IN THE NEWS
New Edition of BIFA Standard Trading Conditions, effective 1 January 2026
From 1 January 2026, Kukla UK will operate under the updated BIFA Standard Trading Conditions (STC) – 2025 Edition. As a BIFA member, we adopt these terms as part of our normal working practices, and from this date, all previous editions will no longer apply. This is a routine industry update and not something customers should be concerned about. It simply reflects BIFA’s periodic revisions to ensure the framework remains aligned with current regulations and operational realities. Read more: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/bifa-standard-trading-conditions-new-edition-effective-1-january-2026
Christmas and New Year Opening Hours
At Kukla UK, we prioritise communicating with you, our valued customers, during the year and over the festive season. Our office will be closed only on Bank Holidays: Christmas Day, 25 December 2025; Boxing Day, 26 December 2025; and New Year’s Day, 1 January 2025. For the rest of the time, we will operate business as usual.
Slow progress on logistics network map harming growth, says Logistics UK
Slow progress by the government in identifying a national logistics network is inhibiting growth, increasing the cost of congestion and delaying the logistics sector’s ability to decarbonise sustainably. That is the conclusion of business group Logistics UK following the publication of its UK Logistics Network – Progress Tracker, which reviews its landmark report “UK Logistics Network”. The updated document reveals that, of the 10 recommendations made in the original report, the government has only made “substantial progress” on one – the establishment of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA). Read more: https://logistics.org.uk/media/press-releases/2025/december/slow-progress-on-logistics-network-map-harming-gro
ROAD FREIGHT
ICS2 transition for road transport: The UK will apply ICS2 for Northern Ireland
The deployment of the European Union’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is entering a critical phase for road goods transport. From 1 January 2026, several EU countries will decommission ICS1, meaning Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for goods entering or transiting through the EU by road must be submitted via ICS2. Further roll‑outs will follow on 1 June 2026. There is no enforcement grace period, so make sure you are ready to avoid delays and penalties.
Countries applying ICS2 for road transport from 1 January 2026 include Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, Finland, Greece and Bulgaria. The United Kingdom will also apply ICS2 for Northern Ireland. Read more: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/ics2-transition-road-transport-iru-supporting-industry-readiness
Survey highlights need for investment in HGV rest stops
The Lorry Drivers’ Facilities Survey, published by independent watchdog Transport Focus, reveals the important role investment in rest stops plays in keeping HGV drivers safe and well rested. Gathering insights from more than 13,000 HGV drivers over two years, the survey highlights the strong connection between drivers’ ability to rest and how safe they feel.
According to the survey, 90% of drivers who rated vehicle security as ‘good’ also reported being able to rest properly. By contrast, fewer than 40% felt they could rest when they perceived security to be ‘poor’. Read more: https://www.logisticsmanager.com/survey-highlights-need-for-investment-hgv-rest-stops/
SEA FREIGHT
DP World’s first Atlas service sets sail from Morocco to the UK and Europe
DP World’s first Atlas service sets sail from Morocco to the UK and Europe, transforming fresh produce trade. This maiden service is bound for DP World owned terminals, London Gateway on Sunday 30 November for the UK and Antwerp Gateway on Monday 1 December serving Europe. This new dedicated sea route will transform the way fruit and vegetables are transported to the UK and Europe – delivering fresher produce, faster and at lower cost, while slashing carbon emissions by up to 70%. By shifting up to 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually from road to sea, the service offers a scalable, sustainable logistics solution that reduces emissions by up to 250kg CO₂/ton-km. Read more: https://www.multimodal.org.uk/article/dp-worlds-first-atlas-service-sets-sail-from-morocco-to-the-uk-and-europe-transforming-fresh-produce-trade
Stena Line and Associated British Ports to begin work on new Immingham terminal
Stena Line, and the UK’s largest port operator, Associated British Ports (ABP), are to commence work on a new freight ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham. The new terminal represents a joint investment of more than £200 million in the port and a boost to the Humber region of England, where the unaccompanied freight market has been steadily growing.
Located in Lincolnshire, Immingham is becoming a strategic hub for Stena Line, which currently runs two daily services from the Humber region to the Netherlands. ABP’s four Humber ports collectively already make up the UK’s number 1 gateway for trade by volume. Read more: https://www.multimodal.org.uk/article/stena-line-and-associated-british-ports-to-begin-work-on-new-immingham-terminal
DP World unifies marine services under single brand
DP World has embarked on a significant brand transformation, unifying three of its key marine services businesses, Unifeeder, P&O Ferrymasters and P&O Maritime Logistics (POML) under a single brand.
The move brings the operations together as Shipping Solutions, Multimodal Solutions and Maritime Solutions, respectively, marking “a major step” in DP World’s evolution from a port operator into a fully integrated logistics provider.
Over the coming months, the legacy brands will fully transition to DP World across all digital, physical and customer touchpoints. However, the leadership teams, services and infrastructure remain unchanged. Read more: https://www.logisticsmanager.com/dp-world-unifies-marine-services/
UK unveils new undersea warfare technology to counter threat from Russia
The UK has unveiled work on its groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme, which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities. Atlantic Bastion will combine autonomous vessels and AI with warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid force to protect undersea cables and pipelines. First Sea Lord prepares to set out his vision for the future of the Royal Navy at the International Sea Power Conference today. Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-unveils-new-undersea-warfare-technology-to-counter-threat-from-russia
RAIL FREIGHT
Rail freight underpins UK shipping sector
Amid global liner network changes, the UK government’s infrastructure agency, Network Rail, and the sector’s representative body, the Rail Freight Group, have highlighted rail’s role in supporting port-centric logistics as container trades shift.
“Freight is not just for Christmas,” the chief executive of Network Rail told senior figures from the UK freight and logistics sector. Jeremy Westlake was addressing the Rail Freight Group’s annual Christmas Lunch in London, where he was the guest of honour. Read more: https://www.worldcargonews.com/shipping-logistics/2025/12/rail-freight-underpins-uk-shipping-sector/?gdpr=accept
Scotland’s Rail Control Centre launches first cross-border operations team
Scotland’s Railway has strengthened collaboration with the launch of its first Cross-Border Operations Team, as train operator colleagues began working inside Network Rail Scotland’s rail operating centre in Glasgow.
Eight train service managers will operate on a 24/7 basis from the £200m rail operating centre in the north of the city, which manages more than 2,000 trains every day. The change takes effect ahead of the December 2025 timetable and aims to improve performance on the East and West Coast Main Lines between Scotland and England. Read more: https://www.globalrailwayreview.com/news/233630/scotlands-rail-control-centre-launches-first-cross-border-operations-team/
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: 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
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Kukla’s Crossword 2025
To wrap up the year, we have created Kukla UK’s Crosswords Special, inspired by topics we explored in our features and blog articles throughout the year. The clues derived from our published insights provide an easy way to test your knowledge, review key themes, and perhaps learn something new. All of this, of course, relates to logistics in the UK, Europe, and the global landscape.
We invite you to download the PDF, enjoy a short break, and have some fun while revisiting industry insights that matter. https://kukla-uk-december-2025-crossword
Happy Holidays!
Kukla Beverage Logistics team wishes you a joyful holiday season filled with laughter and cherished moments.
As we come together to celebrate traditions that enrich our festive gatherings, we thank you for your trust and partnership throughout the year.
Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and a successful year in 2026.