Spotlight on a Policy Manager: Stephanie Haszczyn, Senior Policy Manager

With net zero timelines getting closer, my role looks at some of the opportunities and challenges for our members in this space, including issues such as electrification, energy demand and the potential role of low carbon fuels in the transition.

Some of the questions I am keen to understand more about include the opportunities that exist for members to lead in the decarbonisation of their fleets and commercial vehicles, the barriers to achieve these targets, and how government can be more supportive towards our sector.

From speaking with members, it is clear that the transition to decarbonise is expensive and without the right support mechanisms in place, this will continue to be one of the biggest obstacles to achieving the industry’s goals.

Logistics UK is calling for clarity from government, and an agreed and co-created logistics roadmap for the path to net zero and the phase-out of fossil fuels, based on the availability of technology, infrastructure investment, regulatory reform and tax incentives.

We have recently heard that the government is extending the Plug-in Truck Grant by another year, along with the confirmation that from 2035, all new car and van sales must be for zero emission vehicles under the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate.

Despite these announcements, there remains a lack of extra guidance on long-term clarity and, clearly, members need long-term confidence if businesses are to invest in these new technologies and fuels. There is  a critical question around cost and who will shoulder it, and this is an area that we will keep pushing forwards on for our members.  

While only joining Logistics UK earlier this year, I have really enjoyed learning about what members have already done to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and it has been inspiring to see the changes already made. Some members who are going above and beyond and are setting the standard for what can be done with the right resources and ambitions, and I look forward to sharing their best practice examples at upcoming Logistics UK events for the benefit of all.  

At the same time, we understand that for some members, the barriers around cost and clarity mentioned earlier are prohibitive, highlighting how important support in this area is. We really value hearing from all members, regardless of size or plans, to help best represent views of the whole industry when engaging with government officials and key stakeholders and so I would welcome any member reaching out to talk about this topic. Part of my work also includes responding to consultations.

At the moment, I am working with colleagues on responses to consultations on Scotland’s Just Transition and also the UK government consultation on net zero ports. One way we collect members views is via our Working Groups, Councils and member meetings.

I am the secretary to the Logistics UK Environment Working Group and encourage any member interested in decarbonisation to come along to our regular meetings, either online or in person and share views on and debate these important topics to help us shape our policy asks.

We want to hear from everyone on the kinds of challenges faced and opportunities presented so we can best represent the sector. With huge barriers remaining in this space, it is critical to hear from members and to understand their experiences. If members have any concerns or would like to talk about decarbonisation, please do get in touch with me at shaszczyn@logistics.org.uk.

Prior to joining Logistics UK, my background was in sustainability and finance so I'm hoping to bring these experiences to my role here and help members make progress in this space. Going back further, my first logistics role was driving an ice cream van - a Ford Transit – and so it is great to be here and I look forward to working together to see what can be achieved.

Published On: 01/05/2025 15:06:37

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