Future of Freight plan is a positive step forward, says Logistics UK

Wednesday 15 June 2022

Speaking on the Future of Freight plan published by government today (15 June 2022), Michelle Gardner, Head of Public Policy at Logistics UK comments: 

“The publication of the Future of Freight plan is a positive step forward for industry; it reaffirms government’s vital support of one of the largest sectors of the UK economy and helps to provide clarity for logistics businesses moving forward.  

“The inclusion of £7 million investment to boost the uptake of innovative new technologies and the development of a National Freight Network is particularly welcome. The government is also right to focus on planning rules to reduce barriers to building new logistics developments and driver parking and facilities – we look forward to engaging with the call for evidence. 

“Also announced within the plan is the Generation Logistics campaign, co-ordinated by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and Logistics UK, in partnership with the Department for Transport, which aims to address the industry’s long-term recruitment and staff retention issues. This will play a vital role in boosting skills across industry and protecting the supply chain long-term. 

“We look forward to reviewing the report in further detail and engaging with government and members on its contents.” 

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.