Test your knowledge!
We have prepared two quizzes for you: one on Ports and the other on Songs. Good luck and we hope you enjoy them! Below the quizzes, you’ll find our monthly transport news updates.
Ports of the World Quiz
Welcome to our journey around the world, inviting you to recognise ten important ports. In this adventure, we will embark on a visual exploration, relying on photos and intriguing clues to uncover these hubs of international trade and maritime activity. Each port holds its unique significance in global commerce and cultural exchange. So, prepare to be captivated by the charm of these ports and challenge your geographical knowledge as we unveil the mysteries behind these essential gateways! You’ll earn 1 point for each correct answer. Guess the ports? Find more here: Ports of the World Quiz – Test your knowledge! – Kukla Beverage Logistics (kukla-spedition.com)
Transported by Song Quiz
We have prepared a list of 10 lyrics from famous songs that reference a wine-producing country in one way or another. Can you name the artists and song titles? You’ll earn 1 point for each correct answer. Additionally, for extra points, you will discover five lyrics that reference wines or spirits. Can you identify the corresponding song titles and artists? Find more here: Transported by Song Quiz – Test your knowledge! – Kukla Beverage Logistics (kukla-spedition.com)
IN THE NEWS
SEA FREIGHT
Congestion and transit delays worsen for drought-hit Panama Canal
An unprecedented drought that has restricted heavy loads and lengthened delays at the Panama Canal has bulk carriers facing the longest waits. There are warnings delays will last until 2024 because of the canal authority transit caps. Read more here: https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1146282/Congestion-and-transit-delays-worsen-for-drought-hit-Panama-Canal
Blanked sailings are now the norm
Blanked Asia-Europe sailings have become expected in liner operators’ routines, according to Alphaliner’s latest report on the 16th of August. Record new building deliveries have made operators reduce sailings to manage capacity and The Alliance has the largest percentage of skipped schedules. The Alliance has blanked just over 10 of its sailings, translating to nearly 20% of sailings that have been skipped. In comparison, the OCEAN Alliance has skipped 10 of its 90-odd voyages, amounting to a suspension rate of 10%. Skipping sailings was initially a way to reduce capacity in times of low cargo demand. Read more here: https://container-news.com/blanked-sailings-now-the-norm/
ROAD FREIGHT
SMMT reports five quarters of UK truck fleet growth, with demand back to pre-pandemic levels
The UK market for new HGVs grew by 17.2% to 11,174 units in the second quarter of 2023, the fifth consecutive quarter of growth, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Growth was driven primarily by registrations of articulated trucks, up 23.3% to 5,121 units. Read more here: https://motortransport.co.uk/blog/2023/08/16/smmt-reports-five-quarters-of-uk-truck-fleet-growth-with-demand-back-to-pre-pandemic-levels/
The new tachograph is partially ready for EU deployment, IRU asks for a grace period
The new smart tachograph version 2 (SMT2) is mandatory for all newly registered commercial heavy-duty vehicles as of the 21st of August. However, given the delays in the availability of SMT2 devices, IRU is asking the European Commission to recommend that Member States provide a grace period until the end of 2023 to prevent the blockage of tens of thousands of new trucks and coaches. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/new-tachograph-partially-ready-eu-deployment-iru-asks-grace-period
EU emergency mechanism must guarantee freedom of movement
European Parliament will help to preserve the free movement of people and goods in the EU in the event of future emergencies. Restrictions on mobility and logistics services must be avoided at all costs. The European Parliament’s Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), responsible for the legislative oversight and scrutiny of EU rules on the single market, voted on the European Commission’s proposed Single Market Emergency Instrument (SMEI). This comes against the backdrop of the EU’s emergency measures that kept goods flowing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/eu-emergency-mechanism-must-guarantee-freedom-movement
RAIL FREIGHT
National Rail services will be affected by industrial action
Several train operating companies will be affected by strike actions on various dates in August and September. The RMT Union has announced a strike for the 26th of August and the 2nd of September. The ASLEF Union has announced strike action for the 1st of September and also ‘action short of a strike’ on the 2nd of September. CrossCountry is also experiencing further industrial action on the 19th of August and the 9th of September. While the strike action will affect passengers, the freight traffic in the UK should not be disrupted. Read more here: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/industrial-action/
Stay up-to-date with our LIVE Sailing Schedule website page
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
