IN THE NEWS
ROAD FREIGHT
EU road transport ready for tomorrow’s smart tacho deadline
Following several intermediary milestones for the retrofitting of the smart tachograph version 2 (G2V2), the final deadline for heavy-duty vehicles has arrived. Starting 19 August 2025, all heavy-duty vehicles registered in the EU and operating in Member States other than their Member State of registration must be fitted with G2V2 devices. This last milestone concerns the retrofitting of all vehicles engaged in international transport and still equipped with the first version of the smart tachograph. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/eu-road-transport-ready-tomorrows-smart-tacho-deadline
Learning the Technology that Drives UK Freight
When most people think of the freight industry, they picture trucks on motorways and drivers hauling goods from warehouses to stores. While driving remains essential, the real engine behind modern haulage is data. The UK freight sector runs on more than diesel. It runs on logistics software, tracking systems, and digital coordination.
As freight continues to evolve, the opportunities grow beyond the cab. Today’s professionals need to understand how tech systems work together to streamline operations and solve complex logistical problems. Much like the tools used to detect AI-generated content in student writing, freight technologies rely on advanced algorithms, real-time data, and pattern recognition to manage supply chains smoothly. Read more here: https://www.ukhaulier.co.uk/news/road-transport/training/learning-the-technology-that-drives-uk-freight/
European road freight rates converge
The Upply x Ti x IRU study on European road freight rates has found that the contract and spot rate indexes converged at 132.2 in Q2 2025. The benchmark spot rate index declined by 2.2 points quarter on quarter (q-o-q), while the contract rate index inched up by 1.2 points over the same period. Year on year (y-o-y), spot rates are down by 2.0 points, whereas contract rates have risen slightly by 0.7 points. Spot rates are now at their lowest level since Q4 2023. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/european-road-freight-rates-converge
Trade with China: Five new fast routes
Following a strong 2024, the global TIR transit system continues to gain momentum in China. Between January 2024 and July 2025, the number of licensed TIR operators increased by nearly 600%, while the number of TIR vehicles surged by almost 1200%.
Here are five new trade routes made possible by the TIR system. Marking Guangzhou’s first-ever TIR movement, a Chinese operator successfully transported live plants to Almaty, Kazakhstan. The five-day journey included the Khorgos Port and spanned over 6,000km, averaging an impressive 1,200km per day. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/trade-china-five-new-fast-routes
SEA FREIGHT
Seafarers Happiness Index Q2 2025: Positive trends across all core areas
The Q2 2025 Seafarers Happiness Index by The Mission to Seafarers reveals an uplift in seafarer wellbeing, with the average happiness score rising to 7.54/10 (up from 6.98 in Q1). According to the report, positive trends were seen across all core areas, from connectivity and food to training and wages, painting a picture of a better-supported workforce at sea. Yet despite the improving numbers, seafarers are also sounding a clear and urgent alarm, as safety standards and basic protections are increasingly under threat. Read more here: https://safety4sea.com/seafarers-happiness-index-q2-2025-positive-trends-across-all-core-areas/
Trans-Atlantic carriers limit capacity cuts despite ongoing rate weakness
Rates on the trans-Atlantic westbound ocean trade — a route dominated by Gemini Cooperation and Mediterranean Shipping Co. — have been stuck at loss-making levels for weeks, yet carriers are showing little appetite for blank sailings to raise prices.
Spot rates assessed by Platts, a sister company of the Journal of Commerce, are at $1,600 per FEU this week, far below the breakeven level ocean carriers say is near $2,100/FEU. Rates have lost only $100 since mid-May. While carriers on the North Europe-US East Coast route are scheduled to increase deployed capacity to 376,132 TEUs in September, up to 2%. Read more here: https://www.joc.com/article/trans-atlantic-carriers-limit-capacity-cuts-despite-ongoing-rate-weakness-6066878
UK Funds Project to Combine Carbon and Emission Capture in Southampton
The UK is supporting the next step in emission capture systems that can be deployed in ports as a cost-effective means of reducing emissions. The new project will combine the emissions capture capabilities of STAX Engineering with the carbon capture technology of Seabound.
The project, which also involves Associated British Ports, is receiving an award of £1.1 million ($1.48 million) as a grant under the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition. They were selected as one of the recipients in the recently completed Round 6 of the competition. Read more here: https://maritime-executive.com/article/uk-funds-project-to-combine-carbon-and-emission-capture-in-southampton
Drewry: Emissions data in the EU as allowance payments loom
Drewry looks at the EU’s shipping emissions data for 2024, as the industry prepares for its first carbon allowance payments under the EU ETS. According to Drewry, around 13,000 vessels reported their 2024 data on the EU MRV platform in compliance with the MRV guidelines. The CO2 emitted by these vessels in 2024 must be paid for by surrendering 40% EU Allowances (EUAs) for each tonne of CO2. The first due date for the shipping industry to pay its dues is 30 September 2025. Read more here: https://safety4sea.com/drewry-emissions-data-in-the-eu-as-allowance-payments-loom/
Sharp rise in Hamburg first-half volume driven by growth in Asian, Baltic trade
Germany’s Port of Hamburg has reported a 9.3% increase in first-half container volume as increasing trade with Asia and the Baltic states was supported by new services from reshuffled carrier alliances and a rise in calls by larger vessels. Europe’s third-busiest container port handled 4.2 million TEUs between January and June, with imports rising 11.6% year over year and exports up 6.9%. Read more here: https://www.joc.com/article/sharp-rise-in-hamburg-first-half-volume-driven-by-growth-in-asian-baltic-trade-6066255
RAIL FREIGHT
Transpennine electrification leaves freight disconnected
The latest stage of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is complete, with electric trains now running between Church Fenton and York on the East Coast Main Line. The £11 billion (13 billion euros) programme promises faster journeys, better reliability, and major regeneration — but freight barely gets a mention. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/uk/2025/08/21/transpennine-electrification-leaves-freight-disconnected/
‘Rail freight transit through Germany remains challenging’
Crossing Germany remains a challenge for freight trains. Operator METRANS points to problems in the Port of Hamburg, but also to a long list of upcoming infrastructure restrictions. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/business/2025/08/22/rail-freight-transit-through-germany-remains-challenging/
FEATURES
Seasonal Transportation & Temperature-Controlled Logistics: Expert Advice from Chris Pryke, Operations Director
Chris Pryke, Kukla UK Operations Director, has decades of hands-on experience in keeping wines safe from vineyard to warehouse, even when the weather is extreme. In busy summer and winter seasons, transporting high-value beverages without compromising quality demands more than just the right truck. It takes careful planning, trusted partnerships, and an understanding of each customer’s priorities.
We asked Chris to share how Kukla ensures customers’ products arrive in perfect condition and how we stand out from the competition. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/seasonal-transportation-temperature-controlled-logistics-expert-advice-from-chris-pryke-operations-director
Reefer Containers: Keeping Beverages at the Right Temperature
Photo credit: AI-generated photo
When you think about logistics for wine, beer, or spirits, the focus is often on packaging, shipping lanes, or pallets. But for temperature-sensitive goods, there’s another critical element at play: the refrigerated container, better known in the trade as the reefer.
At Kukla UK, we know that maintaining the right temperature isn’t just a technical detail; it’s fundamental to preserving quality from origin to final delivery. Whether you’re moving premium wines, craft beers, or spirits that need climate stability, reefer containers are the backbone of controlled beverage logistics.
Did You Know? In 1882, the ship Dunedin became the first refrigerated vessel to deliver frozen meat from New Zealand to the United Kingdom, proving the viability of long-distance cold-chain shipping. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/reefer-containers-keeping-beverages-at-the-right-temperature
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