Kukla UK and Kukla Portugal are enhancing their dedicated beverage and ambient food solutions

Kukla UK and Kukla Portugal announce the enhancement of their dedicated beverage and ambient food solutions between the two countries. Starting in February 2023, customers can access a wider range of quality logistics services. This includes groupage (LCL) consolidation services  Full Container Load (FCL), Bulk, customs advice and assistance, temperature controlled equipment and  bonded and non-bonded warehousing.

A key new service will be the introduction of dedicated beverages and ambient LCL short sea shipping service. This will  provide Kukla  customers with a similar time scale to road at a similar cost, but with the clear advantage of being significantly more environmentally friendly  without  compromise to  reliability.

Steve Wood, Managing Director of Kukla UK, stated, “We are confident that our customers will appreciate the convenience of short-sea LCL with all its benefits. Today it is important to consider CO2 emissions and using sea against road without any noticeable difference in timing will help our customers to reduce their environmental impact.”

Paula Dias, Managing Director of Kukla Portugal, added: “In an ever-changing logistics and supply chain management world, a trusted logistics partner is crucial to delivering products safely and on time. Our team (photo from left to right, Ligia Costa, Monica Mendes, Fatima Isidro and Paula Dias) here in Lisbon is fully trained and experienced in handling all aspects of logistics and we are committed to providing our customers with the highest level of comprehensive and efficient service.”

The enhanced new partnership will continue to offer, alongside the new LCL short sea service, traditional FCL services either by road or short sea for large loads of bottled or bulk in dry or reefer containers. Ambient foods can also safely move at room temperature in a sealed container.

With companies having to be increasingly environmentally conscious, Kukla took these steps to provide services that reduce carbon footprints and minimise environmental impact still further. Another such service is the Bulk shipping of wines which can sometimes have 50% fewer carbon emissions (CO2) than bottle transportation. Bulk wines are carried efficiently and safely in containers able to ship between 24,000 and 26,000 litres.

FINE WINES ‘WHITE GLOVE’ services

Kukla’s ‘white glove’ is an additional  specific service offering for the carriage of fine and premium wines, providing customers with the highest level of personal attention and care for their deliveries. The service includes extra features, including temperature  control and two drivers where necessary to reduce stops and rest-breaks en route. It is provided by a dedicated team in Kukla of trained professionals equipped to handle and transport these high value, time-sensitive wines  securely, safely and efficiently.

PROTECTION IN TRANSIT

One of the  greatest concerns of wine producers and retailers is protecting the product from potentially damaging temperature fluctuations. Factors such as humidity, light and temperature changes can all affect wine in transit. Kukla specialised teams have access to thermal covers as options to use in preparing   goods for transport if there is a danger of temperature fluctuations, helping to ensure that customer’s wines  arrive in  the best possible condition at the final destination.

CUSTOMS

Kukla provides freight forwarding but can also advise their clients about Customs procedures in Portugal, including payment of taxes and duties and legal procedures to import and trade. In addition, offers professional solutions for customers like services of Customs clearance, Origin Certificates and more.

WAREHOUSING IN PORTUGAL

Significant cost savings can also be achieved through customs-bonded warehousing, and Kukla can now provide this service in Portugal. As with every bonded warehouse falling under the regulatory supervision of the country’s customs agency, goods and inventory are stored in a secure location closer to the end user and can be held until duties and inspections are paid and made. Exporters are able to  defer payment of duty and taxes until the goods have been purchased by the receiving client.  A non-bonded warehouse service is available, where  importers will have already paid taxes on goods received and inspected.

INSURANCE

A full service of insurance cover is offered. Often overlooked when covering the potential loss of cost value of the goods to be shipped is the potential price of sale and with it, the customer’s potential margin. It is highly recommended that the anticipated sales prices, not just the cost price, is considered as money well spent, to apply to any possible loss of profit should the worst occur.