IN THE NEWS
ROAD FREIGHT
Call for technology openness in CO₂ emission standards revision
IRU has joined leading industry stakeholders in a joint call to revise EU CO₂ emission standards, urging policymakers to embrace a technology-neutral approach to decarbonising road transport. IRU has co-signed a joint statement with the Network for Sustainable Mobility calling on EU policymakers to ensure technology openness in the upcoming revision of CO₂ emission standards for vehicles. Current regulations for light and heavy-duty vehicles limit the available technologies to meet decarbonisation targets. Road transport needs a technology-neutral approach, allowing for a wider range of solutions. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/iru-calls-technology-openness-co2-emission-standards-revision
Implementing the EU’s new ICS2 import declaration in road transport
What are the new customs safety and security requirements for road transport operators? IRU, in close cooperation with the European Commission and several partner associations such as UPU, ECSA, CLECAT and ESC, has held a first webinar for its members on the implementation of the new Import Control System 2 (ICS2) in road goods transport.
The participants discussed the forthcoming customs safety and security requirements. ICS2 will enter into effect between April and September 2025. It will impose new obligations on road transport operators, requiring them to submit more extensive customs safety and security declarations for goods transported into or through the EU. Non-compliance could result in delays at external borders and potential penalties. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/implementing-eus-new-ics2-import-declaration-road-transport
SEA FREIGHT
Contract negotiations to resume for U.S. East Coast dockworkers
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) will resume their contract negotiations in November to resolve a new master contract for container and Ro-Ro operations at 36 U.S. ports along the East Coast and Gulf Coast. Earlier this month, the two sides extended the Master Contract after a three-day strike, the first by the union since 1977. Read more here: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/contract-negotiations-to-resume-for-u-s-east-coast-dockworkers
New report gives key advice for improved connectivity onboard
The Sailors’ Society has published its “State of the Industry” report, which focuses on the relationship between connectivity and wellbeing at sea. The report highlights how crucial internet access is for seafarers in maintaining connections with loved ones on shore, and the effects that this has on overall wellbeing. It also gives insight into the issues of over reliance and the effect that it has on social interactions amongst crew. Read more here: https://safety4sea.com/new-report-gives-key-advice-for-improved-connectivity-onboard/
Red Sea crisis causes “vessel bunching” to hit pandemic peak levels
Sea-Intelligence analysts have calculated vessel bunching as an average seen over a rolling 10-week period and took under consideration the Asia-North Europe trade. In the eight years prior to the pandemic, there was a relatively low level of vessel bunching, whereas the pandemic caused an extreme increase, according to the analysts, who also see a normalization towards the end of 2023. However, the Red Sea crisis has caused a new surge in vessel bunching, back to a level almost matching the pandemic peak. Read more here: https://container-news.com/red-sea-crisis-causes-vessel-bunching-to-hit-pandemic-peak-levels/
Shipping weekly stock highlights: Market trends
The container shipping industry has been experiencing a dynamic shift in market conditions, significantly impacting the stock performance of various key players. Recent stock price movements reveal a mixed landscape, characterised by fluctuations that reflect underlying trends in global trade, operational challenges and shifting investor sentiment. This analysis delves into the recent stock performances of several container shipping firms, providing insights into market reactions and potential future trajectories in this vital sector of the economy. Read more here: https://container-news.com/container-shipping-weekly-stock-highlights-market-trends/
The IMO’s black carbon rules are coming and shipping must be ready
In early October, the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) agreed that the concept of “polar fuels” would be further considered at a technical committee meeting in January, setting a clear pathway for future black carbon regulation.
This new course must see the IMO and its Member States develop mandatory regulations to reduce black carbon emissions – and these new rules must be prepared in a matter of months so that they can be approved at MEPC 83 in April 2025 and adopted by 2026. Read more here: https://www.maritime-executive.com/editorials/the-imo-s-black-carbon-rules-are-coming-and-shipping-must-be-ready
RAIL FREIGHT
Rail boosted by Southampton modal shift programme
The modal shift incentive at the Port of Southampton has contributed to improvements in intermodal cargo handling numbers. The operators of the Solent Rail Terminal say that more than 55,000 containers have been handled since opening. The terminal recently underwent a multi-million-pound upgrade. The container handling figure is for the six months since that project was completed. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2024/10/18/rail-boosted-by-southampton-modal-shift-programme/
France’s master plan for combined transport highlights need for more terminals
France has published a “national master plan” for combined transport. Drawn up by the State Directorate-General for Infrastructure, Transport and Mobility (DGITM), in close collaboration with all the players in the sector, it estimates that France’s 46 combi terminals are no longer sufficient to meet growing demand. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/business/2024/10/28/frances-master-plan-for-combined-transport-highlights-need-for-more-terminals/
2nd 2024 Report Market Update: Logistics and Freight Developments
In 2024, the European freight sector is navigating a landscape shaped by economic pressures, regulatory shifts and geopolitical tensions. Road freight faces fluctuating rates and labour shortages, while rail is set for transformation through new regulations. Meanwhile, sea freight is experiencing robust growth, driven by record container demand and strategic realignments.
2nd 2024 Report Market Update explores these critical developments across each sector, emphasising the need for adaptive strategies in an industry under continued transformation. From digital innovations in road logistics to potential efficiency gains in rail, stakeholders must remain vigilant to the transformative forces shaping the future of freight transportation in Europe. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/q2-2024-report-market-update-logistics-and-freight-developments
This report has been compiled by Sue Terpilowski, OBE. Sue was made a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) in January 2018 and is the Chair of Maritime UK, Women’s Task Group, and also the Chairman of the Ports, Maritime and Waterways within CILT. Sue is also a member of the Women in Logistics and Women in Transport group.
FEATURE
Q&A with Kerry Radford, General Operations Manager Kukla UK
Kerry Radford joined Kukla UK in 2021 having spent most of her career working in specialist freight forwarding. She knows only too well about how cellar closures, strikes, weather conditions and the peaks and troughs of seasonal demand can affect equipment supply.
Her role as General Operations Manager is to understand this and manage the day-to-day business of the Kukla operations team, which is key to its success. Working closely with our operational carrier partners, Kerry’s commitment to meeting customer expectations and providing excellent service is what drives her.
“Communication at every level in the shipping chain is another key to delivering great service. Sharing information with our customers is part of our role and is appreciated.”, says Kerry. Read the interview conducted by Chris Porter, Business Development Manager Kukla UK, here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/qa-with-kerry-radford-general-operations-manager-kukla-uk
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 2024 updates here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/information-update-2024
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
