24 Nov 2021

Keeping the supply chain connected

The impact of the pandemic and Brexit has caused considerable disruption to delivery of goods in the UK, prompting some transport and logistics businesses to accelerate investment in wireless technology

The UK transport and logistics (T&L) sector has experienced a torrid period over the past year as a result of the twin spectres of COVID-19 and Brexit.

As trade association Logistics UK commented in January: “The logistics industry stepped up to deliver for the nation in 2020, despite facing a worsening shortage of HGV drivers, economic and financial hardship and significant disruption to operations.”

Logistics UK estimates that the impact of COVID and Brexit has pushed a pre-pandemic shortage of approximately 60,000 HGV drivers up to 90,000. This is putting considerable pressure on T&L businesses responsible for moving raw materials, finished goods and waste products around the country in HGVs.

The T&L sector is also having to cope with the huge growth in online retail and the consequent boom in home deliveries. Total online retail sales growth for 2020 was up 36 per cent year-on-year, the highest annual growth seen since 2007, according to the IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index.