Information Update 2023

June 2023 

 

USA – Ongoing disruptions at US West Coast ports – 8 June

Cargo operations at multiple terminals at US West Coast ports were cancelled or closed over the last several days due to labour disputes. According to the American Journal of Transportation, at least one terminal at the Port of Los Angeles cancelled cargo operations on Monday (5th), while at the Port of Long Beach, two terminals were closed on the same day. Also, according to a notice sent to the trucking community, Pacific Container Terminals at the Port of Long Beach cancelled cargo operations for Tuesday’s (6th) first shift. We will provide you with more information as it becomes available.

Australia and New Zealand – 5 June

Shortage of equipment in Australia is causing vessel bookings to be delayed. While in New Zealand, bookings are being rolled and held at Port Tauranga due to the cargo backlog in Australia.

South Africa – 5 June

There have been recent short shipments on the Mol Proficiency for 20ft containers. The replacement vessel is the Santa Clara, but some delays may occur. Our team will inform customers whose orders might be affected.

South America – 5 June

The international border between Chile and Argentina has reopened following heavy snowfall last week.

 

May 2023

 

Australia and New Zealand – 30 May 

There is currently a shortage of equipment in Australia, leading to the rolling of vessel bookings. Similarly, in New Zealand, bookings are being rolled and held at Tauranga due to the backlog of cargo in Australia.

South America – 30 May

Good news from South America. The international border between Chile and Argentina has reopened following last week’s heavy snowfall.

International border Argentina-Chile – 25 May

The border has been closed since 21 May due to bad weather. A heavy snow storm has made the safe transit of trucks impossible at present

CDS unplanned outage – 16 May 2023

An unplanned outage occurred on Customs Declaration Service (CDS) system starting around noon today. This outage resulted in delayed responses, with no entries showing as cleared or submitted. HMRC is aware of the situation and investigating. We will provide you with more information as it becomes available.

The strike in Germany has been cancelled – 15 May

We are pleased to inform you that the planned railway strike in Germany has been cancelled. This development means that regular operations will resume sooner than anticipated. We are delighted to share this positive news with you, and if you have any further questions our team is here to advice.

Multiple strikes scheduled in Portugal in May and June – 15 May – strikes have been cancelled

We have received information regarding upcoming strikes at Portuguese ports. The industrial action is scheduled for the following dates: from 00:00 on 25th May to 24:00 on 26th May and from 00:00 on 30th May to 24:00 on 1st June. Additionally, in the following month, there are strikes scheduled on the 5th, 9th, 12th, and 16th, as well as the 19th, 23rd, 26th, and 30th of June, all starting from 00:00 to 24:00. These multiple strikes have the potential to impact all vessel operations during these periods. We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated on any developments that may arise.

Italy – 15 May

Please be advised that a national strike is taking place in Germany from the 14th to the 16th of May, possibly extending to May 17th. Consequently, all train services operating between Italy and Germany will be affected. Our team closely monitors the situation and will keep you informed. We will also notify any customers whose orders may be impacted by these disruptions.

Germany – 15 May

Regarding Germany, we have received official notice of the national strike scheduled from Sunday, May 14th to Tuesday, May 16th, with the potential to continue until May 17th.

Australia and New Zealand – 15 May

In Australia and New Zealand, there is a shortage of equipment, causing delays in vessel bookings. Additionally, due to the cargo backlog in Australia, bookings in New Zealand are being rolled over and held at Tauranga.

Nationwide rail strike in Germany (14-16 May) – 11 May

Germany’s railway union, EVG, has announced a new 50-hour strike starting on Sunday, 14 May, at 10 PM until Tuesday, 16 May, at 11:59 PM. The strike will affect trains in Duisburg and Mannheim. Our teams will monitor the situation closely and we will reach out to any customers whose orders might be affected.

Italy – 9 May

Infrastructure work continues on the rail line in Germany, which may cause delays and cancellations that could affect the train services from Italy to the UK. Our team will keep you informed and notify any customers whose orders may be impacted by these circumstances.

Australia and New Zealand – 9 May

A shortage of equipment in Australia is leading to vessel bookings being rolled over. In New Zealand, due to a backlog of cargo in Australia, bookings are being redirected to and held at Tauranga.

 

Italy – 4 May

Infrastructure works are ongoing on the rail line in Germany, which may cause delays and some cancellations. As a result, train services from Italy to the UK may be also disrupted. Our team will endeavour to keep you informed and advise any customers whose orders may be affected by this action.

Australia and New Zealand – 4 May

The current shortage of equipment in Australia resulted in vessel bookings being rolled out. In New Zealand, due to a backlog of cargo in Australia, bookings are being rolled and held at the port of Tauranga.

 

April 2023

 

Impact of industrial action of HMRC on goods movements on 28 April 2023 – 26 April 

HMRC employees will be going on strike on Friday, 28 April 2023, including Border Force staff. The industrial action may impact the movement of goods through UK ports, airports and Inland Border Facilities, as well as those travelling to the UK from UK Border controls in Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles in Northern France. There may also be some disruption on the morning of 29 April as business returns to normal.

If you can move goods outside of this period, we advise you to do so. If you cannot delay movements, please be aware that industrial action could lead to disruption and delays. We will advise you if your orders are affected. If you have any enquiries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your usual contact at Kukla UK Customs office.

Italy – 24 April

Infrastructure works are ongoing on the rail line. Therefore, delays and some cancellations are expected. In addition, a strike has been announced at the port of Venice from the 26th of April to the 28th, which may affect our customers. Our team will keep you informed and advise any customers whose orders may be impacted by this action.

Australia and New Zealand – 24 April

In Australia, more equipment is needed to prevent vessel bookings from being rolled. In New Zealand, the feeder service is causing some delays, and our agents are exploring alternative options. Additionally, there is still a shortage of 40ft containers in Nelson. Our team will notify any customers of any issues with their orders.

South Africa – 24 April

The recent poor weather has improved and more vessels are moving with minimal delays.

Australia and New Zealand – 20 April

A shortage of equipment in Australia is causing vessel bookings to be rolled. In New Zealand, there are some delays caused by the feeder service, and our agents are currently exploring alternative options. Our  team will notify customers if their orders are affected by this situation.

Italy rail disruption – Rail strike in Germany on Friday, 21st April – 19 April

The rail and transport union announced a nationwide rail strike in Germany on Friday, 21st of April. The action will take place during the busy morning hours from 3 am until 11 am, and there is expected to be a high level of participation in the action. As a result, train services from Italy to the UK may be disrupted, and delays and cancellations of trains running during this time are expected. Our team will keep you regularly informed and will advise any customers whose orders might be affected.

Italy – 18 April

A power outage in Zeebrugge may cause some delays. Our team is investigating the impact on orders. Please also note that infrastructure works are ongoing on the rail line around the German borders, which may result in delays and cancellations. Our team will inform customers if their orders are affected.

Update: Due to the upcoming bank holiday in Italy, several loading sites/exporters will be closed on the 21st and 24th of April, followed by the annual bank holiday Liberation Day on the 25th of April.

France – 18 April

No issues have been reported this week, but our team will closely monitor the port of Calais.

Spain – 18 April

The weather has improved and there are currently no issues.

Australia and New Zealand – 18 April

In Australia, there are no current issues. However, there is a shortage of 40ft containers at Nelson in New Zealand. Our team will notify customers if there are any issues with their orders.

South Africa – 18 April

The recent poor weather has improved, and vessels are moving with minimal delays.

Spain – 13 April

Due to adverse weather conditions in the Bay of Biscay, with waves reaching up to 7 meters, vessels will remain sheltered at the Bilbao quay. Our team will promptly update customers who are directly affected.

UK – 11 April

Poor weather has been forecasted for this week in some ports in the UK.

Italy – 11 April

There may be a backlog due to the Easter Bank Holiday, but as of yet, no issues have been reported to us. However, please note that infrastructure works are scheduled on the rail line from the 10th of April to the 15th of April, and delays and cancellations are expected. Our team will advise customers if their orders are affected.

France – 11 April

We have not been notified of any issues this week, but our team will closely monitor the port of Calais.

Australia and New Zealand – 11 April

There are no current issues in Australia. In New Zealand, there is a shortage of 40ft containers at Nelson, but our team will advise customers of any problems with their orders.

South Africa – 11 April

The recent poor weather conditions are improving, and more vessels are starting to depart.

South America – 11 April

Due to the fatal incident at San Antonio port last week, shipments booked to depart on the Santos Express and Volga ships are facing delays or changes of vessels. Our Deep Sea team has contacted any customers who are affected by the situation.

Italy – 4 April

The rail line in Italy has announced infrastructure works from 10 April to 15 April. Therefore, delays and some cancellations are expected. Our team will inform customers promptly if their orders are affected.

UK – 3 April

Port of Dover delays are now at a minimum with free-flowing traffic.

Italy – 3 April

There are driving bans in place for the upcoming Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

France – 3 April

Calais has been unaffected by the recent delays at Dover, and the Eurotunnel is offering a fluid service.

Spain – 3 April

Bad weather has been predicted for this week, which may affect port departures – the team will update as soon as they have more information.

Portugal – 3 April

This week, bad weather has been predicted, which may affect port departures. Our team will update you as soon as they have more information.

Australia and New Zealand – 3 April

There are no current issues in Australia. While in New Zealand, there is a current shortage of 40ft containers at Nelson, but the team will advise any customers of any issues with their orders.

South Africa – 3 April

The recent poor weather is showing signs of improvement and more vessels are beginning to depart.

South America – 3 April

We have had news that a fatal incident at San Antonio port has to be investigated by authorities. As a consequence, anything booked on the Santos Express and Volga ships may face delays. The Deep Sea team have already contacted any customers affected by this news, and as soon as we get further updates, we will let you know.

There are no issues in other regions.

March 2023

 

Italy – 29 March

We have observed several recent vessel delays that have affected some estimated times of arrival and deliveries. These delays are primarily caused by the recent earthquake in Turkey, which has resulted in congestion and delays in the East Mediterranean region. We actively collaborate with our partners to obtain accurate ETAs and minimise delivery disruptions. Our team will advise any affected customers about these situations.

Spain – 28 March

Due to adverse weather and high waves in the Bay of Biscay, crossing times are being affected. We will keep you informed as we receive more information.

Strikes expected across Europe next week – 24 March

There are several strikes planned in Germany, France and Italy next week. The German general transport strike is announced for 27th March, 2023, from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm. The French general strike will begin on 27th March at 8:00 pm and end on 29th March at 8:00 am. The Italian rail strike is expected between 31st March at 9:00 pm and 1st April at 9:00 pm.

It is uncertain what impact these strikes will have, but we anticipate that there may be some train cancellations in Italy, which could disrupt departures and equipment circulation. As always, our team will continue to monitor all orders and advice on any shipments that may be affected.

Italy – 23 March

The German rail network we use for transporting goods was partially closed yesterday due to the disposal of a World War II-era bomb. As a result, several trains were cancelled and re-routed, which may cause congestion. Our team will update any customers whose orders may have been affected and had their estimated arrival time disrupted.

New Zealand – 21 March

Port Nelson in New Zealand is currently facing delays due to congestion and schedule disruptions. Rest assured that our team will advise customers of any issues that may affect their orders.

Italy – 20 March

The construction work on the rail line in Germany is still causing some delays.

France – 20 March

No planned industrial action this week. However, we are closely monitoring the situation in France.

Australia/New Zealand – 20 March

There are no current issues in Australia, and the number of port omissions has been reduced. In New Zealand, Feeder vessels at Nelson have been more consistent, with only the odd vessel being rolled.

South Africa – 20 March

The poor weather may continue for some time as it is a regular occurrence at this time of year. There is still limited availability of reefers.

South Africa – 15 March

We were notified that the port in Cape Town is ‘windbound’ and, currently, all vessel departures are impacted. Our team will promptly inform you if your orders are delayed.

UK – 13 March   

Due to the strong winds, arrivals and departures at UK ports may be disrupted. In addition, the industrial action announced for Wednesday, 15 March 2023 will likely impact the movement of goods through UK ports, airports and Inland Border Facilities UK Border controls in Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles in Northern France. We may continue to experience some delays on the morning of Thursday, 16 March as business returns to normal.

Italy – 13 March

The construction work on the rail line in Germany is still causing some delays. The rail terminals are quite full at the moment due to the delays with departures. A lack of southbound traffic may also impact the availability of northbound trucks and containers. Our team will advise if your orders are affected.

France – 13 March

Pending French strikes are being monitored by our team on Wednesday, 15 March and Thursday, 16 March 2023. The team will contact any customers potentially affected by this in due course.

Spain – 13 March

Current high winds may affect sailings. Our team are monitoring the situation.

Eastern Europe – 13 March

In our other Euro countries, the French strike and the current bad weather are causing some delays out of Eastern Europe, but we are re-routing where we can through the Eurotunnel to avoid too many delays to our service.

Australia/New Zealand – 13 March

There are no current issues in Australia, and the number of port omissions has been reduced. In New Zealand, Feeder vessels at Nelson have been more consistent, with only the odd vessel being rolled.

South Africa – 13 March

Due to the ongoing windy weather, there are still some delays; however, we have had notification of vessel departures. The team will update customers as soon as they can. This weather may continue for some time as it is a regular occurrence at this time of year. There is still limited availability of reefers.

UK – Impact of industrial action on 15 March 2023 for goods movements – 10 March

More than 100,000 civil service members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union will be on strike on Wednesday, 15 March 2023. Some HMRC staff will participate as a result of a nationwide ballot in February in which HMRC members of PCS agreed to the industrial action. Additionally, the action will include UK-based Home Office members, including Border Force staff.

As a consequence of the strike, the movement of goods through UK ports, airports and Inland Border Facilities on 15 March is likely to be affected. Customers contacting the National Clearance Hub (NCH) and Customs & International Trade (CIT) Helpline may experience delays. There may also be some disruptions on the morning of 16 March as business returns to normal.

Italy – 6 March

The construction work on the rail line in Germany is still causing some delays. The team will advise if your orders are affected.

France – 6 March

The team is monitoring pending French strikes – P&O are increasing their vessel availability this week to cope with demand. The team will contact any customers potentially affected by this in due course.

Portugal – 6 March

Last week’s transporter protest finished on Friday, 24 February. Currently, it appears to be no further issues.

Australia/New Zealand – 6 March

There are no current issues in Australia, and the number of port omissions has been reduced. In New Zealand, the cyclone and poor weather did not affect shipment dates very badly. Feeder vessels at Nelson have been consistent, with only the odd vessel being rolled.

South Africa – 6 March

Due to the ongoing windy weather, there are still delays for some vessels. The team will update customers as soon as they can. This weather may continue, on and off, as it is a regular occurrence at this time of year. There is still limited availability of reefers.

All other regions currently have no issues to report. (6 March)

February 2023

 

New Zealand – 28 February

Good news coming from New Zealand. The cyclone and poor weather did not affect shipment dates too severely. Feeder vessels at Nelson have been consistent, with only the odd vessel being rolled.

Italy – 27 February

The construction work on the rail line in Germany is still causing some delays. Our team will advise customers whose orders are affected.

Portugal – 27 February

Last week’s transporter protest ended on Friday, 24 February. Currently, there appear to be no further issues.

Australia/New Zealand – 27 February

There are no current issues in Australia, and the number of port omissions has been reduced. In New Zealand, we are waiting for updates on whether Cyclone Gabrielle has had any lasting effect on vessel departures.

South Africa – 27 February

Due to the recent windy weather, there are still delays for some vessels. Our team will update customers as soon as they can. This weather may continue on and off for some time as it is a regular occurrence at this time of year. In addition, there is still limited availability of reefers.

Portugual – 21 February

We have had information that there may be a transporter protest starting Wednesday the 22nd and ending Friday the 24th, which may impact containers getting into the Port of Lexoes. As we get more information, our team will advise customers who are affected.

UK – 20 February

The UK Border Force strike is concluding today and we hope normal service will resume tomorrow. Our teams will advise any customers who have had orders affected by this action.

Italy – 20 February

Construction work on the rail line in Germany is causing occasional congestion and departures from the Italian terminal in Melzo are facing some delays. Our team will advise if necessary.

Australia/New Zealand – 20 February

In New Zealand, ports still operate under a reduced service due to the effects caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. Our team will advise as soon as they have further updates.

South Africa – 20 February

Cape Town port has been windbound all weekend and all vessels have been delayed. This weather may continue as it is a regular occurrence during this time of year. Our team are updating customers as necessary. There is still limited availability of reefers.

South Africa – 17 February

Cape Town port is experiencing strong winds and no vessels are arriving or departing. This situation could persist throughout the weekend. Our team will update you as soon as we have new information. There is still limited availability of reefers.

UK – PCS Border Force industrial action between 17 and 20‌‌‌ ‌‌February at South East ports – 14 February

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) Border Force industrial action between 17 and 20 February 2023 will affect the movement of goods travelling to the UK through UK border controls in the French ports of Calais and Dunkirk and the Coquelles Eurotunnel Terminal. 

The action, announced by PCS, will involve Border Force officers based in Dover, Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles who are PCS members but not HMRC staff. The strike will continue until 7 am on Monday, 20 February.

Italy – 14 February

There are some delays in getting orders out of Italy due to last week’s rail disruption and Italian export clearance issues. Our team will be in touch with the customers who are affected.

New Zealand – Update on the severe disruptions caused by Cyclone Gabrielle – 14 February

It has been reported in the national newspapers that Cyclone Gabrielle is the worst storm to hit New Zealand this century, as NZ Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said on Tuesday, 14 February. The country announced a national state of emergency. The storm devastated large parts of North Island, and the minister said “this is climate change” and an “unprecedented” natural disaster.

“We are still building a picture of the effects of the cyclone as it continues to unfold. But what we do know is the impact is significant and it is widespread.”, Hipkins said.

South Africa – 13 February

There are occasional delays in South Africa due to bad weather, and reefers are still limited. Our team will advise as necessary.

In all other areas, there are no current issues.

New Zealand – Port operations affected by Cyclone Gabrielle – 13 February

There is a developing situation in New Zealand ports due to Cyclone Gabrielle causing disruption. In Tauranga the vessels will return offshore as soon as it is safe. Shipping movements remain suspended due to high swells. In Auckland, due to uncertainty concerning the direction of Cyclone Gabrielle, the terminal will vacate all vessels alongside the berths and not berth any other vessels in the next 36-48 hours minimum until it is deemed safe to do so. Port Napier is closed from 13 February at 15:00 hours until 15 February at 23:59 hours.

Italy – Export customs important information – 10 February

We were informed that the Italian customs systems are currently down. Numerous export clearance offices are unable to complete export customs until the issue is resolved. As a result, loading sites are waiting for responses from Italian customs. While it is not yet clear what impact this will have, our team is working closely with colleagues in Italy and will advice any customers on orders that are affected as soon as we receive any information.

France – 8 February

It is expected that there will be a National Day of Action in France on 9 February 2023, which will affect multiple outlets and services throughout the country. Port operations will be suspended from 8:00 and will resume at 17:00 (CET).

Italy – 7 February

There were some cancellations of train departures over the weekend. Our partners on the rail network are endeavouring to get departures back on track as services were resumed on Monday morning. We are checking orders and will advise if necessary.

Australia/New Zealand – 7 February

The recent New Zealand floods are not currently affecting orders. Australia and New Zealand are still facing port omission issues, and some orders may be facing slight delays. However, the situation is showing signs of improvement.

South Africa – 7 February

There are occasional port omissions due to delays prior to Cape Town, and Cape Town itself is still experiencing bad weather. The team advise as necessary. There is limited availability of reefers.

In all other areas, there are no current issues.

New Zealand – 2 February

In Auckland and Tauranga ports congestion eased slightly. Average delays of two days in Auckland and six days in Tauranga due to vessel bunching and yard congestion.

 

January 2023

 

UK – 30 January

UK-based Home Office members, including Border Force staff, have announced industrial action for Wednesday, the 1st February, 2023. Please be assured that we are monitoring the situation and assessing which orders may be affected. 

France – 30 January

Further French strike action is planned for 31 January, likely with delays at ports. Other routes are being looked into, and alternatives will be arranged if necessary.

Portugal – 30 January

The January strikes are now over in Portugal and the recent bad weather is showing signs of improving.

Australia/New Zealand – 30 January

The recent New Zealand floods are not currently affecting orders. Both Australia and New Zealand are still facing port omission issues and some orders may be facing slight delays. However the situation is showing signs of improvement.

South Africa – 30 January

Strong winds in South Africa are delaying some vessels. Our Deep Sea team are advising customers as needed.

South America – 30 January

In South America, no change.

Italy, Spain, Germany, USA – 30 January

There are no current issues in Italy, Spain, Germany and the rest of Europe, the USA and the rest of the Deep Sea.

UK – ALVS downtime on 19 February – 27 January

The Joint Customs Consultative Committee (JCCC) warned that will conduct essential maintenance on the Automatic Licence Verification System (ALVS) between 8 am and 9 pm on Sunday, 19 February, 2023. This will affect declarations submitted through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) or the Customs Handling of Import Export Freight (CHIEF) system that require automatic approval from ALVS, which may take slightly longer than usual. The government is asking traders to avoid moving goods during this timeframe, if possible.

Italy – 23 January

Due to high winds in Rotterdam, operations have been reduced recently. Some delays have occurred with the vessels departing for the UK, however the team are monitoring the situation closely and will advice of any delays as necessary.

France – 23 January

Kukla is monitoring the potential strike planned in France for 26 January and taking steps to minimise any disruptions to the transit times. While delays out of Calais and Dunkerque are expected if the strike goes ahead, we are exploring alternative routes to ensure that shipments arrive on time.

Portugal – 23 January

Departures may be affected in Portugal due to regular Monday and Friday strikes announced during January. Additionally, bad weather is causing some delays.

Australia and New Zealand – 23 January

Both Australia and New Zealand are experiencing port omission issues, and some orders may be slightly delayed.

South Africa – 23 January

There is currently limited availability of reefers.

South America – 23 January

Kukla is still monitoring the weather, which has been improving. Our Deep Sea team will advise anyone whose orders may be affected by delays in the estimated departure time.

France – distribution – 20 January

UPDATE: Due to the National Day of Action in France on 19 January, port operations were suspended between 08:00 and 17:00. Kukla team will update any customers who have been affected by this.

The National Day of Action in France today, Thursday 19 January, may cause disruption to outlets and services across France and which could also effect intra-European movements to and from neighboring countries.

Our team is closely monitoring the situation and will be in touch if any orders have been severely impacted.

However if you do have any concerns or require specific updates, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Kukla kukla.uk.France@kukla-spedition.com or Kukla Commercial Kukla.uk.commercial@kukla-spedition.com. 

Spain

Weather conditions in Spain are causing some delays.

South America

The weather is closely monitored in South America too. Due to the potential impact on shipping schedules, there may be delays in the estimated departure time. Our Deep Sea team is working to minimise any disruptions and will advise customers if required.