UK logistics industry expects continued success in 2018, despite Brexit uncertainties
The UK’s logistics industry expects continued success in 2018 despite the uncertainties posed by Brexit and continued economic instability, according to a new report from the Freight Transport Association (FTA).
The FTA Logistics Report 2018 – which garnered opinions from around 500 businesses – found grounds for optimism, after “consistent performances” from businesses moving goods by all modes of transport.
Elizabeth de Jong, FTA’s Director of UK Policy, commented: “Respondents to this year’s FTA Logistics Report were generally positive about their 2017 trading performance, and the prospects for their respective sectors. With positive growth in domestic and international road freight, as well as the majority of air freight import/export business, sea freight movements and a rebound in rail intermodal services, there is much for the logistics industry to be encouraged by.
“However, with inflationary pressures at home and abroad and the uncertainty of trading relationships post-Brexit, it is clear that many operators are far from confident about their future business prospects. And with logistics underpinning the British economy at all levels, both domestically and overseas, it is crucial that the sector is boosted by concrete plans for the UK’s future relationship with Europe, which will keep Britain trading effectively as the country moves towards the challenges of Brexit.”
FTA said it is calling for a “positive agenda” from the UK government, “focusing on making the most of global opportunities while optimising the opportunities which Brexit brings for business both at home and overseas”.
FTA added: “Retaining maximum access to EU markets, in as frictionless a state as possible, is also high on the agenda of “asks” to ensure trade can continue to flow freely to and from the UK.”
Click here for more information on the FTA Logistics Report 2018.
UPDATE – FTA European Road Freight Guide now available
The FTA has announced today (3 May) that its latest European Road Freight Guide is now available.
New for this edition of the guide is a chapter on animal transport in Europe, as well as additional sections within the reference pages at the end of the book, and further destinations have been added to a table of ‘journey times from the UK’. Individual country chapters have been revised to include amended information on public holidays and the associated HGV driving restrictions, toll prices and other essential facts for fleet operators.
