Opinion

  • Parr
    MT Article

    Government response to border checks on fresh produce questions “farcical”

    2025-05-09T08:59:00Z

    This week’s parliamentary session with biosecurity and animal welfare minister Baroness Hayman regarding the industry’s questions in relation to the proposed introduction of plant health border checks for fresh produce and plants was incredibly disappointing. It represented yet another painful example of the government’s failure to understand ...

  • Bernhard Schmaldienst
    MT Article

    Four myths about AI in transportation and logistics

    2025-05-08T14:12:00Z

    AI’s transformative influence on the transportation and logistics industry is significant, however, there are still many misconceptions that need addressing. This is common for new technology. Change can be challenging, and while it is an incredible tool that has helped businesses streamline operations, cut costs and improve efficiency, it will ...

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    MT Article

    Strike deal to secure professional drivers visa-free travel on international work

    2025-05-01T15:03:00Z

    Concerns about the impact of rules restricting the time people can spend in the EU are growing in the transport sector as enforcement nears.

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    MT Article

    How AI will shape the sector's future

    2025-04-16T16:03:00Z

    To mark MT’s 120th anniversary, we asked leading figures from the road transport world to predict how the industry might look 120 years from now. Here, Paul Sanders, chairman of the Associaton of Pallet Networks, gives us his thoughts

  • richardsmith_338316
    MT Article

    Positive ONS figures released as we brace for tariff impact

    2025-04-16T09:30:00Z

    Last week’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures made for surprising reading. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.5% in February against an expected 0.1%, giving economists some cause for cautious optimism.

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    MT Article

    DSV and DB Schenker: the real work begins now

    2025-04-15T16:22:00Z

    In most industries, a merger between the third and fourth largest global players would trigger intense regulatory scrutiny. Yet DSV’s acquisition of DB Schenker was approved by the European Commission without so much as a raised eyebrow. Even combined, the new group will control less than 10% of the global ...

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    MT Article

    Who’s responsible for accidents in an AI-powered transport system?

    2025-04-09T16:17:00Z

    To mark MT’s 120th anniversary, we asked leading figures from the road transport world to predict how the industry might look 120 years from now. Here, Chris Clowes, executive director at global supply chain and logistics consultancy, SCALA gives us his thoughts

  • MarshallCrop
  • JC HGVC_Feb24_Logo_205Crop
    MT Article

    Skills Bootcamps for HGV drivers an astonishing success story

    2025-03-24T15:51:00Z

    Last month, the RHA released a report into the UK’s HGV Driver Workforce. This report stressed how critically dependent the UK economy is on HGV drivers, while outlining the ongoing challenges that the logistics sector faces in maintaining a sustainable driver workforce.

  • Jo Bradley crop
    MT Article

    No more cheap labour – it’s time to pack smarter

    2025-01-31T15:12:00Z

    The rise in Employer National Insurance is but one factor set to impact e-commerce packaging. So what can be done to alleviate the pain?

  • jonnycloseup_937745
    MT Article

    Possibly the peakiest peak ever!

    2025-01-31T14:43:00Z

    Having been in the industry for over 20 years I would say it was possibly the peakiest peak ever in that it was the busiest and the most condensed. Of course, Black Friday was very late on 29 November and I think, due to ongoing concerns about the cost of ...

  • Sanders
    MT Article

    ​National Insurance changes will add £1.7bn to the cost of logistics operations

    2025-01-22T14:43:00Z

    This will be an interesting and challenging year but there will always be great opportunities for the UK pallet networks and their member hauliers. What we do delivers even greater value when times are hard. And there’s no denying that times may get harder before they improve, for producers, transport ...

  • MT Article

    Retaining HGV technicians is about more than the hourly pay rate

    2025-01-21T14:44:00Z

    The daily focus of HR and training teams working with HGV operators is deceptively simple: how to ensure an adequate base of technicians to service a constantly growing repair and maintenance requirement through a balance of recruitment and retention. The HGV sector has seen retention drop since ...

  • David-Coombes
    MT Article

    Urgent decision needed by DfE on the future of national HGV driver skills bootcamps

    2025-01-20T10:07:00Z

    Over 20,000 new HGV drivers have been trained and employed as a direct result of skills bootcamps since their inception in 2022. According to the recently published skills bootcamp evaluation data, HGV bootcamps demonstrate the highest job outcome rate (72%) of all bootcamps. This remarkable achievement highlights ...

  • Chris Clowes copy
    MT Article

    Operators who service retailers face perfect storm

    2025-01-15T15:49:00Z

    Last year was a turbulent one globally, with political and economic repercussions impacting retailers and their supply chains. We saw many companies being acquired or going into administration, and unfortunately, 2025 doesn’t look set to bring the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

  • Owen Mabbott
    MT Article

    Six steps to EV heaven

    2024-12-02T09:18:00Z

    The UK’s transition to electric vehicle (EV) fleets is accelerating due to stringent regulations and market demands. For a smooth shift, fleets need data-driven decarbonisation strategies that leverage telematics and operational insights. These plans ensure optimal vehicle selection, infrastructure design, and cost management. Key elements of a ...

  • Sheena Johnson
    MT Article

    Workplace violence can have a depressing effect on HGV drivers

    2024-11-20T10:01:00Z

    Professor Sheena Johnson Reports suggest that work-related violence in the UK is rising. Professional drivers, in particular, are feeling the brunt of this shift. Their work is increasingly coming with a heightened level of risk, with drivers experiencing an above-average workplace violence rate, according to an HSE ...

  • Jamie Cartwright
  • Richard-Smith
    MT Article

    Autumn Budget a “mixed picture” for road transport

    2024-11-06T09:03:00Z

    The Autumn Budget offered a mixed picture for businesses in our industry. There were some positive developments, and some unwelcome developments. Firms throughout the road transport sector were also delighted with the decision to continue with the freeze on fuel duty. We at the RHA have long ...

  • Gregory Roumain
    MT Article

    Flexibility will be key to a sustainable future

    2024-10-30T11:17:00Z

    The transport sector is always on the move, both literally and figuratively. Developments are currently being driven by fluctuations in trailer demand, technological advancements, and an increasing emphasis on sustainability. As companies adapt to these shifts, leasing and renting options are becoming more appealing for those looking ...