Member News – 12 August 2026

12 August 2026

In this issue:

• Logistics included in ministerial title for the first time.
• New Logistics UK research on the economic contribution of logistics to the UK economy.
• New briefing note: decarbonisation-related grants and funds.

Policy updates

Logistics included in ministerial title for the first time

Keir Mather has been appointed Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics, with logistics formally included in the ministerial title for the first time.

The appointment marks progress on a longstanding Logistics UK campaign for a dedicated ministerial lead for the sector. While logistics has previously formed part of ministerial responsibilities, the formal inclusion in the ministerial title provides a clear signal that government recognises the sector’s strategic role in supporting economic growth, trade and supply chain resilience.

Logistics UK has welcomed the appointment, writing to the Minister to congratulate him on his reappointment and new title, issuing a press release on the announcement and responding to his LinkedIn post. Logistics UK has engaged closely with Keir Mather on industry issues, including through President’s Council and the Annual Conference earlier this year, and looks forward to continuing that engagement in his new role. As Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics, his responsibilities include freight and borders, alongside aviation, maritime, international transport, security and resilience. Full details of Keir Mather’s ministerial portfolio can be found here.

New Logistics UK research on the economic contribution of logistics to the UK economy

Logistics UK has commissioned Capital Economics, a leading independent macroeconomic consultancy, to conduct a comprehensive study assessing the sector’s full economic impact, including its indirect and induced effects on economic activity and employment.

The study will assess the sector’s full economic impact, helping to demonstrate the centrality of the sector to the economy, strengthening the case for supportive policy and infrastructure investment. As outlined above, just this week the government confirmed it was creating a Minister for Logistics role, delivering on one of our long-standing policy requests. This is a clear sign government is beginning to recognise the sector’s structural importance. Member support for this work will help us build on that momentum and push the needs of our industry even further forward.

Due to the nature of the research, the survey includes questions relating to costs and financial information. We recognise that some of the data requested may not be readily available. Where this is the case, please provide your best estimate, or share with a colleague who is best placed to respond. Partial responses and informed estimates are far more valuable than no response at all.

Members are asked to complete the short survey here.

Please be assured, we will not compromise your privacy or the confidentiality of your corporate information. All data provided will be treated in the strictest confidence by Logistics UK and findings will be reported only in aggregated form.

If members have questions about the research, please contact James Hardiman.

New briefing note: decarbonisation-related grants and funds

To help members identify relevant support as the logistics sector continues its decarbonisation journey zero, Logistics UK has published a new decarbonisation-related grants and funds briefing note.

The briefing provides an overview of current government grants and funding programmes available across road, maritime, rail and aviation. It covers support for the purchase of zero-emission vans and HGVs, depot charging infrastructure, maritime decarbonisation initiatives, and research and development funding for cleaner aviation technologies.

To access the briefing note, please contact the Member Advice Centre.

Given the evolving nature of government funding programmes, this resource will be regularly updated to reflect new opportunities, changes to existing schemes and application deadlines, helping members stay informed about the latest support available for decarbonisation projects.

Quick briefs

Fact sheet available on bridge strikes

Bridge strikes remain a significant safety and operational issue across the UK’s transport network. Incidents involving vehicles colliding with low bridges can cause injuries, damage critical infrastructure, disrupt rail and road services, and generate substantial repair costs. Many strikes occur when vehicle heights are not checked correctly or route planning is inadequate. Reducing bridge strikes requires greater driver awareness, accurate vehicle height display, effective journey planning, and the use of warning technologies. The Logistics UK fact sheet explains how to avoid bridge strikes and how to deal with one and is available to be downloaded here.

New research from IRU, Ti and Upply shows European contract and sport markets have accelerated sharply

The latest IRU x Ti x Upply European Road Freight Report highlights a significant increase in both contract and spot freight rates across Europe in Q2 2026, marking a significant shift from the weaker conditions seen in previous quarters. Contract indexed rates rose by 7.9 points quarter-on-quarter to 148, while spot indexed rates increased by 14.6 points to 146.8, with rising operating costs identified as the primary driver.

Fuel prices were a major factor, with EU diesel averaging €1.94 per litre during the quarter following supply disruptions linked to tensions around the conflict in the Middle East.

Operating costs also increased sharply, rising almost 10% year-on-year according to France’s CNR long-haul trucking index.

While demand remains relatively subdued, the decline in road trade volumes between major EU economies slowed to 1.6% year-on-year in Q2, compared with 8% in Q1, indicating that freight volumes may be stabilising. The report expects rates to remain elevated through the second half of 2026, with ongoing fuel price volatility and continued cost pass-through shaping market conditions.

Reminder that Logistics UK is launching its new website soon

Logistics UK will soon be launching a new website. Designed to provide an enhanced online experience, the new website features improved navigation and functionality, making it easier to find the information, services and resources needed.

As part of the launch, members will receive an email with an invitation to activate their accounts and reset passwords. No action is required at this stage; we will send further details directly to you shortly. We look forward to sharing our new website with you very soon.

Support and advice

Driving 4.25t zero emission goods vehicles (ZEGV) in Northern Ireland on a category B entitlement

Q. At our Belfast site we have drivers who passed their category B test earlier this year. Can they drive our 4.25t ZEGVs?

A. From 1 August 2026 new regulations came into force in Northern Ireland allowing category B licence holders to drive ZEGVs up to 4.25t, or 5t if the ZEGV has specialist equipment fitted for the carriage of disabled passengers.

The key point is that this applies only to drivers who have held their category B entitlement for an aggregate period of at least two years. As a result, your drivers would not be eligible to drive 4.25t ZEGVs with their category B entitlement.

Driver responsibilities for load security

Q. What are the expectations of a driver with regards to load security?

A. If they load vehicles, make sure any equipment is in a usable condition, strong enough to prevent the load moving and appropriate for the type of load it’s securing. If they don’t load vehicles, check the load is secure before setting off and ask for a load plan from the consignor if one is available. Any concerns should be reported to their employer or load consignor.

If in doubt about its security, do not proceed. Regular checks during the journey are also important, as lashing straps for example may lose tension over time or loads may shift.

DVSA’s guidance on securing loads covers all responsibilities in further detail.

Average EU and UK forecourt prices

Please find the average EU and UK forecourt prices here.