Logistics UK says Wales needs a shipping and logistics strategy

• Ahead of the 2026 Snead election, Logistics UK has called on the next Welsh Government to deliver a dedicated freight and logistics strategy, improve transport corridors, expand training and apprenticeships, and accelerate decarbonising energy infrastructure.
• This sector employs more than 90,000 people in Wales and contributes £3.3 billion to the economy.
• Key tasks include investing in road development (such as the M4 relief road), resolving the weight limit for the M48 Severn Bridge, reforming planning rules to prioritize logistics, and unleashing Cardiff Airport’s air cargo potential. The group warns that without urgent action on infrastructure, skills and policy alignment, logistical constraints will continue to hamper productivity and growth in Wales.

Any party that leads a Welsh Government after the SEND election in 2026 needs to develop a freight and logistics strategy, while strengthening Wales’ freight corridors, expanding the provision of training and apprenticeship courses and providing the energy infrastructure needed to decarbonise. These are the priorities set by business group Logistics UK, which represents the industry across Wales, as it launches its manifesto ahead of the election.

The statement, released ahead of the election on 7 May 2026, sets out the key demands of association members, including recognition of the efficiency of integrated logistics for the Welsh economy and the cost of living.

Josh Fenton, policy director at Logistics UK, said: “Wales’ logistics sector employs more than 90,000 people – 6.7% of the workforce – and contributes £3.3 billion to the economy.

“Logistics underpins the entire Welsh economy and is fundamental to the safe and efficient management and movement of all the goods that Wales relies on every day. Without it, factories, construction sites, hospitals, schools and homes would not get what they need.

“Research shows that the efficiency of the logistics sector and the productivity of the economy are interconnected. Getting the policy environment and infrastructure right for logistics would unlock £8 billion a year in productivity-led growth across the UK.”

Fenton continued: “Constrictions on transport corridors, skills shortages and gaps in net zero policies are inhibitors to growth, and must be urgently addressed so that Wales can achieve the growth and prosperity it needs.

“This starts with the workforce, by attracting and retaining talent, but also by improving facilities for existing drivers so that they are properly supported while transporting freight.

“Increasing the provision of logistics courses available would train the next generation of logistics workers, while providing transparency about how Apprenticeship Levy funds are allocated would give businesses peace of mind.”

Improving road infrastructure through the delivery of the M4 relief road and resolving the weight restrictions on the M48 Severn Bridge will enable companies to deliver quality goods on time, along with developing safe parking for heavy vehicles to ensure the safety of drivers.

“Any delay or disruption in logistics has a knock-on effect on the areas it serves,” Fenton concluded. “Our members and the wider economy deserve access to good infrastructure, training and support, and we call on the next Welsh Government to deliver.”

Also among the logistics industry’s demands for the new Welsh Government is to reform the planning system so that logistics infrastructure is given the same priority as housing: clear targets for warehousing development in deprived areas must also be set. Members of the business group also point out that there is untapped potential in using existing infrastructure: Cardiff Airport could play a bigger role in air freight if it had access to a distribution center and improved rail links, and Port Talbot is well placed to reduce pressure on other UK ports and drive growth in Wales.