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Discover the Future of Vans at New FTA Event

Futurologist to Headline FTA Future Van 2019

Driverless and electric vans, digital policing, drones and last mile technology: the vans market is transforming at a rapid rate. To arm operators, manufacturers and industry leaders with the knowledge they need to embrace the future, FTA has launched a new one-day conference, Future Vans 2019, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Vans. Taking place at the NAEC […]

Highways England Must Improve Road Communication

Highways England Must Improve Road Communication

Reacting to the launch of the Strategic Roads User Survey (SRUS) Summary Report on road communication, Malcolm Bingham, Head of Road Network Management at FTA, the business organisation representing the logistics sector, commented: “Highways England must improve the way it communicates road updates to fleet operators, in the view of FTA, if Britain’s freight industry is […]

Proposals for Bristol Clean Air Zone to Affect Locals

Proposals for Bristol Clean Air Zone to Affect Locals

The proposals announced that a charging Class C band Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in Bristol would hurt local businesses and the economy, according to FTA, the business organisation which speaks for the logistics sector. In the opinion of FTA, this option would the place the burden of improving air quality solely on the shoulders of […]

Pothole Repair Fund Vital to Improve Road Network

Pothole Repair Fund Vital to Improve Road Network

Reacting to the news that the Transport Select Committee has called for a five-year fund to undertake pothole repairs, Christopher Snelling, Head of UK Policy at FTA, commented: “As the business organisation representing the logistics sector, FTA fully supports the Transport Select Committee’s calls for a five-year pothole repair fund; the road network has been […]

Nominations for Van Excellence Honours Lunch Are Now Open

Nominations for Van Excellence Honours Lunch Are Now Open

If you are a van operator committed to driver wellbeing, compliance, safety and innovation, make sure you enter your nominations for the 2019 Van Excellence Honours Awards, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Vans, for your chance to be recognised as an industry leader in your field of expertise. To be held at a lunch at the Hyatt […]

FTA Completes 750,000 Vehicle Inspections through VIS

FTA Completes 750,000 Vehicle Inspections

More than 7,600 miles worth of parked trucks have undergone inspections by FTA since it launched its pioneering Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) in 1966. To mark its 750,000th vehicle inspection, FTA presented the VIS team with a certificate at the Plumbing Trade Supplies site, a Travis Perkins business, in Birmingham on 26 June 2019. David […]

FTA Chosen for Northern Ireland Brexit Preparations

FTA Chosen for Northern Ireland Brexit Preparations

The Department for Exiting the European Union has announced today (26 June 2019) that Seamus Leheny, Policy Manager for Northern Ireland at FTA, has been selected to become a member of the Business and Trade Union Alternative Arrangements Advisory Group. Mr Leheny commented: “As the organisation representing the logistics sector, it is essential FTA’s voice is included in any major discussion on the UK’s departure […]

Aldi Receives 2019 Roadworthiness Award from FTA

Aldi Receives 2019 Roadworthiness Award from FTA

Aldi Atherstone Regional Distribution Centre has received a 2019 Roadworthiness Award from FTA, the business organisation representing the interests of the logistics sector. The award recognises the supermarket’s high standards when maintaining its fleet of vehicles and trailers and controlling safety related defects. FTA provides vehicle inspection services to organisations that are keen to achieve […]

Logistics Businesses Struggling with Brexit Preparations

Logistics Businesses Struggling with Brexit Preparations

Declining profit margins have left logistics businesses struggling to fund their Brexit preparations, according to the 2019 Logistics Report. Launched by FTA, which represents the interests of the sector, in association with Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking, the report polled the opinions of more than 500 freight and logistics businesses operating in the UK and […]

Exclusive Insurance Product Launched for Van Drivers

Exclusive Insurance Launched for Van Drivers

The Van Excellence scheme, in association with transport insurance specialists and commercial insurance brokers, McCarron Coates Ltd, has launched an exclusive new insurance product, specifically designed by highly respected insurer QBE, for van drivers committed to safe, efficient and compliant driving. In addition to a competitive premium, low claims rebate, and access to risk management […]

Air Freight Must be Prioritised in Government’s Strategy

Air Freight Must be Prioritised in Government's Strategy

Air freight will play a pivotal role in achieving Britain’s future trading ambitions post-Brexit, according to FTA, so it must be placed front and centre of the government’s aviation strategy. Responding to the consultation, Aviation 2050 — the future of UK aviation, FTA is calling for a dedicated freight chapter in the White Paper; the government must set […]

FTA Welsh Logistics Lunch Announces Its Star Guest

FTA Welsh Logistics Lunch Announces Its Star Guest

Celebrate another successful year for the logistics sector by attending FTA’s Welsh Logistics Lunch, to be held at the Cardiff Marriott Hotel on 29 November 2019. Now in its 36th year, the annual lunch is the perfect forum at which to recognise industry achievements, network with peers, enjoy a delicious three course lunch and informally debate […]

Technology to Help with Drivers’ Hours Rules

Technology to Help with Drivers' Hours Rules

Smart Tachographs will aid compliance with the drivers’ hours rules but any claims of financial benefits to businesses are misguided, according to FTA. The business organisation, which represents the interests of the logistics sector, refutes claims made by the European Commission when the law making the new devices mandatory was made in 2014 that it […]

Rejection of M4 Relief Road Will Damage Welsh Economy

Rejection of M4 Relief Road Will Damage Welsh Economy

The First Minister’s decision to reject plans for an M4 relief road will cost the Welsh economy hundreds of millions of pounds in lost investment, according to FTA, the organisation representing the interests of the logistics sector. Reacting to the news today (4 June 2019), the organisation is frustrated that plans for a ‘Black Route’, which […]

Valued Occupations Should Be Those with Real Skills

Valued Occupations Should Be Those with Real Skills

The review of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), published this week by the Migration Advisory Committee, ignores the value which workers at all levels of skills bring to the logistics sector, one of UK PLC’s most crucial trade drivers. FTA, the business organisation which represents more than 17,000 businesses across the logistics industry, is concerned […]

Last Chance to Enter Logistics Awards 2019

Last Chance to Enter Logistics Awards 2019

Entries to FTA’s star-studded Logistics Awards are flooding in and with just three weeks left to apply, FTA is urging anyone wishing to apply to submit their application fast. Taking place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London on Thursday 24 October 2019, the celebratory reception and gala dinner is the blue riband event in the logistics industry’s calendar. […]

Skilled Engineer Shortage a Threat to Logistics Industry

Skilled Engineer Shortage a Threat to Logistics Industry

More than half (52.7 per cent) of vacancies for vehicle mechanics, technicians and fitters will not be filled in the near future, according to FTA’s 2019 Logistics Report, as the staff shortage within repair workshops and vehicle inspection units hits crisis point. FTA will tackle this issue at its popular Fleet Engineer Conference, taking place on […]

15% of HGV Driver Vacancies Cannot Be Filled

15% of HGV Driver Vacancies Cannot Be Filled

Logistics businesses anticipate that 15 per cent of their current HGV driver vacancies will not be filled due to the nationwide skills shortage, according to a report launched this month. The 2019 Logistics Report, launched by FTA in partnership with Santander Corporate and Commercial, polled the opinions of more than 500 freight and logistics businesses […]

Finalists Announced for Van Excellence Driver 2019

Finalists Announced for Van Excellence Driver 2019

Fifteen of the UK’s best van drivers are celebrating today after being shortlisted for FTA’s 2019 Van Excellence Driver of the Year and Young Driver of the Year, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Vans UK. The awards recognise the unsung heroes of Britain’s economy: the dedicated and highly accomplished drivers keeping all sectors of business trading. The […]

Logistics Drivers Are Asking the Government for a Break

Logistics Drivers Are Asking the Government for a Break

A year after roads minister Jesse Norman MP made a commitment to increase the provision of lorry parking places on the strategic road network, FTA is calling on Mr Norman to deliver on this promise after a new survey indicated that drivers believe the situation has actually worsened in the past 12 months. FTA, the […]

Vehicle Technology the Theme for FTA’s Fleet Engineer Conference

Vehicle Technology the Theme for FTA’s Fleet Engineer Conference

Traffic Commissioner for the West of England, Kevin Rooney will be giving his views on maintaining compliance in today’s technological world at FTA’s popular Fleet Engineer Conference, sponsored by Continental Tyres and Schmitz Cargobull, which is back due to popular demand on 11 June 2019 at the National Agriculture and Exhibition Centre (NAEC) in Stoneleigh, […]

FTA Transport Manager Conferences Back for Autumn 2019

FTA’s Transport Manager conference series, sponsored by Bridgestone Tyres, will be back in autumn 2019 at 11 venues around the UK. The conferences, now in their 18th year, will highlight key issues for anyone involved with running vehicle fleets, providing professional advice and helping them remain compliant and up to speed on the latest legislative developments. […]

Lens-Tech Is FTA Van Excellence Bronze Partner

FTA’s Van Excellence scheme, an innovative initiative designed to recognise excellence within the vans sector and improve operational standards, has named Lens-Tech Co Ltd, a designer, manufacturer and supplier of Fresnel lenses, as its bronze partner. Lens-Tech’s product range helps truck, van and car drivers to clearly see vehicle blind spots, matching Van Excellence’s commitment to […]

FTA Announce Overall Driver of the Year 2017

FTA Announce Overall Driver of the Year 2017

Thomas Kent has been announced as the UK’s top driver in the logistics industry. Thomas has been named after a nationwide competition that has been organised by the Freight Transport Association has come to a close. The Association is the UK’s largest membership association in freight and logistics, and was therefore in the perfect position […]

FTA Concern Over the Brough Forward Ultra-Low Emission Zone in London

FTA Concern Over the Brough Forward Ultra-Low Emission Zone in London

The UK’s largest membership association in the freight and logistics sector has expressed their concern in regards to the announcement made last week by the Mayor of London. The Mayor has said that the Ultra-Low Emission Zone in the capital will be introduced 17 months earlier than previously planned. The FTA has said that this […]

FTA Promotes Use of Waterways for Distribution

FTA Promotes Use of Waterways for Distribution

There is more than 4,000 miles of inland waterways located through the manufacturing heartlands of the Midlands down to the country’s southern coasts. However, despite this readily available transport route, many businesses have not yet made the most of the opportunity presented by the network for the transportation of freight across the country. It is […]

FTA Ireland Holding Semiar to Help Resolve Brexit Challenges

FTA Ireland Holding Semiar to Help Resolve Brexit Challenges

FTA Ireland is known for being the most active and most vocal membership associate in the Republic of Ireland’s logistics sector. With less than 18 months to go until the United Kingdom leaves the European Union it is becoming more apparent that the trading arrangements for businesses in the UK and Ireland are in desperate […]

FTA Calls for new Freight Commissioner

FTA Calls for new Freight Commissioner

The Freight Transport Association, FTA, has announced that they are renewing their call for a new Freight Commissioner for London. The FTA work to represent more than 16,000 businesses that transport a range of goods and services throughout the UK and Europe. The organisation has said that it is essential to have a strong voice […]

FTA Advises on Future City Charges to Improve Air Quality

FTA Advises on Future City Charges and Restrictions to Improve Air Quality

In order to improve air quality, encourage the use of newer and more eco-friendly vehicles in more urban and built up areas, cities across the UK will be looking to increase charges on older HGVs and Vans. These high charges are expected to be implemented between the start of 2019 and the end of 2020. […]

FTA Calls on Government to Keep Severn Toll Promise

FTA Calls on Government to Keep Severn Toll Promise

FTA calls on Government to keep Severn toll promise The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is calling on the Government to guarantee its pre-election promise to remove all charges on the Severn Bridges. The FTA represents the transport interests of companies moving goods by road, rail, sea and air in the logistics industry. Before the UK […]

Film Has Been Released by the FTA

Film Has Been Released by the FTA to Demonstrate the Significance of Safety

A film has been released by the FTA that contains the death of a child has been released in order to demonstrate the significance safety and compliance throughout companies van operations. The FTA, or the Freight Transport Association is thought to be the largest freight transport membership orientated organisation in the UK. The Organisation is […]

Support For Third Runway at Heathrow at Multimodal

Multimodal 2016

At a recent conference, Multimodal 2016, some of the country’s senior executives in business and leaders of national trade organisations came together to discuss what the future might hold for airports in terms of growth and modernisation. The event, which took place at the NEC in Birmingham earlier this month, dedicated a panel to “The […]