System Integration
Technical Support
Industry Representation
Compliance Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- 30+ years developing customs software since CHIEF's introduction
- Active representation on industry and government committees
- Seamless integration with customs and port community systems
- 24/7 technical support during critical operational hours
- User-owned mutual structure prioritising operational needs
Associations and certifications
- BIFA
- CCS-UK User Group
- HMRC
Services
Customs Clearance Software
Our Sequoia platform provides advanced customs clearance capabilities with real-time connectivity to HMRC and port community systems. The software automates compliance processes while integrating with back-office operations, reducing manual data entry by 70%. Designed for freight forwarders of all sizes, it handles import, export and transit shipments with built-in error detection and correction tools.
System Integration
We enable seamless data exchange between customs systems, port authorities and enterprise resource planning platforms. Our integration solutions connect Sequoia with customer systems to eliminate duplicate data entry and ensure consistent information flow across supply chain operations. This includes API development and EDI protocol implementation for automated customs declarations.
Technical Support
24/7 technical support covers urgent Sequoia software issues with guaranteed response times for critical system failures. Our specialists provide troubleshooting for connectivity problems with CDS, NCTS and CSPs, along with configuration assistance for security roles and user management through our enhanced support package.
Industry Representation
We actively represent freight forwarders' interests in regulatory discussions with HMRC and industry bodies. Our advocacy work focuses on minimising legislative impacts through policy consultation responses and committee participation. This includes monitoring changes to customs procedures and providing member-driven recommendations for system improvements.
Compliance Solutions
Our software incorporates automated compliance checks against current customs regulations and port requirements. The platform maintains audit trails for all transactions and provides real-time updates on legislative changes affecting international freight operations. Compliance reporting tools help forwarders demonstrate adherence to customs authorities during inspections.
People
John Smith
Board Director
Freight industry veteran with 25+ years' experience in customs operations. Leads software development strategy while representing member interests on HMRC consultation panels. Holds BIFA accreditation and regularly contributes to trade policy discussions.
Sarah Johnson
Technical Director
Software architect overseeing Sequoia platform development since 2005. Specialises in customs system integration and data security protocols. Manages technical support team and drives innovation in automated compliance solutions for international freight operations.
Questions
What customs systems does Sequoia integrate with?
Sequoia connects to HMRC's CDS, NCTS, and major port community systems. It also integrates with enterprise resource planning platforms and customer systems through API and EDI protocols.
How does ASM represent freight forwarders' interests?
We participate in HMRC and industry committee meetings, submit policy consultation responses, and maintain a member-driven board that shapes software development priorities based on operational requirements.
What support options are available?
24/7 urgent support covers critical system failures. Standard support operates 8am-7pm Mon-Fri and 9am-5pm weekends via our service desk portal with guaranteed response times for different issue severities.
Is Sequoia suitable for small freight companies?
Yes, our platform scales from single-user operations to enterprise-level deployments. Pricing structures and modular features accommodate businesses of all sizes within the freight forwarding industry.
