UCT has officially started participating in the Portbase Chain of Trust, a joint initiative by governments and company members for the physically and digitally safe collection of containers in the port of Rotterdam. 

What is the Chain of Trust?

The chain of trust introduces a new process for the physically and digitally secure collection of containers. This means a shift in the working methods of all parties involved in the logistics chain, including us as a carrier. The traditional use of PIN codes is disappearing and instead we are working on a closed waiver and collection process with only authorized Shipping Lines, Shipbrokers, Shippers, Forwarders and Carriers.

First steps taken for safe import containers

Although some shipping companies have already started the new release process without a PIN code, the focus in the near future will be on import containers from South and Central America to Rotterdam. This means that our clients and we are currently already dealing with containers that are exempt via the Chain of Trust. This system will be further expanded to all import containers during 2024. 

Future changes:

With the expansion of Portbase's Hinterland Container Notification (MCA) system, the processing of “Chain of Trust containers” becomes possible. As a valued client, you must nominate us (UCT) as a transport company via the system. This nomination gives us the exclusive right to pre-notify and collect the container. You can easily nominate us by using the EAN number previously shared by email. An essential aspect of this process is the linking of our charters to the pre-notification via their Cargocard number. This step creates a closed waiver and collection process, eliminating the use of PIN codes.

The integration into the Chain of Trust marks a crucial step for UCT in the pursuit of greater safety and reliability within our logistics processes. 

For questions or more information, please contact The Chain of Trust – Portbase Support

Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam will introduce two new rates from January 1, 2024 to introduce for road transport at the ECT Delta and Euromax terminals. From that date, trucks will be charged a peak and climate surcharge.

Spread allowance

In a letter to carriers, ECT emphasizes that the Delta and Euromax terminals have been open 24 hours a day for years, but that this option is not used sufficiently. This causes long traffic jams at the terminals at peak times. The ECT wants to introduce a dispersal surcharge for this, which aims to change this. 

The spreading rate is a kind of peak surcharge that applies between 05:00 AM and 19:00 PM on weekdays. Trucks then pay €13,50 per visit. If trucks collect containers outside these times, compensation applies, a spreading premium of 4,50 euros. The drivers are not paid that money, but it counts as a discount.

Climate rate

In addition, a Climate Rate will be introduced, a surcharge of €2,50 per diesel truck. According to ECT, this surcharge is necessary due to Dutch and European regulations that oblige the company to make its own processes climate neutral as quickly as possible. 

ECT also emphasizes that reducing nitrogen emissions at the terminals is essential for further development of the terminals. Visiting modes contribute to the terminal's nitrogen emissions. Zero-emission trucks are exempt from the climate surcharge.

Carriers

With the current market conditions, it is very important to note that it is virtually impossible for carriers to pick up and/or drop off containers outside peak times. The available loading and unloading locations are regularly limited to opening hours from 08:00 AM to 17:00 PM. Even considering night-time transports, drivers come into conflict with their mandatory driving and rest times. In addition, the shortage of drivers already plays a significant role. 

Since 2020, a specific access requirement has also been in force for trucks in certain areas, including the Maasvlakte. These requirements require an emission class of 6 or higher (Euro VI). This led to significant investments in new vehicles by many companies at the time. As a result, a large part of the fleets now comply with the Euro VI standard. Nevertheless, Zero-Emission trucks currently remain unfeasible for many parties due to the high purchase costs and limited accessibility (range). 

More information New road transport rates | ECT Hutchison Ports

We are pleased to announce that this year we can be found as a board sponsor along the main field of the Oudenhoornse Voetbal Vereniging (OHVV). We are excited to be able to support the club with this. 

About OHVV

OHVV is an amateur football club from Oudenhoorn. The football club was founded in 1947 and plays its home games at Sportpark OHVV on the Eeweg in Oudenhoorn. The association has several teams that compete in the KNVB competition. The first team of which plays in the Fourth Division and since this year they also have a girls' team.  

Carola van de Loosdrecht, UCT employee, is OHVV's resident photographer and takes sporting photos of the players every match day.

Our mission

At United Container Transport BV we strongly believe in the power of community collaboration and supporting local initiatives. By sponsoring OHVV, we hope to contribute to developing talent, encouraging healthy competition and promoting an active lifestyle in our community.

Thanks to the support of board sponsors, among others, OHVV can continue to grow and prosper. This means more opportunities for players to develop their skills, more exciting matches and events, and a strong community coming together to support their local football heroes.

Together we strive for success on and off the field!

Mussels aan de Maas 2023 was another great success! On Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 September 2023 we were back with the Samen Sterk team at the networking event of the port of Rotterdam.

At the vibrant fair that took place on the quay of the SS Rotterdam, it was an unprecedented success at the stand from the official opening to the end. Samen sterk. This year, the Samen Sterk team expanded to 16 companies, all of which have a connection with Rotterdam and/or the port of Rotterdam.  

In addition to the business interactions, there was also room for relaxation and culinary enjoyment. The culinary delights of Sushi Yip and Thai Flavors, among others, completed the picture. This not only provided a welcome break from the busy day, but also promoted informal conversations and the sharing of ideas. The event was a great success and promises a boost for collaborations in the port of Rotterdam.

Team Together Strong

AWL Moerdijk • Bandimex BV • Baron Rum BV • Bonn & Mees Drijvende BokkenB.V. • De Rijke Group • Desco Forwarding Solutions BV • Duik- & Bergingsbedrijf W. SMIT BV • Freightline BV • HerikVerhulst Advocaten • Hurkens Transport & Expeditie BV • Kroonint BV • Maesstad BV • Moore DRV • Overmeer Logistics • Ringelberg Touringcars • ROG Ship Repair • United Container Transport BV

German maut almost doubled as of December 1, 2023. And from July 1, 2024, also mandatory for vehicles from 3,5 tons.

The German government has decided to implement significant increases in tolls for use of German roads from December 1, 2023. From that date, a surcharge of 200 euros per tonne of CO2 will be charged. This results in almost a doubling of current maut prices.

In addition, from July 1, 2024, the obligation to pay tolls will be extended to motor vehicles with a permissible gross weight of 3,5 tons or more.

It is notable that from now on, toll revenues will no longer flow to the federal highways, but will be fully invested in the expansion of Deutsche Bahn's rail infrastructure.

However, by the end of 2025, zero-emission vehicles will be exempt from tolls. However, this raises questions, as there are currently no suitable vehicles available for long-distance freight and passenger transport, nor the necessary charging infrastructure, various stakeholders in the transport sector emphasize.

More information Toll Collect | Truck tolls in Germany (toll-collect.de)

It was an evening to remember, because United Container Transport BV recently celebrated a phenomenal company party that exceeded all expectations. The room was filled with excited employees, partners and guests who came together for an unforgettable evening of fun, networking and entertainment.  

An enchanting atmosphere

From the moment guests entered the beautifully decorated location of the Jongens Van in Spijkenisse, there was an atmosphere of excitement and togetherness. The elegance of the decorations and the carefully chosen lighting provided a warm welcome and created the perfect ambiance for the evening.

Culinary indulgence

The company party was not only a feast for the senses, but also for the taste buds. Guests were treated to an extensive range of culinary delights, from oysters to delicious other delicacies. De Krom's kitchen staff outdid themselves and provided an unforgettable culinary experience.

Entertainment 

The evening was enlivened with spectacular entertainment, ranging from live music by Andrew Dean to an impressive performance by none other than John West! Guests did not leave their dancing shoes unused and filled the dance floor with enthusiasm and energy, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Thanks to everyone involved

This successful company party would not have been possible without the efforts of many people. United Container Transport BV would like to express its sincere thanks to all employees, partners and suppliers who contributed to making this special evening a reality.

As a token of appreciation, we look forward to an even more successful year for United Container Transport BV and are excited about what the future holds.

Aftermovie 20th anniversary party

The massive earthquake in Turkey on Monday, February 6, 2023 killed more than 35.000 people and left many seriously injured. The terrible images of the devastation after the earthquake made a deep impression on everyone who saw them.

Immediately after the earthquake, various relief efforts were started, including that of our own charter Ramazan Cöl. Together with 10 other drivers, he selflessly offered to transport to the affected area. After several fundraising campaigns throughout the country, four trucks full of relief goods left Botlek-Rotterdam on Friday morning, February 10, 2023, towards the AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) in Ankara, Turkey.

Along the way they crossed carriers from all over Europe who were also bringing relief supplies to Turkey. After a long journey of four days, with mandatory rest breaks in between, they reached the Turkish border. On the last day they still had to cover about 700 kilometers to Ankara. Many trucks had already passed by the AFAD in Ankara; Ramazan had to drive another 24 miles to unload his load of relief supplies, ending his extraordinary journey to help those in need.

In recent weeks we spoke with many people who knew someone directly or through someone who had unfortunately been a victim of the earthquake. This is how we also came into contact with the Dutch Turkish Meeting Center (NTO) in Spijkenisse. The NTO quickly took action with a fundraising campaign and with the support of the municipality of Nissewaard, they were soon able to organize several transports to Ankara. The overwhelming collection by residents of Spijkenisse and beyond created a shortage of storage space. After quick consultation with our partners ABS Containers BV and Hurkens Transport en Expeditie BV, we placed a 20ft container as temporary storage using a side-loader.

In collaboration with our partners and everyone who wanted to contribute, we have raised an astonishing amount of money with this campaign € 5.659,14 fetched. We would like to thank everyone for their contribution and support. The remaining portion will be donated to a local charity for this natural disaster.

With thanks to ATL Renting BV, Voerman Group, ULSI – United Logistics Services International, ABS Containers, Hurkens Transport & Expeditie BV, Genmark BV, St(h)erk Foundation and all other donors!

Thanks again from all of us!

Companies that also support the transport of relief goods to Turkey: 

• ATL Renting BV selflessly made a trailer available.
• Carter Group en Ulsi jointly pledge 300 liters of diesel for transport to Turkey.
• In cooperation with ABS containers en Hurkens Transport & Expeditie BV we placed a 20ft container with sideloader at the Dutch Turkish Meeting Center (NTO) in Spijkenisse for the storage of relief goods for Turkey.
• Genmark BV pledges 200 liters of diesel for transport to Turkey.
• St(h)erk Foundation with a contribution to the transport to Turkey.
• All other donors!

API link MCA Road ensures more effective planning UCT

The freight forwarding office of United Container Transport BV organizes the daily road transport of sea containers over land. They bring goods from the port of Rotterdam to locations throughout Europe and vice versa, say father and daughter William and Laura van Beers.

Truck Operators who use the EDI link to make pre-announcements via Portbase must take into account that they have switched to the MCA Road API link before 31 December. The API link not only ensures that communication is much faster, it is also possible to request status information directly via the API link. Within seconds after entering the file, you can see whether the container is exempt or not and you can anticipate problem situations. Laura van Beers, co-owner of United Container Transport BV, has been experiencing the benefits of working with the API link for several weeks now. In this article she explains the positive impact of working with the coupling on the operation.

Obtain status information quickly and at an early stage

To make the transition to MCA Road as smooth as possible, Portbase has for some time been using a converter that converts the COPINO EDI messages into the MCA Road API messages. As of December 31, support for the EDI converter will end. Truck Operators who want to continue using MCA Road within their Modality system should integrate the MCA Road API interface before the end of the year, if desired. UCT has been using the API link for several weeks and is already noticing the positive effects. A team of three planners manages around 40 to 50 trucks on a daily basis. Previously, a large part of the time was spent on administrative tasks, which meant that the planners sometimes hardly got around to planning. Because you could only see whether a container was exempt or not when you made the final pre-notification, schedules had to be adjusted continuously at the last minute and it was difficult to inform customers in time.