Working for our members: Logistics UK surveys

As one of the biggest business groups in the UK, Logistics UK represents the entire industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.

Representing the business needs of the logistics industry to government at local, national and European level means championing and challenging on behalf of the whole sector. Yet to support, shape and stand up for safe and efficient logistics, it is critical to have an accurate and solid understanding of industry experiences and viewpoints.

One way to gain this understanding and information is through our surveys, which are vital tools for assessing how the sector is performing and identifying the challenges the sector faces as well as opportunities ahead. They are designed to capture your experiences and views on trading patterns, operations, economic outlook and key topics such as innovation, decarbonisation, skills and infrastructure. Member insights are foundational to our policy work and therefore help to shape the future of the sector.

We run a few core surveys each year:

The Logistics Industry Survey
January
The survey is a vital tool for assessing how the sector is performing and identifying the challenges and opportunities ahead. It is designed to capture member experiences and views on trading patterns, operations, economic outlook and key topics such as innovation, decarbonisation, skills and infrastructure. Insights underpin analysis in the highly anticipated flagship Logistics Report, published every summer.

All members who complete the Logistics Industry Survey receive a copy of the full Logistics Report each year.

Logistics Performance Tracker
April, July and October
The Logistics Performance Tracker (LPT) is a quarterly survey to provide a snapshot of the current condition of the sector. Questions ask about logistics businesses’ financial health and outlook, and trends in the sector over the long term, along with viewpoints on live policy issues. As well as providing up to date industry sentiments, the findings are also used to inform responses to consultations on government policy or fallout to fiscal or key government announcements.

All respondents receive a copy of the summary report each quarter.

Manager’s Guide to Distribution Costs
January, April, July, October
This annual guide monitors transport costs using expert advice and quarterly updates on wages trends, vehicle operating cost tables and haulage rate trends, as well as operating cost forecasts; and it also includes information on warehouse costs and how to manage fuel costs. Following the main survey in April, updates are published three times a year, updating the main report.

The Manager’s Guide to Distribution Costs is available to contributors and subscribers.

In addition to these main surveys, we publish ad-hoc surveys to respond to any significant policy changes or developments, where up to date member insights are needed as well as to inform policy reports on specific themes such as skills, decarbonisation, trade and infrastructure.

Next month, we have our Logistics Performance Tracker Q1 2026 survey launching as well as our Manager’s Guide to Distribution Costs main survey, so members are really encouraged to engage and make the most of the opportunity to share views and inform what we do.

If you have any questions about our surveys, reports, or guides, contact [email protected] and the Insight Team will be happy to help.