How ALTA works for the logistics sector

When we set up ALTA (Alliance of Logistics Trade Associations) with BIFA’s Steve Parker I was very clear that getting the right blend of collaboration and independence was crucial.

There was a gap in the market before then – so we grabbed the opportunity to set up a mechanism to be able to maximise logistics’ voice when needed.

But it had to be in such a way that the disparate voices under the ALTA banner could be assured that we all remain autonomous – we don’t have to get together on everything.

Every issue in our industry will have its own meaning to every trade body. What might be a crunch issue for one is an FYI for another. And that’s fine. We must represent our respective memberships in their best interests.

But there will be times when banding together on common themes is the smart move.

All our members are reeling from the 35 percent increases in fuel prices and we all agree that increasing duty any time soon is bad for logistics and the wider economy it enables. So, this is the kind of time we’ll spring into action together on our commonalities, pool our strengths, and make the case for relief.

This week the Government shifted. Nowhere near far enough yet but they’ve shifted, nonetheless. And it’s fair to surmise that our industry’s tireless campaigning has been ringing in ministers’ ears in recent months as they’ve weighed up what levers to pull on crippling costs. But there’s so much more the Government can do to support a logistics sector that’s at the heart of everything.

Meanwhile, ALTA will convene when an allied voice strikes the strongest chord – and the rest of the time its constituents press on independently knowing they’re part of an empowering, collaborative network gaining traction with government.