The Future of Freight is the government’s plan to combine modal transport and improve service for the industry and the public. Learn more about this plan here.

The Future of Freight: An Overview of the Government’s Plan

The Future of Freight is the UK government’s plan to combine modal transport and investigate how freight can be transported more efficiently. Published on the 15th of June 2022 by the Department for Transport,  this 134-page document sets out to engage with various forms of transport and align visions between road, rail, air, and sea transport to support and strengthen the UK economy.

As of 2022, approximately 1.6 billion tonnes of goods are transported into and around the UK each year. This sector generates £127 billion in the freight sector annually and is responsible for more than 2 million jobs.

Given the value of transportation to the economy, it is critical that the Future of Freight enhances the industry and gives the UK a competitive edge in global markets. This ambitious strategy marks a significant milestone in the country's freight transport sector, setting out a clear vision for the future of freight and logistics in the UK. The plan is particularly focused on the development of multimodal transport, aiming to revolutionise the way goods are transported across the country.

What is The Future of Freight Plan?

The Future of Freight does not seek to cover every aspect of freight and logistics, however, it looks to:

“...build on engagement with the industry to identify key priorities with an initial set of proposals. It’s intended that this plan is a milestone in and ongoing partnership for the years to come, with future opportunities for course correction. Delivering on our vision, priorities, actions, and themes will be a gateway to a stronger sector and a stronger UK.” - Page 6 (Future of Freight: a long-term plan)

This plan is less hands-on and more a guideline with a focus on 5 key areas.

The National Freight Network (NFN)

The NFN is a project to identify a network across ‘road, rail, maritime, aviation, inland waterway, and warehouse infrastructure’. The long-term goal of the NFN is to look at ways to remove barriers and create a seamless flow of freight between modes.

This strategic approach will ensure the effective and efficient transportation of goods, providing operators with greater access to different modes of transport and infrastructure. The NFN is the government's commitment to cross-modal collaboration, aiming to improve connectivity and streamline end-to-end freight journeys.

Net Zero Targets

Another key area is the transition to net zero emissions by 2050. To support this transition, the Future of Freight looks to forge an open and honest relationship within the industry to assess future energy and fuel needs through a Freight Energy Forum.

This initiative includes a phased approach to eliminating the sale of new non-zero emission Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). By 2040, all new road vehicles in the UK must produce zero emissions. However, the timeline is even more aggressive for HGVs under 26 tonnes, which must be net zero by 2035.

Planning Reform Opportunities

The third key area is to ensure that freight operations serve the interests of local communities across the country. To do this, the Future of Freight plans to undertake a call for evidence to explore where planning reform can be made.

One example of this is the new LST (longer semi-trailers) legislation which is designed to reduce the number of trucks on the road and improve carrying capacity where possible. More on that here.

The Generation Logistics Campaign

This campaign looks to change the sector’s image and raise awareness of the careers within logistics and freight. Additionally, this campaign will work with the sector to strengthen employment and skills development. This will help develop a longer-term solution to the employment and skills needed to sustain the logistics sector.

This includes measures to train new HGV drivers and improve the conditions for workers in the industry. Along with this, funds have been allocated to Skills Bootcamps to tackle the driver shortage and improve roadside facilities for HGV drivers, including sanitary areas such as showers and toilets and greater access to dining options.

The Freight Innovation Fund

Finally, a dedicated £7 million Freight Innovation Fund, has been created to help update and maximise the use of the latest technology and data tools across freight and logistics. This and the above areas will be overseen by the Freight Council which will hold the government and sector to account for the deadlines and targets.

What to Expect in the Coming Years

Over the next few years, we can expect to see significant changes in the UK's freight and transport sector. The government's commitment to the National Freight Network will lead to improved infrastructure and greater connectivity between different modes of transport.

The push towards net zero will drive the adoption of sustainable fuels and zero-emission vehicles. And the focus on training and upskilling will help to address labour shortages and enhance career development in the sector.

The Future of Freight Plan represents a bold vision for the future of the UK's freight and transport sector. By focusing on multimodal transport, the plan aims to create a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient freight network. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to watch this vision become a reality.

In conclusion, the Future of Freight is a significant step in the right direction for the UK's freight and transport sector. It demonstrates the government's commitment to enhancing this crucial sector of our economy and sets out a clear path for the future. As we look ahead, it is clear that the future of freight in the UK is bright, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation at its core.

As the biggest expo and event for the logistics industry, we are committed to keeping up to date with the latest updates regarding the government’s Future of Freight plan. Visit our blog for more information to learn more about specific changes, updates, and modal shifts.

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