UK Freight News
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Search and rescue helicopters contract
A £1.6 billion contract has been signed to provide a search and rescue helicopter service for the UK with Bristow Helicopters... -
UK economy and environment at heart of government's vision for aviation
The aviation policy framework sets out the government's high level objectives for the...
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UK retailers get export and investment action plan
Vince Cable launches UK Retail Industry International Action Plan at Retail Week Live the largest annual gathering of senior... -
Mayor announces plans for UK's largest 'floating village'
The Mayor, Boris Johnson, has unveiled ambitious plans to create the UK's largest 'floating village' as part of his...
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Aviation Needs a Global Agreement on Market-Based Measures
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for governments to agree on a global approach to market-based... -
Rochester firm says 'alloy' to regional growth boost within aerospace
Business Minister Michael Fallon visits Rochester aerospace firm who have secured over £1 million from the...
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Driving Professional Standards
The Driver CPC regulations require all HGV and bus drivers to undergo 35 hours of training within every five year period. The first phase of this... -
Driving ATM Improvements, Delivering the Single European Sky
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for action to improve air traffic management (ATM)...
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Freight will benefit from High Speed 2
Rail Freight Group (RFG) today welcomed Government's announcement on HS2 Phase 2. The published report sets out the details of route to... -
No let up for logistics and supply chains in run up to Christmas
In the past, the week directly before Christmas Day has been a lot quieter for delivery companies, as people...
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Outlook appears positive for UK logistics and freight firms
The outlook for the coming year for logistics service providers and freight forwarders appears positive, new research... -
Plans unveiled to increase truck speeds to boost growth
Plans to increase the speed limit for some HGVs in a bid to boost economic growth have been announced today by Roads...
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MEPs oppose liberalisation of ground services at airports
Parliament's transport committee have rejected a European Commission proposal to open up ground–handling services to... -
Road transport sector must focus on sustainability and efficiency
According to a recent survey conducted on behalf of the Commercial Vehicle Forum 2012, cutting costs, greater...
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Truckers warned of obesity risk
New research has indicated that the health of those working in the UK's logistics and distribution industry could be at risk as a result of... -
FTA asks for feedback on Sulphur Directive
A new directive on sulphur threatens to substantially increase costs across the shipping...
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Political indecision 'damaging airport trade'
The inability of politicians to reach a consensus on the issue of aviation capacity is making it difficult for regional airports to... -
Consumers value transport sector but remain wary of foreign truck drivers
With an overwhelming 96% of consumers agreeing that the road transport sector is important to the UK economy, continuing to...
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Calls for a Collaborative Approach to Boost Efficiency
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called upon aviation stakeholders to work together to create greater... -
Putting SES Back on Track
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reacted positively to statements made today by Siim Kallas, Vice President of the European...
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Maggie Simpson appointed Executive Director at RFG
The Board of the Rail Freight Group has appointed Maggie Simpson as Executive Director of RFG. She will be responsible for... -
Driving Standards for lorry and bus drivers
New frameworks setting out the competences expected of lorry, bus and coach drivers have been published today by the Driving Standards...
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MPs publish report on Future Maritime Surveillance
Concerns exist about the MoD's capacity to manage the risk created by the capability gap in maritime surveillance and about... -
Dip in UK goods vehicles traffic to mainland Europe
The number of goods vehicles travelling from the UK to mainland Europe declined slightly during the first quarter of 2012...
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Government-backed trials will showcase low carbon commercial vehicles
A £23 million demonstration programme that aims to encourage road haulage operators in the UK to buy and... -
So far, so good on Olympic roads, says FTA
The first week of the Olympics has gone swimmingly for logistics firms delivering in and around...
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Government Investment Plans Supports Rail Freight Sector
Rail Freight Group welcomed today's announcement by Government of significant investment in support of the rail freight... -
Air traffic growth slows
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global traffic results for May showing a general downward trend in line with deteriorating...
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RFG Sets Out Rail Freight Priorities
Rail Freight Group (RFG) Chairman Tony Berkeley has written to Justine Greening MP, the Secretary of State for Transport, highlighting the key areas where... -
RMT prepares to ballot for action over Scottish Ferries pension scandal
Shipping union RMT today announced that it is planning to ballot for industrial action on the Northern Isles Ferries...
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EIB supports R&D in Finland’s cargo sector
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending EUR 55 million to Cargotec, one of the world’s leading suppliers of cargo and load-handling equipment... -
Freight forwarders call for greater EU transport investment
More investment is needed in the European Union's (EU's) transport infrastructure in order to ensure freight movements can be carried out...
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Logistics sector voluntary carbon reduction scheme gets new momentum from Bridgestone Tyres
Bridgestone Tyres has become the first industry partner to the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS),... -
David Cameron emphasises importance of logistics training and apprenticeships
The prime minister has paid a visit to a logistics driver training provider and took the opportunity to emphasise the...
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HumberPort initiative 'will help to reduce road miles for freighters'
A collaborative initiative in the Humber will bring together port businesses in the region in order to coordinate a range of... -
Driver licence checking made easy with FTA
The Freight Transport Association, in conjunction with Licence Bureau, the country's leading provider of secure driver licence checks, is now offering a...
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Truck trials to drive down carbon from freight
Trials of carbon-cutting trucks are set for support from Government, Transport Minister Mike Penning has... -
UK shipping minister examines ports issues
The UK's shipping minister has taken time this week to meet with politicians in order to discuss the country's ports sector, Port Strategy...
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Marine industries make a splash at BIS
The Government will launch its first marine industries showcase at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) today to highlight the... -
Transport and logistics 'needs complete makeover'
The transport and logistics industry (T&L) needs a "complete makeover" if it is to survive, according to a new...
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FTA welcomes private roads investment but warns against additional costs for lorries
The Freight Transport Association has welcomed the Prime Minister's call for an urgent increase in private... -
VOSA listens to FTA Freight Councils to improve OCRS accuracy
Changes to the Operator Compliance Risk Score system will help the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to better target...
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New chairman pledges to maintain FTA Road Freight Council’s winning ways
The Freight Transport Association's freight councils have a well-earned reputation for turning powerful argument into... -
Consumer confidence 'at five month high'
The Warehouse and Distribution sector may find itself busier as consumer spending could be set to rise, with a new survey showing confidence...
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Fuel duty action could hand economy £3.6 billion lifeline, says FTA
The Freight Transport Association has called on the Chancellor to cut fuel duty by at least five pence per litre and scrap the... -
UK truck registrations climb in January 2012
The number of trucks registered in the UK rose significantly last month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders...
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Logistics takes the lead in tackling its carbon footprint
The Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme’s second annual report (launched on 31 January 2012) shows that the logistics sector is making... -
Business Growth Fund offers new opportunities to grow a competitive supply chain
Increased availability and access to finance will boost investment across the UK’s automotive supply chain,...
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A fairer deal for UK hauliers
Plans for a lorry road user charging scheme to create a fairer deal for UK hauliers were announced today by Roads Minister Mike... -
Rail industry agreement 'to boost services'
Improvements to passenger and freight services could be implemented more swiftly across the UK's train network under a series of new...
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Scotland’s freight facilities grant survives, but is it enough? asks FTA
Fear that the Freight Facilities Grant would be scrapped was partially allayed yesterday when Scottish Government... -
TfL offers logistics assistance for 2012 London Olympics
Transport and logistics companies that are concerned about how the Olympics will affect their operations are to be given practical advice...
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FTA and Highways Agency on road to working closer together
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Chief Executives of the Freight Transport Association and the Highways Agency to... -
Oil tanker drivers vote yes to strike at road haulage firm Wincanton
Members of Unite, the country’s biggest union, working for road haulage firm Wincanton, have today (Thursday 12 January)...
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Technology industry 2012 changes 'will affect supply chains'
Supply chains are due to be affected by a series of changes in the technology industry over the coming 12 months.According to IHS... -
UK Government must act to stop 25 metre long lorries coming from continent
Campaigners are warning that 25 metre long mega trucks weighing up to 60 tonnes could become the norm on UK roads if the...
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Shoe repair boss highlights importance of logistics
Good logistics are vital for retailers because getting the correct stock to each shop can be very difficult, one senior company manager has... -
Portas’ calls to lift night-time delivery restrictions backed by FTA
Retail guru Mary Portas' recommendation that night-time delivery restrictions could be lifted as one way to reinvigorate the...
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Fuel costs destroying freight industry
The high cost of fuel remains the biggest cause for concern amongst haulage operators, who are continuing to be squeezed by rising operating costs and... -
Government investment to encourage use of low emission goods vehicles
Capital funding of £8 million will be made available by the government in 2012 to encourage the UK’s road freight industry...
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Road and rail infrastructure plans welcomed by FTA
The Freight Transport Association has welcomed the Chancellor’s decision to inject new money into the cash-starved transport infrastructure as... -
Hauliers to benefit from Dartford toll freeze
A decision to hold toll charges at their current rate on the Dartford Crossing until after April 2012 has been...
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£325m additional fuel tax bill is out of touch with struggling logistics sector, FTA warns Chancellor
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is warning the Chancellor against pressing ahead with... -
FTA welcomes new rules on diabetes for commercial vehicle drivers
The Freight Transport Association has welcomed changes in the law which will now enable people with insulin treated diabetes to...
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Government must act on fuel duty
The government must heed the advice of its own MPs and overhaul its fuel duty policy to avoid doing further damage to the industry and the economy, warns the... -
Compulsory lorry driver training still causing sleepless nights across industry, warns FTA
By September 2014 all lorry drivers in Europe must have completed 35 hours of training in compliance with...
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Rising fuel costs stoke inflation and unemployment, reveals FTA’s Kent survey
Three out of four Kent-based transport operators have had to pass on increasing fuel costs to their customers,... -
Rail freight is crucial to a resilient Scottish economy
The Scottish Parliament has been urged to recognise the strategic economic benefits of investing in rail...
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Threat to UK rail freight defused
A threat to the future growth of the UK’s rail freight market has been avoided following news that the EU’s Non-Road Mobile Machinery Directive will allow more... -
UK HGVs move more road freight year-on-year
Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK moved more road freight during 2010 than they did the previous...
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FTA welcomes new transport secretary
The Freight Transport Association has congratulated Justine Greening on becoming the new Secretary of State for Transport following the weekend’s ministerial... -
DHL Express fleet awarded for excellence by FTA
DHL Express is the first logistics company in the UK to receive accreditation under the Freight Transport Association's Van Excellence scheme. Its...
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VOSA and HSL partnering on load safety initiative
The safety of freight loads in the UK's road transport sector is the focus of a new project. A study will be conducted by the Vehicle Operator and... -
£33M boost for hauliers with longer lorries trial
Some hauliers will be allowed to use longer trailers under plans to boost growth published today by Roads Minister Mike...
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Princes ships freight by canal to reduce emissions
A new pact between food and drink manufacturer Princes and Peel Ports is expected to reduce road miles and carbon... -
German freight transport shipments increase
Freight transhipment in Germany climbed during the first half of 2011, although it still has some way to go before it returns to 2008...
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Shipping piracy needs to stop
Organisations and governments around the world need to cooperate on efforts to get rid of the threat of modern-day piracy, it has been... -
Construction boost may raise warehouse capacity requirement
More warehouse and distribution capacity may be required in the UK if the recovery of industry continues, after new figures showed...
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Hauliers preparing for new London emissions regulations
Freight industry companies are preparing for the introduction of new emissions regulations in... -
Charities press for new shipping tax
Shipping emissions would be substantially reduced by imposing a carbon price of $25 per tonne on bunker fuel.The call has been issued by Oxfam and the World...
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Rise in UK port freight over Q2
The level of freight moving through UK ports climbed by four per cent year-on-year during the 12 months to the second quarter of 2011, new figures... -
UK rail freight route opens
A new rail freight route has been opened in the UK to regular European-sized freight trains on the High Speed 1 line between London and the Channel...
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Government’s stark fuel duty choice
With the UK barely registering economic growth and business organisations offering nothing but gloomy forecasts, the government needs to be more decisive than... -
Industry forced to find extra £1.3bn to fill its fuel tanks, says FTA
Road freight operators have had to find an additional £1.3 billion over a 12-month period to cover the rising cost of...
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Commission proposes to cut sulphur dioxide emissions from shipping by 90 %
Better air quality is on the way, thanks to proposals from the European Commission to lower the sulphur content of... -
Supply chains back on their feet by Autumn
Supply chains around the world will recover from the impact of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan by autumn 2011 (July...
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Government consults on Liverpool cruise plans
The City of Liverpool Cruise Terminal could be permitted to change the way it operates under proposals put forward for consultation by Shipping... -
Government backed trials show quiet night-time deliveries work
The realisation of the environmental, economic and road safety benefits of delivering goods out-of-hours has taken a significant step...
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Rise predicted in global supply chain attacks
Supply chains around the world will be more vulnerable over the coming two decades as a result of more sophisticated cyber attacks ( June... -
Road haulage: EP introduces "polluter pays" principle
Revising "Eurovignette" road haulage tax rules will make it possible for Member States to charge hauliers for air and noise pollution costs, in...
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New logistics hub earmarked for north-west
The Port of Workington Cumbria is working with freight operator DRS and TDG to open up a new logistics gateway to Europe(April... -
£2.6m intermodal terminal expands freight services on the Tees
A NEW intermodal rail terminal is set to be built on Middlesbrough's Riverside Park estate to service growing levels of container...
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Government proposes longer lorries to help cut carbon
Some lorries could be allowed to use longer trailers after independent research showed that this could cut carbon without compromising safety.... -
HS2 'would boost freight rail services on the West Coast'
The construction of the high-speed rail line HS2 would boost the number of freight trains on the West Coast main line, it has been...
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Government urged to back freight firms
The government needs to show support for the UK's freight and logistics sector, it has been... -
Value required 'to encourage wider use of e-freight'
More needs to be done to ensure freight forwarders are aware of the benefits of e-freight services, a study...
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Anger as vital rail grants scheme is axed
The Rail Freight Group (RFG) has expressed its anger at the Department for Transport's (DfT) decision to ‘officially close' the Freight Facilities Grants... -
Unite plans tanker driver ballot
A row over terms and conditions between union officials and fuel distribution companies...
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Snow 'disrupts retail supply chains'
Severe weather conditions this winter have caused widespread disruption to supply chains across the UK, it is reportedAccording to an article for Logistics... -
UK supply chains 'under pressure this Christmas'
Supply chains in the UK are facing substantial pressure over the festive period as retail companies attempt to avoid having excess stockAs a result...
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Green light given to rail freight initiative
A project that will see a rail freight line between Felixstowe and Nuneaton upgraded has won government approvalThe Department for Transport has given... -
Scottish budget a ‘mixed bag’ for freight, says FTA
The Scottish budget announcement will bring some benefits to the country’s supply chain and help maintain its position as a net exporter of...
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Freight by Water (FbW) joins FTA
As of Monday November 1 2010, water freight promotional body Freight by Water (FbW) is joining the Freight Transport Association (FTA), Britain’s largest trade... -
People's port plans officially launched
Plans to purchase the port of Dover through a community scheme have officially been...
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FTA welcomes a fair deal for logistics
Key transport projects which the Freight Transport Association (FTA) highlighted as vital trade routes in need of protection from spending cuts have been... -
Offshore Manufacturing sets sail for UK Ports
The anchor was raised today on £60m of Government funding to establish world-class offshore wind manufacturing at ports...
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FTA encouraged by Government’s transport investment
Road and rail projects which have been highlighted by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) as key to the UK’s... -
Scotland needs new approach to meet shipping demands
Scotland is a net exporter of goods and its industry depends heavily on empty shipping containers with which to...
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Businesses on borrowed time
The second of three planned fuel duty rises during 2010/11 came into effect on 1 October, adding another £125 million per year to... -
Ports get new lease of life
Port businesses across the country have been finding a new lease of life since the Budget decision to waive and repay......
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UK exporters 'hit by volatility of sterling'
Exporters in the UK are seeing the current volatility of the pound affecting their confidence, it has been suggested -
FTA sets out roadmap for transport spend
The Freight Transport Association has put the case for continued investment in key transport infrastructure projects to the...
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Security on the River Thames
High-tech equipment that screens freight for prohibited radiological material was inspected by the Security Minister, Baroness... -
EU Directive could seriously curtail rail freight's growth, warns FTA
When the next stage of the “Non-Road Mobile Machinery Directive” (NRMM) comes into force by the...
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Extend Severn Crossing study to England, FTA asks government
Fresh from securing a commitment from the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) to look into the economic impact... -
Logistics sector leads carbon debate as FTA launches scheme
An industry-led voluntary scheme to record, report and reduce carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from the UK freight sectors, which was...
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FTA celebrates as WAG considers impact of Severn tolls
The Freight Transport Association, a long-time critic of ever increasing toll prices on the Severn Crossing, is delighted to learn that the... -
Driver CPC need not mean sleepless nights
Meeting mandatory driver training requirements is a top concern among the Freight Transport Association’s 14,000...
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Ports storm calmed by tax refund
Local Government Minister Bob Neill has visited the major shipping town of Goole, near Hull, where port businesses have welcomed the decision to waive the repayment... -
Eurozone industrials orders 'up by 0.9 per cent
Those in the freight transportation industry might be interested in news that the number of new industrial orders in the eurozone went up by 0.9 per...
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Ports businesses welcome tax break
Port businesses all across the country have welcomed the good news delivered in the Budget that £175 million of backdated business rates demands will now be... -
HS1 should transport freight
Rail freight needs should be condition of HS1 sale- say the Rail Freight...
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FTA calls on Chancellor to continue to 'support the transport links we need to trade our goods'
The Freight Transport Association has welcomed the Budget statement from the Chancellor today and his... -
Fuel tax needs urgent reform, FTA tells Treasury
Fuel duty levels, road charging and the decoupling of duty paid on diesel for commercial vehicles were issues put squarely on top of the agenda by...
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FTA shows government how to avoid winters of discontent
The impact of severe winter weather on the supply chain could be reduced in the light of lessons learned during the last winter spell,... -
Port operator fears looming cuts could hurt bulk market
Associated British Ports (ABP) has voiced its fears over the looming emergency Budget and Comprehensive Spending Review, saying it could hurt...
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Economic uncertainty 'placing freight recovery at risk'
Although signs of improvement are being seen in the prospects for the international freight market, economic uncertainty is placing recovery... -
Eurotunnel confirms First GBRf takeover
The Rail Freight Group (RFG) notes with interest that Eurotunnel has today confirmed its takeover of First...
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Carbon tops FTA's agenda at International Transport Forum
Industry must lead the climate change debate to deliver meaningful and sustainable results. That’s according to the Freight Transport... -
Harmonise speed limits for safer roads, argues FTA
Speed limits for buses and lorries should be harmonised to give the greatest safety benefits for all road...
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Logistics is not a 'political football', warns FTA
Britain’s economic recovery will be hamstrung by a hung parliament if it leads to a Government more concerned with electoral... -
Be prepared for stricter sideguards checks with FTA guide
From May this year vehicle sideguards will be subject to stricter compliance checks during annual testing. ...
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New framework for port development
New framework for port development Ports around England and Wales will have a new planning framework to work in when considering development, thanks... -
FTA calls for carbon incentives for Severn toll
Reward carbon-cutting hauliers with cheaper tolls: that’s the win-win scenario being presented by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) in...
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DfT publishes report on carbon saving options for Heavy Goods Vehicles
The Department for Transport has published a report, prepared by Ricardo, on the carbon saving potential of various... -
Marco Polo: third call for proposals to fight road congestion and improve performance of freight transport
Marco Polo: third call for proposals to fight road congestion and improve performance of...
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Transport Secretary renews focus on freight
A new environmentally friendly approach to transporting freight was announced today, as Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon published a blueprint for working... -
ORR's final determination presents potential mixed news for rail freight
The Freight Transport Association says that the announcement on 30 October by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) of its...
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Major new research programme in infrastructure asset management
The University of Nottingham has joined forces with Network Rail to launch an exciting new multi-million pound research programme in... -
Transport taxes are no quick fix, says FTA
Home News and press centre Transport taxes are no quick fix, says...
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Congestion charge could damage region's economic future, says FTA
Home News and press centre Congestion charge could damage region's economic future, says...