• Ahead of the 2026 Senedd election, Logistics UK has called on the next Welsh government to deliver a dedicated freight and logistics strategy, improve transport corridors, expand training and apprenticeships, and accelerate energy infrastructure for decarbonisation.
• The sector employs over 90,000 people in Wales and contributes £3.3 billion to the economy.
• Key asks include investment in road upgrades (such as the M4 relief road), resolving the M48 Severn Bridge weight limit, reforming planning rules to prioritise logistics, and unlocking Cardiff Airport’s air freight potential. The group warns that without urgent action on infrastructure, skills, and policy alignment, logistics constraints will continue to hamper Welsh productivity and growth.

Whichever party leads the Welsh government after the Senedd election in 2026 needs to develop a freight and logistics strategy, while enhancing Wales’ freight transport corridors, expanding course provision for training and apprenticeships and delivering the energy infrastructure required for decarbonisation. These are the priorities from business group Logistics UK, which represents the industry across Wales, as it launches its manifesto ahead of the election.

The manifesto, released ahead of the election on 7 May 2026, outlines key asks from the association’s members, including recognising how integral efficient logistics is to the Welsh economy and cost of living.

Josh Fenton, Policy Manager at Logistics UK said: “The logistics sector in Wales employs more than 90,000 people – 6.7% of the workforce – and contributes £3.3 billion to the economy.

“Logistics underpins the entire Welsh economy and is fundamental for the safe and efficient management and movement of all the goods Wales relies on, every day. Without it, its factories, construction sites, hospitals, schools and homes would not have what they need.

“Research shows that the efficiency of the logistics sector and productivity of the economy are interlinked. Getting the policy and infrastructure environment right for logistics would unlock £8 billion a year in productivity-led growth across the UK.”

“Constraints on transport corridors, skills shortages and gaps in net zero policies are inhibitors of growth,” continued Fenton, “and must be addressed urgently so Wales can deliver the growth and prosperity that it needs.

“This starts with the workforce, by attracting and retaining talent, but also by improving facilities for existing drivers so they are properly supported while moving goods.

“Increasing the provision of logistics courses available would train up the next generation of logistics workers, while providing transparency over how Apprenticeship Levy funds are allocated would give businesses peace of mind.”

Improving road infrastructure through the delivery of the M4 relief road and resolution of the M48 Severn Bridge weight restriction will enable businesses to deliver quality goods on time, alongside developing secure HGV parking to ensure drivers are safe.

“Any delays or disruption to logistics has a knock-on effect on the regions it serves,” concluded Fenton. “Our members and the wider economy deserve access to quality infrastructure, training, and support, and we are calling on the next Welsh Government to deliver this.”

Also included in the logistics industry’s asks for the new Welsh government is reforming the planning system so that logistics infrastructure is given the same priority as housing: clear targets must also be given to develop warehousing in underserved areas. The business group’s members are also clear there is untapped potential in utilising existing infrastructure: Cardiff Airport could play a greater role in air freight if it has access to a distribution hub and improved rail links, and Port Talbot Port is well placed to reduce pressure on other UK ports and drive growth in Wales.