With the outcome of the Brexit negotiations still far from certain, there’s considerable doubt at present about the likely eventual arrangements for controlling the import and export of goods going forwards. But what is clear is that in any case Britain will remain open for business, with one of the world’s best logistics networks covering all modes of transport and continuing to make improvements.
Looking at air first, the UK’s airfreight industry will be major beneficiaries from the recent ‘yes’ vote on Runway 3 at Heathrow, after the last few years of procrastination over the airport’s options for expansion.
Now the next stage involves an expedited planning procedure and robust handling of the legal issues. As our only international cargo hub, Heathrow‘s increased capacity will be vital to reassert our trading position after Brexit, with exporters and importers relying on the global network of passenger flights at Heathrow carrying British goods, to reach markets outside Europe.
On the marine front, imports of bulk building materials by sea have been given a boost at Tilbury. Eureka Shipping, part of SMT Shipping and the CSL Group, has based its multipurpose floating bulk terminal VESPER there under a four year agreement with London Container Terminal and Cemineral.
Solent Stevedores has formally opened its new empty container depot at DP World’s London Gateway Port, offering a broad range of container handling and storage services. The launch of the site follows expansion of Solent’s successful service offerings at Southampton, St Helier, Immingham and Silvertown, London.
Rail freight continues to make tracks as an alternative to moving goods on our road network. The government recently announced a consultation on the use of red diesel, aka rebated gas oil, in non-road vehicles. It is a significant concern for the FTA, whose members move over 90% of the UK’s rail freight. The FTA argues rail should be ruled out of the discussion, because of its key role in moving large quantities of goods and materials across the country. Every freight train takes about 60 HGVs off the roads, giving carbon, air pollution, road safety and congestion benefits. It also helps the economy by providing a productive, cost effective and high performing option for logistics operators needing to support key industries.
“Disincentivising diesel in trains makes no sense as, until the Government electrifies the network, there is no alternative.” On average, a gallon of diesel moves a tonne of goods 246 miles by rail, but only 88 miles by road.
If the Government is to improve conditions on our road network by tackling congestion and delays, road transport operators must also do their bit to address the high incidence of accidents due to driver fatigue. A survey by Verizon Connect reveals a quarter of commercial drivers in the UK are breaching the law when it comes to rest and fatigue. UK law requires every commercial driver to take a minimum break of 45 minutes for every 4 hours 30 minutes they spend on the road. Verizon’s data however found one in four drivers take theirs after more than five hours, breaching wellbeing guidelines for commercial vehicle operators, despite two thirds having a ‘break’ system in place.
As we look to position ourselves as a global trading hub in a post Brexit world, we still have a torturous journey ahead but the message is clear. Now is the time to get our logistical arrangements in the best possible shape so we can go out and win on the international stage.
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