IN THE NEWS
ROAD FREIGHT
Fit for the future: EU driver training and inspection rules
IRU’s EU goods and passenger transport committees have adopted two new policy positions on driver qualifications and vehicle inspection rules, setting out practical reforms for current and future challenges. The two new positions adopted by the EU Goods Transport Liaison Committee (CLTM-EU) and the Passenger Transport Council (CTP) aim to make transport policy more efficient, innovation-driven and aligned with operational realities. Read more: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/fit-future-eu-driver-training-and-inspection-rules
Athens opens its arms to transport and logistics
Co-organised by Greece’s leading logistics and transport associations, including IRU member OFAE, the “2025 LOGI.C Logistics Conference” brought together European policymakers, logistics leaders, and transport organisations.
Participants exchanged views on how national and European stakeholders can “join forces for the future of supply chains” and signed a Joint Resolution calling on Greek authorities to:
- Strengthen the competitiveness and synergies of the logistics sector
- Develop modern infrastructure, combined transport networks, and freight centres
- Accelerate a sustainable green transition
The resolution also highlights the need for digitalisation, innovation and skills development to ensure a more resilient and efficient supply chain ecosystem. Read more: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/athens-opens-its-arms-transport-and-logistics
New EU driving rules open the road to young, safe drivers
IRU welcomes the European Parliament’s final approval of the modernised EU driving licence rules. The reform, agreed between EU institutions earlier this year, strengthens road safety and improves access to the profession, in line with IRU priorities.
With the law now adopted, 18-year-olds can drive trucks and 21-year-olds can drive buses, if they hold a Certificate of Professional Competence.
The updated rules also introduce accompanied professional truck driving from the age of 17 and establish a fully digital EU-wide driving licence. Read more: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/new-eu-driving-rules-open-road-young-safe-drivers
SEA FREIGHT
Chinese and Italian ports rank among the most challenging for ships over the last 36M
RISK4SEA, the leading maritime intelligence platform for Port State Control (PSC) performance, has announced the release of its updated edition for the most challenging ports as of October 2025. According to data, the three most challenging ports for all ships are Porto Nogaro (Italy), Quebec city (Canada) and Savona (Italy). It is observed that several Chinese and Italian ports are listed in the refreshed list across all fleet segments. Read more: https://safety4sea.com/cm-risk4sea-chinese-and-italian-ports-rank-among-the-most-challenging-for-ships-over-the-last-36m/
First-ever container ship to cross the Arctic Sea completes its journey
The first-ever container ship to connect Asia and Europe via the ‘new’ Arctic route completed its journey after reaching the Polish port of Gdańsk. Will this new link start “a new era of shipping”, as the port put it, or will it just turn into a seasonal connection?
The vessel, called Istanbul Bridge, left the Chinese port of Qingdao and reached Felixstowe, England, after 18 days. On Tuesday (21 October) it arrived in Gdańsk, for a total journey of 28 days. “This is a much shorter route than the traditional route through the Suez Canal, which takes about 40 days”, the port added. Read more: https://www.railfreight.com/intermodal/2025/10/23/first-ever-container-ship-to-cross-the-arctic-sea-completes-its-journey/
Maersk considering investment in Panama’s new terminals
Maersk signalled its interest in helping develop the Panama Canal’s yet-to-be-built container terminals, as the carrier faces the prospect of its former alliance partner Mediterranean Shipping Co. taking control of Panama’s current terminal assets.
Speaking at an event on 9 October sponsored by Denmark’s embassy in Colombia, Maersk Chief Executive Vincent Clerc said his company may invest in the new terminals the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) hopes to build on both sides of the canal. This summer, the ACP said it was looking to develop container terminals on the Pacific side at Corozal and on the Atlantic side near Colon. Read more: https://www.joc.com/article/maersk-considering-investment-in-panamas-new-terminals-6100150
AI agents proliferate in logistics despite scepticism
The march of artificial AI into the world of logistics is accelerating, specifically around the development of AI agents built directly into standalone software or tools provided by third-party logistics providers (3PLs). Those advancements are impacting key processes in both the international and domestic logistics environment, including demand planning and auditing freight bills, but more broadly, agents are popping up in virtually every software platform with which shippers interact. Yet, there remains confusion and residual scepticism about the extent to which AI agents can transform logistics workforces. Read more: https://www.joc.com/article/ai-agents-proliferate-in-logistics-despite-skepticism-6100105
RAIL FREIGHT
Plymouth rail freight on the crest of a wave
The once very extensive railway network in Britain’s self-proclaimed Ocean City is about to see a modest revival. A significant part of Plymouth’s rail freight infrastructure is on the cusp of reopening to traffic. A new rail freight facility could be ready for its first customers as soon as the turn of the year. Read more: https://www.railfreight.com/infrastructure/2025/10/27/plymouth-rail-freight-on-the-crest-of-a-wave/
‘The single driver rule in Italy is an epochal shift’
As of Saturday, 25 October 2025, freight trains in Italy will be allowed to operate with a single driver. The initiative marks a significant step forward for the sector, which “is finally aligning with European standards,” according to industry association Fermerci. Read more: https://www.railfreight.com/policy/2025/10/24/the-single-driver-rule-in-italy-is-an-epochal-shift/
FEATURES
WSTA Latest Insights on Labelling, Duty, and the Future of the UK Drinks Industry
This month, we talk with the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) to explore the regulatory landscape shaping the future of wines and spirits in the UK market. With thanks to Samuel Honey, Head of Government Affairs, and supported by Kelly Moss, Associate Director of Compliance & Regulation, and Nicole Alexandrou, Compliance Officer, in this feature, we examine key topics shaping the conversation.
From the current UK mandatory requirements for labelling wines and spirits, and differences between EU and UK rules, to the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan, and Autumn Budget. Amidst industry struggles, the WSTA is engaging the Government to make a robust case on revenue terms, with a clear message that a further increase to duty could fail to deliver anticipated increases in revenue, following two duty increases in 18 months, EPR fees, and an unstable international trading environment. Read more: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/wsta-latest-insights-on-labelling-duty-and-the-future-of-the-uk-drinks-industry
Pallets for Beverages: The Backbone of Beverage Logistics
We published a piece not long ago about the backbone of beverage logistics. At first glance, when you think about freight forwarding for wine, beer, or spirits, what may come to mind are vineyards, cellars, or shipping routes. But there’s a far less glamorous hero behind the scenes, and this is the humble pallet.
At Kukla UK, we understand that successful beverage logistics isn’t just about bottles and containers; it starts at the base, with how those bottles are packed, stacked and shipped. Get this wrong, and the consequences can be catastrophic. Here’s why pallets matter, and how to ensure they’re working for you, not against you.
In case you missed the article or want to refresh the information, read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/pallets-for-beverages-the-backbone-of-beverage-logistics
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