Feature
New UK Alcohol Duty Legislation standardised bands to simplify taxation
The new UK alcohol duty legislation, due to come into effect on 1 August 2023, is intended to simplify the taxation system for companies producing or importing alcoholic beverages. This overhaul, will affect beers, spirits, ciders, still and sparkling wines and other fermented beverages, is the most significant change since 1975 and ends a four-year alcohol duty freeze in place since February 2019. New UK Alcohol Duty Legislation standardised bands to simplify taxation – Kukla Beverage Logistics (kukla-spedition.com)
A Day in the Life – Q&A with Gavin Williams, Deep Sea Manager
Gavin Williams, the Deep Sea Manager at Kukla UK, shared some of the changes he has noticed in the industry since his return after a hiatus. Gavin discussed several aspects of his key role, emphasising the relationship with customers and stakeholders. Read more here: A day in the life – Interview with Gavin Williams, Deep Sea Manager, by Chris Porter – Kukla Beverage Logistics (kukla-spedition.com)
Plan ahead – Kukla UK Deep Sea team is diligently planning to ensure timely delivery and has already begun taking orders for Christmas. Our goal is to avoid any last-minute inconvenience and provide you with a seamless experience. We can guide you, offer recommendations and ensure your order meets your specifications. Please contact us at kukla.uk.DS@kukla-spedition.com. Providing you with outstanding service is our top priority.
IN THE NEWS
US west coast port owners and unions reach a tentative agreement
In the wake of dockworker absences that forced several terminals to halt operations and impacted cargo flows at other facilities on the US west coast, a tentative agreement was reached between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and Pacific Maritime Association (PMA). Read more here: https://www.portofoakland.com/press-releases/port-of-oakland-applauds-ilwu-and-pma-tentative-agreement/
European summer closures
As the summer season is in full swing in Europe, we kindly request our esteemed clients to assist us by asking their suppliers to promptly communicate their cellar closure dates. Your cooperation in obtaining this important information will be highly appreciated. This proactive approach will allow us to effectively plan and make necessary arrangements ahead of their temporary shutdowns, ensuring that we can maintain the highest level of service and meet expectations even during this period of reduced availability. Wishing you a successful and enjoyable summer season!
SEA FREIGHT
Electric port equipment ordered for London Gateway
Kalmar, a Cargotec company, has received a large order from DP World for eight completely electric straddle carriers with high-energy batteries for its London Gateway logistics centre on the River Thames in the UK. The order was received in Cargotec’s Q2 2023 order intake, with delivery expected for the second quarter of 2024. Read more on: https://container-news.com/dp-world-orders-electric-port-equipment-for-london-gateway/
ROAD FREIGHT
New global plan to fix driver shortages launched by employers and unions
IRU, the world road transport employers’ organisation, representing more than 3.5 million road transport operators, and ITF, the International Transport Workers’ Federation, representing 18.5 million transport workers, have launched a three-point plan to help fix driver shortages. The new approach aims to ease transport labour market imbalances, ensure decent working conditions and standards for drivers working outside of their home country, and simplify and enforce rules for workers and employers. Read more on: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/fixing-driver-shortages-new-global-plan-launched-employers-and-unions
Haulage prices at highest rate for four years
The prices for haulage services have reached their highest level in four years, according to a report released by the Transport Exchange Group (TEG). Since February, there has been a significant rise of 4.4 percentage points in the average price-per-mile figures. The road transport price index provided by TEG indicates an overall increase of 1% in May, even though inflation has finally dropped to single digits at 8.7%. Read more here: Haulage prices at highest rate for four years | Motor Transport
RAIL FREIGHT
Germany’s EVG rail union plans new strikes
Germany’s EVG rail workers union said it is preparing a strike ballot for further action after wage talks with German rail operator Deutsche Bahn collapsed. The EVG had rejected the latest offer of a salary increase of up to 12%, saying it was too low, came too late and its term of 27 months was too long. The strike action might disruption freight traffic across Europe. More on: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-evg-rail-union-plans-further-strikes-2023-06-22/
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: Sailing Schedule – Kukla Beverage Logistics (kukla-spedition.com)
