IN THE NEWS
Safety and Security declarations – are you ready?
From 31 January 2025, all EU imports into Great Britain will require Safety and Security declarations. You can find a full list of countries this will apply to on GOV.UK. Safety and Security declarations support the fight against illicit goods such as drugs and weapons entering the UK and make sure legitimate goods aren’t stopped for unnecessary checks. Read more on https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/safety-and-security-declarations-are-you-ready and https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/prepare-for-gb-safety-security-declarations. Your usual Kukla UK contact is ready to support you.
Kukla UK granted continuity with AEO status, reinforcing commitment to excellence
Kukla UK is celebrating a significant achievement as HMRC has granted us continuity as an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) following our 3-year annual review. This prestigious certification highlights our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in supply chain security and customs compliance. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/kukla-uk-granted-continuity-with-aeo-status-reinforcing-commitment-to-excellence
ROAD FREIGHT
New IRU roundtable explores future of driver assistance systems
IRU’s first roundtable on technology and innovation centred on the challenges, integration and potential of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in commercial road transport.
With more than ten corporate IRU members and partners in attendance, the recent IRU Technology and Innovation Roundtable, the first of its kind, provided a collaborative platform to explore new technologies, address current challenges, and anticipate how evolving regulations and standards can foster innovation without creating unnecessary barriers. From digital border processes to AI-powered route optimisation, developments like ADAS can enhance safety – human error accounts for approximately 85% of road accidents – while improving the overall driving performance. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/new-iru-roundtable-explores-future-driver-assistance-systems
Fuelling net-zero: What’s next for alternative fuels and their infrastructure?
As road transport heads towards carbon neutrality, we spoke with fuel platform specialist xavvy for insights on the latest challenges and opportunities. From renewable natural gas and ultra-fast charging to digital interfaces and fleet management, here’s what’s shaping the future of alternative fuels. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/fuelling-net-zero-whats-next-alternative-fuels-and-their-infrastructure
SEA FREIGHT
Container price trends of late 2024 to persist into Q1 of 2025
The container trading landscape continues to be shaped by elevated secondhand container prices, driven by uncertainties owing to geopolitical tensions, trade wars and tariff threats. According to the latest Container xChange Forecaster report, price trends observed in late 2024 and expected to persist into the first quarter of 2025 imply higher asset costs for container traders, impacting profitability in the short term. Read more here: https://safety4sea.com/container-price-trends-of-late-2024-to-persist-into-q1-of-2025/
UK launches next Clean Maritime Competition with $30M in funding
The UK government has begun the sixth round of its Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition promising to provide a total of £30 million, nearly $37 million, to advance decarbonisation in the industry. The program is designed to support clean maritime technologies including electric, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, wind power and more. With the sixth round of funding, the UK government highlights it has invested a total of £159 million ($195 million) to accelerate green maritime projects and support new jobs. Applications are due by April 16, 2025. Read more here: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/uk-launches-next-clean-maritime-competition-with-37m-in-funding
RAIL FREIGHT
Despite the Frejus reopening, semi-trailers might not return to rail
The long-awaited reopening of the Frejus Railway, connecting France and Italy, was finally set for 31 March. However, the situation for the rail freight industry is still possibly problematic, as semi-trailers previously running across the Alpine Rolling Highway (AFA) might remain on the road due to cuts in funding. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/business/2025/01/23/despite-the-frejus-reopening-semi-trailers-might-not-return-to-rail/
Inauguration of major extension to combined road-rail terminal east of Lyon
The inauguration of a major extension to the Vénissieux-Saint Priest combined road-rail terminal east of Lyon. The facility is located in proximity to one of Europe’s main freight corridors and which has attracted public investment totalling 18.7 million euros.
Its owner, SNCF Réseau, said re-development work will make it possible to increase freight train capacity from seven round-trips daily to 10, representing an increase of almost 40 per cent in traffic. The existing facility was no longer able to absorb new rail freight traffic flows while the extension has also been a response to noise pollution caused by truck traffic affecting a residential area close to the site, France’s rail network manager explained.
Countries all over Europe are facing the challenging task of taking goods off the road and putting them on the rails. In order to do its part, the port of Southampton introduced a financial incentive to boost such a modal shift. The UK’s third largest port has been providing a 70 pound subsidy for each container put on the rails. It seems to have been rather successful: the port has boosted its share of rail in outbound freight significantly. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/intermodal/2025/01/23/inauguration-of-major-extension-to-combined-road-rail-terminal-east-of-lyon/
FEATURE
Did you know? Container symbols and numbers revealed
When you think about logistics and global trade, you might picture massive vessels sailing across the oceans or bustling ports packed with activity. At the central point of this system is a remarkable innovation that has revolutionised the way seafarers transport goods: freight containers.
Containers were invented and patented in 1956 by an American company, which wasn’t an ocean shipper but the largest trucking company in the country at the time. By the end of the twentieth century, container ships transported nearly 90 per cent of the world’s trade cargo.
These massive boxes represent a vital component in the world of logistics and markings are important for monitoring and the general safety of a container. Let’s break down the key elements that ensure smooth sailing from origin to destination. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/did-you-know-container-symbols-and-numbers-revealed
Stay informed with Kukla UK!
Check Kukla UK’s website for logistics updates, strikes, issues, regulations and much more. The page link remains the same throughout the year. We welcome your feedback and are always happy to hear from you. Access our dedicated page for the 2025 updates here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/news/information-update-2025
Kukla UK LIVE Sailing Schedule
The Sailing Schedule is updated weekly or as needed, so please bookmark it and refer to it when you need the information. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/sailing-schedule