FTA: Post-Brexit, Britain will need connectivity with Europe

As Brexit negotiations get under way in earnest in Brussels, FTA, the business organisation which represents the logistics industry, is reminding UK and EU negotiators to prioritise agreements on connectivity for transport. While these decisions may seem trivial to observers, as Pauline Bastidon, FTA’s head of European policy, explains, overlooking them could lead to rifts […]

FTA response to LHR runway decision

In response to the decision today by the Court of Appeal regarding Heathrow Airport, Alex Veitch, head of multimodal policy at FTA, comments: “This decision is a blow to the economy. However, planning consent for a third runway at Heathrow Airport has always been contingent upon meeting climate obligations, and with the rapid improvements in […]

FTA calls for expanded LHR to keep Britain trading  

Following the announcement that the proposed expansion of London Heathrow airport is to be delayed by at least a year, Zoe McLernan, Policy Manager at FTA says: “FTA supports expansion at Heathrow, and at other airports around the UK, to provide vital global links for Britain’s trade. Air cargo already accounts for 40% of imports and […]

Will Brexit stop access to foreign labour?

THE UK’s Freight Transport Association (FTA) has responded to the UK’s government’s call for evidence regarding the salary threshold for a future immigration policy. Unemployment is at its lowest on record, and with logistics currently reliant on EEA workers to help support vital occupations such as LGV/van drivers, as well as warehouse workers, it is […]

Antonov Airlines picks up FTA Air Business award

Antonov Airlines picked up the ‘Air Business of the Year’ award last night’s Freight Transport Association award night in central London. Over 450 guests gathered to celebrate the best of UK and global logistics with a series of awards. Baroness Vere, UK parliamentary under secretary (Department for Transport) delivered the keynote address, starting with a […]

UK’s HGV driver shortage climbs to 59,000 

The shortage of HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicles) drivers in the UK has climbed to 59,000 as 64% of transport and storage businesses now face severe skills shortages, according to a recent report by FTA. The Logistics Skills Report, sponsored by Manpower, provides a detailed examination into how various factors, including Brexit and artificial intelligence, are impacting […]

Logistics must take threat of No Deal Brexit seriously

With Boris Johnson receiving the keys for 10 Downing Street, the Freight Transport Association is warning that the logistics sector needs to take the risk of a No Deal Brexit seriously. The Prime Minister has made it clear that the UK will be leaving the European Union on 31 October whether or not a new […]

FTA: UK flying towards a No-Deal Brexit

THE UK and the EU is yet to reach an agreement on its trading relationship post-Brexit, and this uncertainty is causing great frustration to the air freight sector. With political confusion still dogging the entire Brexit process, the possibility of a No-Deal withdrawal is becoming very real; an outcome which would severely impact the air […]

Practical solutions needed to keep post-Brexit Britain trading

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has expressed its concern at the lack of progress in Brexit negotiations, urging action to keep trade flowing between the UK and EU. With six months to go until the UK leaves the European Union and the threat of No Deal looming, the FTA is urging European leaders to ensure […]

FTA: Customs union will not deliver frictionless trade

As the UK House of Commons prepares to vote on a motion on Customs and borders today, the UK’s logistics industry is reminding lawmakers that forming a Customs union with the European Union (EU) would not remove the need for checks at the borders or deliver frictionless arrangements on its own. That is the claim of […]

Chris Welsh MBE to retire from the Freight Transport Association

After 36 years’ dedicated service, Chris Welsh MBE will be retiring from the Freight Transport Association as its Director of Global and European Policy at the end of May 2018. Welsh has spent his career at FTA defending and advancing the interests of importers and exporters (shippers) in their dealings with the world’s shipping lines […]

FTA welcomes Brexit transition but calls for more details

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has welcomed the announcement of a Brexit transitional period ending in December 2020 but warns that there is still uncertainty over the details. The association’s deputy chief executive officer, James Hookham says though this is positive news, a huge amount of technical agreement is still required to ensure that trade […]

FTA boosts air cargo training with TrainingTeam acquisition

The UK’s Freight Transport Association (FTA) has acquired TrainingTeam, a specialist in classroom and online training courses which focus on air cargo security and the movement of dangerous goods by air, road and sea. “No one knows logistics quite like us,” says David Wells, FTA chief executive.  “This acquisition strengthens our ability to ensure that […]

UK logistics could grind to a halt without EU workers, FTA warns

The UK freight and logistics sector could grind to a halt without workers from the European Union (EU), the Freight Transport Association (FTA) warns. It says EU workers account for 13 per cent of HGV drivers and 26 per cent of warehouse operatives, and with 2.54 million people working in the UK logistics sector, removing […]

FTA urges government not to leave EU Customs Union

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has urged the new government to review the decision to leave the European Union (EU) Customs Union following the 8 June General Election. The association says 44 per cent of the UK’s exports in goods and services were transported to the EU in 2016, valued at £240 billion ($310 million), […]

FTA: Dover and Europe to benefit if Heathrow is not expanded

The port of Dover will benefit if a decision is not made on expanding UK runway capacity, as freight will travel to European airports, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) warns. The UK government is expected to make a decision on whether it supports expanding either Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport though a final decision may […]

FTA condemns further runway expansion delay

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has expressed its dismay that a decision to increase runway capacity in the South East of England will be further delayed until the Conservative party elects a new leader. The UK government had been due to make a decision on whether Heathrow Airport should receive approval for a third runway, or […]

FTA launches airfreight working group

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has launched an Air Freight Working Group to look at issues affecting the sector. The working group will report to the FTA’s British Shippers’ Council and so far three meetings are planned for 2016, with the first one scheduled for April. The FTA says the group is open to all […]

UK businesses echo FTA call for Heathrow third runway decision

UK business leaders have echoed the Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) call for the UK government to make a decision regarding expanding Heathrow Airport. Business leaders including the Confederation of British Industry president, Paul Drechsler says “decisive action” is needed and the government needs to “get on” and expand Heathrow Airport. In July this year, the […]

Freight Transport Association praises Heathrow expansion plans

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has praised Heathrow Airport for its plans to invest £180 million ($277.6 million) to double airfreight volumes. The airport will be spent on cargo facilities, processes and people. It will include a specialist pharmaceutical storage area to cater for ever rising demand for high value and temperature sensitive medicine. The […]