IN THE NEWS
ROAD FREIGHT
Greening transport needs a pragmatic approach, IRU tells ministers
Opening the 2024 ITF Summit of Transport Ministers in Leipzig, Germany, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto has stressed the importance of a pragmatic approach to decarbonising commercial road transport based on proven, available efficiency measures. Governments need to support proven efficiency measures, at the same time as alternative fuels investment, to decarbonise effectively, IRU told transport ministers and industry leaders worldwide at the opening plenary session of the annual Summit of the International Transport Forum (ITF).
IRU Green Compact research has found that the best way to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 is for the industry and governments to simultaneously deliver on two types of actions: energy efficiency measures and alternative fuels implementation. Energy efficiency measures available now can cut 50% of all CO2 emissions from commercial road transport by 2050. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/greening-transport-needs-pragmatic-approach-iru-tells-ministers
Logistics trade bodies call for action on new EU import declarations
Global and European trade associations representing commercial transport have issued an urgent alert to all businesses involved in moving goods into or via the EU, Norway, Switzerland or Northern Ireland by sea, road or rail. The new Import Control System (ICS2) will be introduced from June this year.
The World Shipping Council, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders, the Global Shippers Forum, the European Community Association of Ship Brokers and Agents, the European Community Shipowners’ Associations, the European Associations for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services, the European Shippers Council and the International Road Transport Union have together stressed the importance of the new controls and their impact on the movement of goods into or via the European Customs Territory by sea, road and rail. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/logistics-trade-bodies-call-action-new-eu-import-declarations
SEA FREIGHT
Red Sea crisis still leaves alliances short of ships, as new buildings fully absorbed
The three container shipping alliances are still short of 36 ships, or 10% of the required tonnage, to entirely fulfill their 25 Asia – Europe loops as of 10 May. Despite record newbuilding deliveries this year, and 1.14 million TEUs delivered so far, the Red Sea crisis has soaked up all available tonnage.
Alphaliner’s report says, “Taking into account that the average vessel size on this trade currently stands at 14,150 TEUs, some 509,400 extra slots are still needed. This represents 9.6% of the total capacity required to guarantee weekly sailings for all alliance loops.”
According to Alphaliner, 376 ships are currently needed for 25 loops, compared to 321 for 27 loops one year ago. Read more here: https://container-news.com/red-sea-crisis-still-leaves-alliances-short-of-ships-as-newbuildings-fully-absorbed/
Shipper fury as spot rates soar – and box lines ignore contracts
The sense of genuine anger amongst North European shippers and freight forwarders was palpable this week as they struggled to digest rapidly escalating spot freight rates.
The ascent steepened over recent weeks, with Drewry’s WCI Shanghai-Rotterdam leg rising 20% week-on-week to finish at $4,999 per 40ft. However, sources told The Loadstar that slots were being purchased at much higher levels. Read more here: Shipper fury as spot rates soar – and box lines ignore contracts – The Loadstar
RAIL FREIGHT
Fuel, electricity and labour costs behind new KTZ cargo fee hikes
Higher fuel, electricity and labour costs are forcing Kazakh Railways’ cargo division (KTZ-GP) to increase its prices. Indebted Kazakh Railways (KTZ) is increasing its prices all across the board, to the dismay of the business community.
KTZ is deeply in debt and needs higher income to cover its budget gaps. Even with a fourfold revenue increase and three price hikes in 2023, KTZ still incurred a 675 million euro loss. The company’s outstanding debt currently amounts to nearly 6 billion euros, which it earlier this year referred to as the primary reason for price hikes. Read more here: Fuel, electricity and labour costs behind new KTZ cargo fee hikes | RailFreight.com
FEATURES
Kukla UK’s success at the London Wine Fair 2024
The London Wine Fair at Kensington Olympia has long been a cornerstone event for the global wine industry, drawing together producers, distributors and enthusiasts from around the world. This year’s one was held from 20 to 22 May 2024. Kukla UK was honoured to be exhibiting once again at this prestigious trade event at stand B37.
From the moment the doors opened on the first day, our leadership team – Managing Director Steve Wood, Commercial Director Lynda Simms, Business Development Manager Chris Porter, Operations Director Chris Pryke, Kukla Customs Division Director Martin Jacobs, Commercial Manager John Hay and French Division Manager Liam Jacobs – welcomed a constant flow of visitors to our stand. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/kukla-uks-success-at-the-london-wine-fair-2024
Kukla Beverage Logistics delivers high-value wine shipments to Singapore
At Kukla Beverage Logistics, we pride ourselves on delivering premium white glove services, especially for high-end, high-value shipments. We recently assisted a new client with a challenging yet rewarding project showcasing our expertise and commitment to excellence.
A new customer, recommended to us by a satisfied partner, approached us with a request to ship an exclusive collection of high-value wines from the UK to Singapore. Given the delicate nature and significant value of the freight, it was imperative that we provided a solution that ensured both safety and speed. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/kukla-beverage-logistics-delivers-high-value-wine-shipments-to-singapore
Stay informed with us!
Our communication with you is essential to us. Following the fantastic feedback we received for introducing our Information Update last year, we continue on the same path. Check Kukla’s website for situational logistics updates, strikes, issues and regulations. The page link remains the same throughout the year. We welcome your feedback and are always happy to hear from you. Check our page dedicated to 2024 updates here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/information-update-2024
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: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/sailing-schedule