The future of freight; a UK strategy

The freight sector supports over 2.5 million jobs and contributes £124 billion to the economy, which is why the government is seeking guidance on its future strategy.

The freight sector supports over 2.5 million jobs and contributes £124 billion to the economy. With the weight of goods transported expected to increase by 50%, the Future of UK Freight Strategy will identity the Research and Development, procurement and regulatory framework that will support the sector through to 2050.

The UK’s freight system is one of the best in the world, providing a high quality, low cost service to businesses and consumers. But cost is not the only measure of performance. Freight also produces negative by-products such as congestion, carbon emissions and particulate matter.

Acceleration of technological advancements and clear, firm, long term targets will be key to tackling this.

Freight is the lifeblood of the UK’s economy and society. It operates around the clock, 365 days a year, using all modes of transport to enable everyday life.

Almost two billion tonnes of goods in move through our sea and air ports before being transported to central distribution hubs and then to edge of town distribution centres, before final delivery to the end user – all to meet the needs and wants of businesses and consumers.

Brexit has raised the profile of the sector, highlighting the volumes moved within Europe and freight’s importance to the wider economy.

Against this background, in August, the Government appointed George Freeman MP to be the Minister of State for the future of Transport. 

The Minister has written to the industry’s trade association, BIFA, to request engagement with the Future of UK Freight team.We are keen to reflect the views of our customers and would welcome your feedback, opinions and thoughts on the challenges of congestion, skills shortages, new business models and the shift to zero emission transport.