IN THE NEWS
Tariff-related disruption spreading as US shippers ‘pause’ plans
The tailwinds that brought a strong increase in US imports and certain exports last year have turned to cold, hard headwinds this year as disruptions caused by the Trump administration’s tariffs take root and multiply. The shock waves from those tariffs are rippling from ports in Asia and Europe through freight docks deep in industrial America. The latest shock came from the US Trade Representative (USTR), which said April 18 it will charge entrance fees for China-based ocean carriers and lines operating Chinese-built ships calling at US ports based on cargo capacity or container volume. Read more here: https://www.joc.com/article/tariff-related-disruption-spreading-as-us-shippers-pause-plans-5989017
ROAD FREIGHT
Positive ONS figures released as we brace for tariff impact
Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures released on 11 April make for a surprising read. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.5 per cent in February against an expected 0.1 per cent, giving economists some cause for cautious optimism. The news boosted the Pound, which rose 0.4% against the US Dollar within an hour of the announcement, which reports the estimated value of goods and services produced in the UK during that period.
Growth in production (1.5%) and construction (0.4%) have played key parts in the economic bounce, albeit set against a flat January, and will have been good for operators in our industry, supporting those sectors. But what will it look like in the months ahead? Read more here: https://www.ukhaulier.co.uk/news/road-transport/haulage/positive-ons-figures-released-as-we-brace-for-tariff-impact/
Widening age chasm compounds truck driver shortage crisis: new IRU report
IRU’s (International Road Transport Union) latest global truck driver shortage report is out. While unfilled positions in 2024 were similar to 2023 due to easing transport demand, alarming figures show a widening age chasm between young and older driver employment rates. But salaries and job satisfaction remain high.
IRU’s 2024 global truck driver shortage report has found that 3.6 million positions remain unfilled in 36 countries studied, representing 70% of global GDP. This is a similar level to 2023, primarily due to easing transport demand over that period. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/widening-age-chasm-compounds-truck-driver-shortage-crisis-new-iru-report
Silvertown tunnel increases network resilience, but it comes at a cost
Following the opening of the Silvertown tunnel in London, Logistics UK Senior Policy Manager – Road Freight Regulation Chris Yarsley says it will increase network resilience and make journey times more predictable, but feels the high toll charges penalise essential delivery vehicles who have no alternative means of servicing the capital: “Logistics UK has consistently supported the Silvertown tunnel project since its inception and, now it is open, the tunnel will play a key part in London’s road infrastructure. Read more here: https://www.ukhaulier.co.uk/news/road-transport/roads/silvertown-tunnel-increases-network-resilience-but-it-comes-at-a-cost-says-logistics-uk/
SEA FREIGHT
How AI-powered PSC intelligence is reducing port congestion and detentions
As of March 2025, an estimated 8.4% of the global container fleet—amounting to approximately 2.65 million TEUs—is caught in delays tied to port congestion, a figure that continues to challenge supply chains worldwide. While many factors drive these bottlenecks—ranging from labour shortages to infrastructure constraints—vessel detentions resulting from Port State Control (PSC) inspections remain a critical but under-addressed contributor. Read more here: https://safety4sea.com/how-ai-powered-psc-intelligence-is-reducing-port-congestion-and-detentions/
Maritime risk grows for regional ports amid possible ground offensive against Houthis
Yemeni forces opposed to the Houthis are engaged in discussions with the United States and Gulf Arab partners about launching a potential ground offensive to drive the militant group from the Red Sea coast, according to Bloomberg. These talks follow a month of US-led airstrikes against the Houthis. So far, the aerial campaign has not succeeded in halting the Iran-backed group’s attacks on Red Sea shipping routes. Read more here: https://container-news.com/maritime-risk-grows-for-regional-ports-amid-possible-ground-offensive-against-houthis/
Singapore Straits – robberies continue with MSC boxship and tanker boarded
The surge in boardings and robberies is showing no signs of abating in the area around the straits of Singapore and Malacca. The monitoring operation ReCAAP has been raising the concern and now reports two additional vessels were boarded on Sunday and Monday after a two-week lull. The latest incidents include a feeder containership that MSC recently placed on a new route to serve the Asian region. ReCAAP lists a report of a boarding in the early morning hours on Sunday, April 20, aboard the MSC Tara III (33,232 dwt / 3,300 TEU). Read more: https://maritime-executive.com/article/singapore-strait-robberies-continue-with-msc-boxship-and-tanker-boarded
WTO: Volume of world merchandise trade to fall by 0.2%
The volume of world merchandise trade is expected to decline under current conditions, according to the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report released on 16 April. According to the report, the outlook for global trade has deteriorated sharply due to a surge in tariffs and trade policy uncertainty (TPU). Based on measures in place as of 14 April, including the suspension of “reciprocal tariffs” by the United States, the volume of world merchandise trade is now expected to decline by 0.2% in 2025 before posting a modest recovery of 2.5% in 2026. The new estimate for 2025 is nearly three percentage points lower than it would have been without recent policy shifts, marking a significant reversal from the start of the year, when WTO economists expected continued trade expansion supported by improving macroeconomic conditions. Read more here: https://safety4sea.com/wto-volume-of-world-merchandise-trade-to-fall-by-0-2/
RAIL FREIGHT
Ports, rail firms and logistics players collaborate to drive French rail freight
Speaking before a Senate committee last year on the state of rail freight in France, Matthieu Chabanel, the head of the country’s rail infrastructure manager, SNCF Réseau, called for greater cooperation between ports, rail companies, and other logistics players to drive the sector’s future development. Railfreight.com looks at some French ports engaged in collaborative projects to promote train-borne goods flows. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/intermodal/2025/04/18/ports-rail-firms-and-logistics-players-collaborate-to-drive-french-rail-freight/
FEATURES
David Richardson (WSTA) talks the 2025 Spring Statement, Tariffs and Trade Challenges for UK Businesses
The UK continues to refine its customs and trade operations with significant changes underway. To help businesses stay informed and understand these changes better, our colleague Chris Porter at Kukla UK spoke with David Richardson, the Regulatory and Commercial Affairs Director at the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) and his colleagues – Sam Honey, Freddie Joosten and Franco Gentile.
They provided valuable insights into upcoming developments, including tariffs, international trade, collection and packaging reforms, Extended Producer Responsibility, which began this year, and the forthcoming changes related to the Windsor Framework. This complex interview covers all these topics and more. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/david-richardson-wsta-talks-the-2025-spring-statement-tariffs-and-trade-challenges-for-uk-businesses
We wish to take this opportunity to thank David and his team at the WSTA for his and their contribution and work with Kukla News.
Q&A with Erin Harvey, HR & Claims Manager at Kukla UK
At Kukla, career growth is a pathway, and few stories embody this better than Erin Harvey’s. Our HR & Claims Manager at Kukla UK transitioned from retail management into logistics and human resources, revealing the power of transferable skills and the strength of a company that nurtures ambition at every level.
Erin’s journey is a compelling reflection of Kukla’s culture: progressive, stable and deeply committed to empowering individuals to grow alongside the company. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/qa-with-erin-harvey-hr-claims-manager-at-kukla-uk
Freight Liability Insurance explained: Protecting your cargo, minimising risk
When considering the sheer volume of goods moved globally, incidents of damage or theft are mercifully rare, but they do happen. When they do, it’s important to understand where responsibility lies and what is, or isn’t, covered.
A common misconception is that all shipments are automatically insured for their full value in transit. In reality, most cargo is only covered to a limited extent, depending on the mode of transport and the contractual terms in place. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/freight-liability-insurance-explained-protecting-your-cargo-minimising-risk
Kukla UK’s exports expertise in motion
Exporting wines to European markets and destinations across the globe is a complex craft, equal parts precise and strategic. Kukla UK has earned its reputation as a trusted name in logistics by delivering bespoke solutions that simplify this complexity. Whether handling boutique wine labels or large-scale producers, the Kukla UK team manages every shipment with expertise, agility and care.
With a growing portfolio of clients, we’ve become more than a logistics provider, we’re a trusted export partner. From customs compliance to multimodal strategies, Kukla UK designs solutions that deliver both speed and certainty. Every detail is addressed: from local documentation to seamless UK border clearances and intelligent consolidation strategies. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/kukla-uks-wine-exports-expertise-in-motion
Meet Kukla UK at the London Wine Fair 2025!
We are thrilled that Kukla UK will once again attend the London Wine Fair, at Olympia, Kensington, from Monday, May 19th, to Wednesday, May 21st, 2025. We invite you to join the event, continuing the tradition of meeting members of our leadership team at this prestigious annual trade event.
We will be in the same location as last year, at stand B37, so do come along and talk to us. Our team is committed to creating bespoke solutions, whatever your needs. So come see us to discuss your requirements and how working with KUKLA can help your business stay ahead with a thoroughly professional service. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/meet-kukla-uk-at-the-london-wine-fair-2025
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