Freight transport group highlights drive to single market access

Its recent survey revealed  64% of the FTA’s international haulage members viewed the short-term prospects for their businesses with pessimism. Only half thought Britain’s exit from the European Union would make things worse in the long term.

Many of the FTA’s international haulage members agreed it was too early to make a precise judgment, until the new deal with the EU has been agreed.

The FTA’s top three priorities were continued full access to the single market; tariff-free access for goods and the preservation of access to the single market for services.

Hire non-UK drivers​

Members also wanted to retain the ability to hire non-UK drivers, who would have the right to work in both the UK and in the single market.

The association’s EU affairs manager Chris Yarsley said: “With the UK’s current driver shortage, it’s no surprise that labour mobility issues are at the forefront of international transport businesses minds. This is certainly something FTA will be pressing the government to prioritise this when the negotiations begin.​

“These results reflect the fact that companies prefer certainty to the unknown, which is where we find ourselves at the moment. ​

‘Face the challenge head-on’​

“However, FTA and its members are ready to face the challenge head-on and engage with government to obtain the best possible deal so that UK operators can continue to deliver the goods, no matter where they are.”​

The lobby group identified the top 10 topics for the logistics industry linked to Brexit. Those were: access to the single market; border controls; customs arrangements; domestic transport legislation; enforcement of cross border traffic; fuel duty: global markets and investment in transport; Heathrow and airport capacity and Ireland. 

Meanwhile, Abbey Logistics recently revealed ambitious growth plans. Read details in the box below.