New service will keep rail freight operators abreast of emerging risks

A project initiated by the Freight Safe Programme and delivered by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has led to the emergence of a new service, designed to help inform rail freight operators of emerging risks.

The Freight Emerging Risks Horizon Scanning service was developed over 18 months, overseen by the Freight Safe Programme in partnership with the RSSB.

It helps operators identify, understand and consider their response to emerging risks, which includes cyber threats, political instabilities and extreme weather events. It delivers briefings on emerging risks and provides practical support to enable organisations to interpret and use the information.

It also provides research and analysis on potential future challenges on both a UK-wide and global scale, a process to evaluate potential relevance and options for tracking and monitoring developments.

The first Freight Emerging Risks Horizon Scanning Brief was released in September 2025, with 2026 marking the first full year of production. Engagement with industry partners was a key part, helped by introductory training and awareness workshops held by the National Freight Safety Group (NFSG), Rail Operations Group (ROG) and freight operators.

Geoff Spencer, Chairman of the Freight Safe Programme, said: “In our fast-paced world, global and more localised events can have a huge impact on our daily lives and businesses, including rail freight which delivers essential goods across the country.

“The Freight Safe Programme sees horizon scanning as an essential service in putting rail freight operating companies on the front foot, to enable them to prepare and plan for co-ordinated responses should an event outside of their control, such as a natural disaster, global instability or economic downturn, occur.”

Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager Alexandra Herdman said: “Rail freight plays a critical role in keeping the UK economy moving, so having timely, actionable insight into emerging risks is essential.

“This new horizon scanning service represents a significant step forward in supporting operators to anticipate challenges – whether from cyber threats, climate impacts or geopolitical developments – and to plan resilient, coordinated responses.

“Logistics UK welcomes this initiative as a practical tool that will help strengthen the sector’s preparedness and long-term reliability.”