IN THE NEWS
UK-EU trade deal designed to ease Brexit-driven border frictions
The trade deal hammered out between the UK and the European Union is being hailed by business groups and the logistics industry as a positive step toward reducing border frictions that have been in place since Britain formally left the EU in 2020. But even as the ink dries on the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement signed Monday, business leaders are urging both sides to ensure the streamlined cross-border measures agreed to are implemented in full. Read more here: https://www.joc.com/article/uk-eu-trade-deal-designed-to-ease-brexit-driven-border-frictions-6008609
BIFA responds to UK-EU Summit announcement
Commenting on the announcement following the UK-EU Summit, Steve Parker, director general of the British International Freight Association (BIFA) said, “BIFA members, and the importers and exporters that they serve, will be breathing a sigh of relief following practical commitments to improve regulatory cooperation. (…) “Freight forwarding and logistics businesses, which manage a significant proportion of the UK’s visible supply chains with the EU, will be especially pleased with the announcements of cooperation on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, which should cut costs, complexities and delays that disrupt trade flows.” Read more here: https://www.ukhaulier.co.uk/news/freight-logistics/freight-forwarding/bifa-responds-to-uk-eu-summit-announcement/
Scheduling linked to 10% tariffs causing confusion, angst for US importers
CBP issued guidance on May 15 on whether transshipped goods were exempt from reciprocal tariffs, but it came after many goods were already on the water. Some US importers with long ocean transit times, including those who move cargo through transhipment hubs, will be on the hook for the 10% US tariffs now in place on non-Chinese goods, even if those goods beat an April 5 load-by deadline to avoid the tariffs. That’s because of a shorter-than-usual length of time set by the Trump administration encompassing the cutoff dates between when goods needed to depart their origin ports and arrive at destination ports. Read more here: https://www.joc.com/article/scheduling-linked-to-10-tariffs-causing-confusion-angst-for-us-importers-6009281
ROAD FREIGHT
Transport legislators endorse EU driving licence reform
IRU welcomes the vote by the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee endorsing the provisional Driving Licence Directive agreement reached during trilogue. This follows recent formal approval by the Council’s Committee of Permanent Representatives, the first of the EU co-legislators to back the deal. The reform responds to long-standing industry calls to address driver shortages and promote the digitalisation of driving licences while upholding high road safety standards. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/transport-legislators-endorse-eu-driving-licence-reform
European road freight rates decrease in Q1 2025
The Upply x Ti x IRU European road freight rates index shows that Q1 2025 contract rates fell by 2.3 points quarter on quarter (q-o-q). Spot rates declined more sharply, 3.8 points q-o-q. However, the spot index was up by 1.6 points, and the contract index rose by 0.4 points, year on year (y-o-y).
- The Q1 2025 European Road Freight Contract Rate Benchmark Index fell to 131.1, 2.3 points lower than in Q4 2024 but 0.4 points higher than in Q1 2024.
- The Q1 2025 European Road Freight Spot Rate Benchmark Index fell to 134.1 points, 3.8 points lower than in Q4 2024, but up 1.6 points y-o-y.
- According to IRU’s 2024 driver shortage survey, there are 426,000 unfilled truck driver positions across Europe.
Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/european-road-freight-rates-decrease-q1-2025
SEA FREIGHT
Port of Tilbury proposes second expansion as part of Thames Freeport
Forth Ports operator of the Port of Tilbury located near London in the UK, released plans for a large expansion, which they are calling T3. It would represent a nearly 10 percent increase in the land area for the port which is reported to be the largest multi-modal port in the South East. Initial concepts for the port expansion were filed with the local government, Thurrock Council, and released to the public highlighting the opportunity to create jobs and support trade in the Greater London and South East region. The port, which is one of the most historic in the UK, reports that it handles more than 16 million tons of cargo annually valued at more than £8.7 billion ($11.5 billion). The port supports Ro-Ro, container, forest products, grain, and bulk cargoes, as well as cruises. Read more here: https://maritime-executive.com/article/port-of-tilbury-proposes-second-expansion-as-part-of-thames-freeport
Amidst seafarer shortage, multi-orbit connectivity is key for recruiting
Labour shortages remain rampant across many segments of the maritime industry. In the shipping sector, merchant fleet owners and operators are struggling to find skilled workers as aging employees retire and younger prospects opt for onshore jobs that offer more lucrative compensation and are perceived to be safer. New regulations and rigorous training standards have made it even more difficult to quickly train new employees and fill open positions.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) expects a shortfall of 90,000 maritime workers by next year, leading to significant shipping delays, supply chain disruptions, seafood shortages, and increased costs. Read more here: https://maritime-executive.com/features/amidst-seafarer-shortage-multi-orbit-connectivity-is-key-for-recruiting
RAIL FREIGHT
Maritime Transport rails from London to Doncaster and Hams Hall
Maritime Transport, the UK’s leading provider of integrated road and rail freight logistics, has introduced two new intermodal rail services. The company now connects DP World London Gateway with its inland terminals at Hams Hall, near Birmingham and iPort Doncaster. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/intermodal/2025/05/23/maritime-transport-rails-from-london-to-doncaster-and-hams-hall/
Rotterdam port blockers will also move to other transport modes, but ‘rail is not off the hook’
Dutch climate and human rights activists have shaken up the Port of Rotterdam. In the past month, they have blocked the port railway five times. The financial damages for rail freight are immense. RailFreight.com reached out to find out more about what motivates the protestors, what they think about rail and what they want from the sector. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/business/2025/04/30/rotterdam-port-blockers-will-move-to-other-transport-modes-but-rail-is-not-off-the-hook/
FEATURES
Inside the London Wine Fair with Event Director Hannah Tovey
In this month’s Kukla News, we take a closer look at the 2025 edition of the London Wine Fair by catching up with the person at its helm: Event Director Hannah Tovey.
Since taking over in 2018, Hannah has steered the Fair through a time of unprecedented change. From the challenges posed by the pandemic to navigating the complexities of a post-Brexit trading landscape, she has worked tirelessly to uphold the Fair’s reputation as one of the industry’s most respected events.
The London Wine Fair, which began modestly in Kensington in 1981, has grown into a key fixture in the global drinks calendar. Under Hannah’s leadership, it continues to evolve, reflecting the needs of a dynamic industry while championing innovation, diversity and value for its exhibitors and attendees alike.
In this Q&A, Hannah reveals her reflections on the event, insights into the planning process, and her thoughts on what lies ahead — including her proudest moments and, yes, even her go-to post-Fair drink. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/inside-the-london-wine-fair-with-event-director-hannah-tovey
Kukla UK unveiling opportunities at LWF 2025: Global tasting experience, local impact
May brings a sense of anticipation for the Kukla UK team, who, following what has become a tradition, participated for the fifth time in the prestigious London Wine Fair, a hallmark event in the drinks trade. This year’s event, held from May 19 to May 21 at Kensington Olympia, surpassed all expectations, presenting an unparalleled array of offerings. From sake and chardonnay to casked products and cocktails, the fair was a celebration of global flavours.
Hannah Tovey, Head of the London Wine Fair, captured the essence of this year’s success, stating, “More countries were here than ever before.” Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/kukla-uk-unveiling-opportunities-at-lwf-2025-global-tasting-local-impact
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