The past twelve months have been a critical time for logistics and Logistics UK has remained proactive throughout, ensuring members are both supported and represented to achieve the best possible outcomes for all, across all transport modes; road, rail, sea and air.
Chief Executive at Logistics UK
In July 2021, the government released the Transport Decarbonisation Plan (TDP), which outlined its strategy to decarbonise all modes of domestic transport by 2050. Logistics UK has implemented its own Route to Net Zero campaign to help policymakers understand how they can help the logistics industry achieve government’s 2050 carbon neutral deadline, and to encourage members to commit to decarbonising their operations as quickly and effectively as possible. Logistics UK published its Route to Net Zero Manifesto for Logistics on 10 November 2021, COP26’s Transport Day, detailing 11 key priorities for industry’s successful decarbonisation and to showcase what measures the sector is taking to meet the Net Zero challenge. Environmental Policy will continue to be a key priority for the business group.
The industry’s ongoing skills shortage reached a critical level during 2021 for a number of roles such as HGV drivers, vehicles technicians and warehouse staff. Logistics UK was pleased to see government announcements on a wide number of proposals ranging from improving driver parking facilities; additional funds for training; streamlining of the license acquisition system and doubling of DVSA driver testing capacity.
Additionally, Logistics UK has been engaging with the Department for Education on skills training and has called for Level 2 Skills training to be added to the National Skills Fund. Logistics UK will continue to focus on alleviating the wider skills shortage over the coming 12 months, not only in terms of HGV drivers, but other roles in the entire logistics industry.
The warehousing sector plays a crucial role in the logistics industry and will be another priority for Logistics UK throughout 2022. A new report from Savills demonstrates an overall 32% rise in the number of warehousing units used for storage and distribution, compared to their 2015 report. The increased demand for warehouses demonstrates the need for additional capacity and revisions to the government’s planning policy will be crucial to achieving this. In addition to introducing a specific Warehousing Working Group (to discuss policy affecting key industry issues), Logistics UK is calling for a planning system that supports logistics needs and can help achieve Net Zero targets. We will be advocating for servicing and deliveries to be viewed as an essential part of infrastructure when residential planning is considered. The safeguarding and provision of land for warehousing and depots, especially along arterial roads, at rail heads and wharves is vital to enabling modal shift and efficient logistics operations. This will also minimise freight emissions- while sustainably supporting local communities as they develop.
Many of the issues faced by the logistics industry in 2021 will remain relevant throughout 2022; Logistics UK will continue to work with members and government to ensure positive, long-term solutions.
LOGISTICS UK
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