Shiply Supports Government Boosts To UK Logistics Sector
Released on: November 30, 2011, 12:48 pm
Author:
Shiply Limited
Industry: Transportation / Logistics
The past few months have brought unsettling news for the
delivery and logistics sectors as well as other road users; proposed
increases in taxes and fuel duty were met with swift objections from
MP’s and Motoring Associations.
In a move that will benefit large haulage firms and man and van companies alike, George
Osborne has scrapped the 3 pence fuel duty rise that was due to hit road users in
January, as outlined is his Autumn Statement; as well as reducing future increases
planned for August from 5 pence to 3. The turnaround, a result of increasing
pressure from those opposed is no doubt a boost for transportation and delivery
companies as the now abandoned fuel duty hike would have seen a haulier operating 10
lorries fuel costs soar by £65,000.
Further, the Department for Transport released its November review “The Logistics
Growth Review - Connecting People with Goods” detailing proposed plans and
investments for the sector for the future. The review outlined a number of
favourable changes for the delivery and logistics sectors including:
- £1bn investment in “growth critical roads”
- Securing commercial funding for logistics developments projects
- £4m investment in skills for logistics schemes and improving the image of the sector
- £8m commitment to lower emissions technologies
The investments are expected to “Improve longer term capacity, performance and
resilience of congested road and rail networks”
Robert Matthams, Managing Director of Shiply (http://www.shiply.com/) the online
transport marketplace with more than 40,000 transport and removal companies as members,
commended the government’s turnaround on fuel duty as well as its increased support
of the sector.
“These plans are great news. The logistics business makes up 7% of employment in the
UK and with small profit margins (1-3%) it is important that the sector receives
support, it’s a huge driver of the economy and I believe it’s significant that the
government is trying to create greater confidence for investment. I also think the
plans to better the image of the industry is vital, delivery services are enormously important to
businesses and customers, so ensuring we invest in apprenticeships, qualifications
and encouraging the next generation is key to its continued success.”
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Founded in 2008, Shiply.com matches people needing to move goods with transport
companies going there anyway. Over 25% of lorries run completely empty of cargo and
over 50% run only part-full. By enabling consumers and businesses to make use of
this spare capacity, Shiply.com dramatically cuts down on CO2 emissions, increases
the profitability of transport companies and saves the consumer up to 75%.
For further information, contact:
Shiply Limited
Floor 3,
207 Regent Street
London
W1B 3HH
e-mail: press@shiply.com
phone: +44 (0)207 193 3970
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