Logistics industry leaders join forces through ALTA in call for Government action

As part of our ongoing collaborative work across our key sector, we recently met with other trade bodies as part of ALTA. The Alliance of Logistics Trade Associations brings together industry leaders in our space to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing UK road freight and logistics.

At the ALTA meeting, there was genuine commitment to continued collaboration - working together to address sector-wide issues that require collective action. Skills shortages continue to dominate our conversations. As we in the identified, 40,000 drivers will be needed each year in the next five years to keep up with demand. We want to train, retain and recruit drivers, and collectively, we're discussing how we can work together to do that. In addition to drivers, technicians and skilled workers across every aspect of our industry will be needed.

Our collective focus must be campaigning for better access to the apprenticeship levy and creating new flexible schemes that reflect the modern needs of our industry. Future-proofing our sector and attracting the next generation of workers will require a coordinated, industry-wide effort.

We also discussed trade and borders and the potential of digitalisation and AI in reducing friction. We've much work ahead of us on this, but this will need government backing to become reality.

We aren't sugar-coating the challenges our sector is facing: Rising operational costs, particularly following National Insurance increases, are putting real pressure on businesses. When making major fiscal decisions, we need decision-makers to understand the burden on an industry that's vital to the economy.

The commitment across ALTA members to decarbonisation is clear, but if timelines are to be met, we need co-ordinated government support to support businesses on this journey. A joint industry-government roadmap is essential. It's vital that road freight and logistics considerations are integrated into Government thinking and cross-departmental strategies.
If we're to see growth, our industry must be considered and consulted.

This most recent ALTA meeting reinforced my belief that cross-sector collaboration remains key to getting our message across. The road freight and logistics sector keeps Britain moving. Our collaborative efforts addressing the opportunities and challenges ahead will continue.

I welcome your thoughts.

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