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UK Government launches new Freight Council to ensure “world-class” freight service

The UK Government has published the members of its new Freight Council, whose aim is to ensure the freight sector in the UK provides a “world-class service that supports the UK’s growth and global competitiveness". The chair is held by Rachel Maclean MP from the Department for Transport.

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The Freight Council is a cross-modal freight forum created to drive collaboration between the UK Government and the freight sector. Its focus in 2021 is the development of a long-term plan for the industry.

In a collaboration between the government and the industry, the council should bring together Department for Transport (DfT) ministers, representatives from across government and chief executive officer-level representatives from all freight modes to consider and collaborate on cross-cutting issues relevant to the freight sector. It will meet quarterly.

Official portrait of Rachel Maclean MP crop 2

Apart from Department for Transport Rachel Maclean in the chair, members consist of experts and representatives from the Logistics UK, the British Ports Association, the UK Major Ports Group, the Association of International Courier and Express Services, the Rail Freight Group, the Road Haulage Association, the UK Warehousing Association, the British International Freight Association, the Cold Chain Federation, the Rail Delivery Group, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK, the Airport Operators Association, Airlines UK, as well as the UK Chambers of Shipping together with senior officials from DfT and other government departments.

The council’s primary role is “to provide direction and input into the development and delivery of a coherent long-term plan for the freight sector (future of freight) by identifying evidence-based priorities for the sector and developing and agreeing on solutions on an industry-government partnership-based approach”, the government explains.

It will also be utilised to help coordinate sector-wide response to more immediate freight resilience issues that may arise, such as pandemic responses.

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