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News Desk


Trade war sparks Xeneta warning on shifting rates


IN BUSINESS Xeneta is advising senior executives to pay close attention to fluctuating ocean and air freight rates as the ongoing trade war between the US and China sends tremors of uncertainty through global supply chains. It has been suggested that rapidly changing geopolitics requires diverse logistical approaches.


The World Trade Organization (WTO) has launched a new publication entitled ‘Can Blockchain revolutionize international trade’, which introduces blockchain technology, analyses its relevance


for trade facilitation, and provides insight into the extent that blockchain technology can affect cross-border trade in intellectual property rights.


A new report by insurance specialist the TT Club aims to reduce cargo crime. ‘The Comprehensive Guide to Global Offences’ analyses specific modes of offence. It considers type of product, frequency, geography, and even looks at which days of the week see higher incidences of crime. It also discusses steps to prevent a spectrum of both sophisticated and opportunistic crime.


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According to the Allied Market Research report, the global third- party logistics (3PL) market will register a compound annual growth rate of 7.1% between 2018 and 2025, an increase from $869 billion in 2017 to $1,513.11 billion by 2025.


HRH The Princess Royal began celebrations for Transaid’s 20th anniversary in London. A total of 150 industry supporters, partners and development organisations attended the celebrations during which the charity thanked the transport and logistics industry and key funding partners for their support.


IN THE WAREHOUSE Any company operating a customs warehouse after April this year must have a Comprehensive Customs Guarantee (CCG). An online application form CCG1 and additional questionnaire must be completed and submitted to HM Revenue & Customs. This is a separate requirement and not to be confused with duty deferment arrangements.


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OVERLAND European road transport firms are facing a driver shortage crisis with 150,000 unfilled jobs, according to research from Transport Intelligence.


In agreeing to new EC rules concerning the employment of truck drivers, the council of Europe aims to make truck driving a more attractive job. The vote supports the proposals to stipulate new working conditions, agreement on ‘posting’, which considers pay gaps and longevity of employment, and improved enforcement of driving regulations.


www.bifa.org Monica West, from Impress Communications, reviews some recent news that might impact on Members’ business


ON THE OCEAN Samskip claims that two years of pre-Brexit investment have been successful in winning shippers away from cross-Channel ferry routes. Proactive changes by the shipping line include increased sailings between Hull and Benelux ports, three calls into Tilbury, and weekly sailings into Grangemouth. Last year saw the launch of a new Amsterdam-to-Hull service, and another twice weekly link between Antwerp and Hull.


With minimal pricing gains for carriers, container traffic between Asia and North Europe was showing an upwards trend in late 2018, giving two consecutive months of positive year-on-year growth. Data revealed a 7.8% westbound increase in September and a 5.4% rise in October.


CUSTOMS MATTERS Under a £8 million investment from government, traders and customs intermediaries completing customs declarations can apply for grants to support training and IT applications. The one-off investment from the Treasury and HM Revenue & Customs is to support broker training and increase automation. It is aimed at increasing sector capacity ahead of March.


IN THE AIR Demand in global air freight markets, measured in freight tonne kilometres, rose 3.1% in October 2018, compared with the same period the year before, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This pace of growth was up from a 29-month low of 2.5% in September. European airlines experienced a 1.4% increase in freight demand in October 2018, compared with the same period a year earlier.


Cargo airlines are suffering a pilot shortage. Some are offering bonuses in exchange for continued service. The high barriers to entry for new pilots are contributing to low numbers.


January 2019


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