IN THE NEWS
Italy Rail Network Disruptions and How We’re Responding
As we move through the busy summer period, the Italian logistics landscape continues to face significant pressure, with rail congestion, infrastructure works and ongoing strike activity affecting transport services across the country.
At Kukla UK, we are actively monitoring these developments and remain committed to finding the most effective solutions for your shipments. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/italy-rail-network-disruptions-and-how-were-responding
ROAD FREIGHT
New markets and routes: The world of logistics in 2025
Global logistics is being reshaped. IRU’s President shared how road transport can adapt and thrive amid today’s uncertainties at the Tenth Economy and Logistics Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye. Ongoing disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts are reminding everyone that global trade is deeply vulnerable to shocks. When borders close or routes become unsafe, economies constrict, costs rise, and the supply chains that communities and businesses depend on are compromised. What can be done? Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/new-markets-and-routes-world-logistics-2025
HGV Driver Recruitment Needs a Jump-Start from Government
The government’s latest employment data issued today (17 July) shows unemployment is at its highest level since June 2021 and has increased to 4.7% in the three months to May. The announcement comes as Logistics UK’s Skills and Employment Update analyses data from the first quarter of the year and identifies pressing concerns regarding HGV drivers, where the average age is 48 years old and more than half of the profession are over 50. In addition to demographic pressures, the report shows that transport operators are also facing significant difficulties in recruiting HGV drivers, with 14.5% experiencing severe or very severe issues. Read more here: https://www.ukhaulier.co.uk/news/road-transport/recuitment/hgv-driver-recruitment-needs-a-jump-start-from-government-says-logistics-uk/
SEA FREIGHT
Europe’s port congestion forcing Gemini to switch up Asia service
The Gemini Cooperation is adding three new calls on a joint Asia-Europe container service as port congestion in Northern Europe challenges the hub-and-spoke model championed by the shipping alliance. Gemini partners Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will change port rotations for their respective AE5 and NE4 services from Asia to “address fluctuating port congestion in Europe and ensure more consistent delivery,” said Hapag-Lloyd. Read more here: https://www.joc.com/article/europes-port-congestion-forcing-gemini-to-switch-up-asia-service-6040395
Red Sea attacks: Industry calls for the protection of innocent seafarers
The maritime industry has responded to recent attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, calling for an end to violence and the protection of innocent seafarers. At least three seafarers have been confirmed dead and two others seriously injured after Yemen’s Houthi militants launched attacks on the Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier Eternity C in the Red Sea on 7 July, using at least four speedboats and two unmanned aerial vehicles. Moreover, on July 6, Greek-owned bulk carrier Magic Seas that was set ablaze in an attack in the Red Sea and abandoned by the crew who were subsequently rescued.. Read more here: https://safety4sea.com/red-sea-attacks-industry-calls-for-the-protection-of-innocent-seafarers/
MSC to launch new USEC-Oceania weekly service in February
Mediterranean Shipping Co. will launch a new direct weekly service between the US East Coast and Oceania in February, boosting total monthly sailings on the small but expanding trade lane by approximately one-quarter.
The standalone service, announced Wednesday, will be called the Eagle Service and serve several ports in Australia and New Zealand, with additional stops through the Panama Canal. It will include 11 vessels, but MSC declined to comment on how much capacity the service will bring to the trade. The full rotation includes Philadelphia, Savannah, Freeport, Rodman, Papeete, Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Tauranga, Rodman and Cristobal. Read more here: https://www.joc.com/article/msc-to-launch-new-usec-oceania-weekly-service-in-february-6049075
Ocean carriers flex tonnage control, but overcapacity is mounting
External forces and a modicum of industry discipline mitigated yawning overcapacity in container shipping in the first half of 2025. But the sharpest pressures on ocean carriers’ capacity control, and resulting pricing, in the coming year are only intensifying, as reflected by the plunge in container spot rates on the trans-Pacific.
The signs and rewards of capacity discipline in the first six months were modest. Container lines concluded annual trans-Pacific service contracts at levels 10% to 20% higher than last year, moving closer to $2,000 per FEU to the US West Coast for midsize importers. Read more here: https://www.joc.com/article/ocean-carriers-flex-tonnage-control-but-overcapacity-is-mounting-6030004
RAIL FREIGHT
90% of UK industry calls for HS2 revival to boost rail freight capacity
Britain’s manufacturing sector has issued a powerful call to revive the shelved eastern leg of High Speed 2 (HS2). It would link Manchester and Leeds, as a strategic measure to free up vital capacity for rail freight. A new report published today, Monday 21 July, by Make UK and Barclays UK Corporate Bank reveals that almost nine in ten companies support the resurrection of the original high-speed route — and they’re equally in favour of better rail links between the North’s major cities. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2025/07/21/90-of-uk-industry-calls-for-hs2-revival-to-boost-rail-freight-capacity/
Port of Valencia records rail freight growth in first half of the year
The port of Valencia moved 123,933 containers during the first half of the year, 5.93% more than the same period in 2024. An increase was also recorded for total tonnes moved by rail, which rose by 7.78% reaching 1,64 million. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/business/2025/07/25/port-of-valencia-records-rail-freight-growth-in-first-half-of-the-year/
FEATURES
Emma Canty, Kukla UK’s Trade Development Manager, talks new wine trend, sustainability and speed in logistics
As the new Trade Development Manager at Kukla UK, Emma Canty brings expertise, passion and precision to drinks logistics. In this Q&A, conducted by Chris Porter, Emma unpacks shifting global wine trends, the growing demand for organic and sustainable products, and why speed and delivering service excellence in a complex market remain non-negotiables. She also shares why joining Kukla has been a game-changer in her career and how staying focused on client success is at the heart of everything she does. Read more: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/emma-canty-kukla-uks-trade-development-manager-talks-new-wine-trend-sustainability-and-speed-in-logistics
Your Go-To Guide to Documents and Customs for EU and Non-EU Imports into the UK
In cross-border logistics, no two shipments are quite the same, especially when navigating the fine print of customs and document checks. Whether you’re dealing with goods from within the European Union (EU) or the more complex requirements of non-EU trade, precision is essential.
In this detailed report, Emma Canty, Trade Development Manager at Kukla UK, breaks down the variable nature of shipping and customs processes specific to each country. Additionally, the article includes a glossary of terminology and acronyms for improved understanding. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/your-go-to-guide-to-documents-and-customs-for-eu-and-non-eu-imports-into-the-uk
At Kukla UK, We Ship Drinks from Everywhere—Literally
From vineyards in Georgia to breweries in Japan, and from traditional distillers in Mexico to premium wine producers in Greece, the global drinks trade is rich in diversity and deeply complex in logistics.
At Kukla UK, as a global logistics provider specialising in the transport of alcoholic beverages, we ensure smooth passage for products whether they’re crossing intra-EU borders, entering the UK market post-Brexit, or travelling intercontinentally by sea, rail, or road.
Each country presents its own specific documentation and customs requirements, particularly when crossing into the UK or the EU. We have our network of partners and regulatory understanding to support your shipment every step of the way. For every case of wine or spirits you import, there’s a chain of documents, customs codes and certifications behind it. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/at-kukla-uk-we-ship-drinks-from-everywhere-literally
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
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