Industry News
Ian Matheson , from Impress Communications, reviews some recent news that might impact on Members’ business. Don’t miss Ian’s weekly news round up on BIFAlink TV, which can be seen on our You Tube channel. Subscribe by scanning the QR code.
Roadfreight warned over looming driver shortages
commodities, prime locations for theft, regional hotspots and evolving strategies employed across the world. Its statistical analysis of cargo theft types and top commodities stolen year on year is revealing, but it is the qualitative information and insight into the methods used that is most useful. e-commerce is merging with Evri, although it remains to be seen whether the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will question a potential combined UK B2C market share of around 14.9%, possibly higher in some sub sectors. IN THE AIR East Midlands Airport is seeing an uptick in freighter operations, with Atlas Air and Ethiopian Cargo launching regular flights into the gateway, both from China, whilst a deal with Chinese The UK's parcel delivery market is set to be transformed by the announcement that DHL cargo operator YunExpress will see the arrival of two Boeing 777F freighter flights per week from China, the airline’s first to any UK airport. A new agreement between China Southern Air Logistics and Glasgow Prestwick Airport saw scheduled cargo flights begin in May, starting at four flights a week and with plans to increase to a daily service. ON THE QUAYSIDE Forth Ports has submitted a planning proposal to Thurrock Council to expand the port of Tilbury and its industrial complex at the site. The company is looking to redevelop a 100-acre brownfield site situated adjacent to Tilbury2 (T2), which would form part of the Thames Freeport and accommodate a range of activities including industrial storage, warehousing and processing.
OVERLAND With the majority of the professional driving population over 50 years old, and many approaching retirement in the next few years, the industry will slide back into the same driver shortages it experienced during the pandemic if it does not act now to inspire interest
According to Transport Intelligence, in the European road freight sector, the contract rates index fell 2.3 points quarter-on-quarter in the first three months of 2025, while spot rates fell more sharply by 3.8 points. However, year-on-year the spot index was up by 1.6 points and the contract index rose 0.4 points. LeShuttle Freight has secured gold ESPORG security accreditation for its LeShuttle Freight Village in France. ESPORG is a European security award for the freight and logistics industry that marks businesses on different elements including barrier height, lighting, the entry/exit system and camera systems. ON THE OCEAN CLdN has announced a 25% capacity increase on its Liverpool-Dublin service, achieved through the deployment of larger vessels (four-deck con-ro ships with a capacity of 3,700 lane metres) with a higher cargo capacity than those currently serving the route. MSC has announced the launch of an upgraded multi- trade West Coast feeder service designed to enhance connectivity between Liverpool, Greenock and key Far East and Indian sub- continent ports. This new weekly express link via Felixstowe means quicker access to the North-West and Scottish markets. IN BUSINESS The BSI Consulting and TT Club 2024 Cargo Theft Report has been published, giving a detailed analysis of targeted
from school leavers on careers in HGV driving, according to specialist recruiter Driver Hire.
affecting more than 60,000 vehicles every day. As part of the essential maintenance project, National Highways explained it will implement a contraflow system, which will be in place until the project is completed in August.
Drivers have been warned of major roadworks commencing in June on the A14 Orwell Bridge in Suffolk,
4 | June 2025
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