Logistics industry experts Logistics UK respond to Anti-Growth Budget

Commenting on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement in the Budget of an increase in fuel duty from September 2026, Logistics UK Acting Chief Executive Kevin Green said,

International Courier Services“Instead of nurturing the green shoots of economic recovery, the government risks stamping them out. The increase in fuel duty announced in the Budget will mean hundreds of millions in increased taxes for logistics businesses, much of which will be passed onto households and businesses, as well as hitting motorists directly – fuelling inflation across the economy. It is a short-sighted decision that fails to appreciate logistics’ role in the economy – logistics costs are embedded in all products from food and medicines to construction materials and consumer goods: increasing logistics taxes mean increased costs for everyone.

“Logistics businesses already pay around £5.5 billion a year in fuel duty – increasing the tax burden on our industry shows a disregard for a sector that generates £170 billion for the UK economy, employs over 8% of the nation’s workforce and is key to the government’s growth agenda. We urge the Chancellor to reconsider this decision at the earliest possible opportunity, or risk an inflationary impact right across the economy in the spring.”
Find out more from Multimodal >

Jeff B.
3 weeks ago
Working with Catherine and IFS has been a breath of fresh air. Communication has been excellent, she keeps you informed throughout the entire process and makes something that others could easily make difficult feel… well, easy.

If you want someone who treats your shipment like it actually matters (because it does), Catherine is the one. Highly recommend, my stress level definitely approves 😄.
Response from the owner:Glad you are happy with our service Jeff. Cath's communication is great - she does like to talk!😆We appreciate your business and look forward to assisting you again.
Rachel J.
3 months ago
Great service. We needed a parcel collecting from Italy - all arranged very smoothly, efficiently and a very quick delivery.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great feedback Rachel. Glad everything went well for you and that you were happy with our service.
Alan G.
4 months ago
when a friend whose first langauge is not English needed a parcel shipping to Canada at short notice the team especially Paul came up trumps and pulled out all the stops i highly recommend this company
Response from the owner:Many thanks for the great review Alan, always happy to assist.
Emily S.
4 months ago
Lots of help and advice when shipping a ceramic sculpture to Dubai. Very smooth service and speedy delivery. Will definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Really glad you were happy with our service Emily - hope to assist you again soon.
Declan B.
5 months ago
Great customer experience all the staff are great
Response from the owner:Appreciate the kind words Declan
Tony P.
7 months ago
Had 3 pallets to bring in from Greece. Sender was struggling with UK regulations. Spoke to one freight forwarder who just said 'can't help sorry' as their agent in Greece couldn't help. Was starting to worry until I found IFS. Google reviews looked good and when I spoke to Paul he couldn't have made things any easier. Pallets here safely within a couple of weeks, price cheaper than I was expecting and great communication throughout. Top top company.
Response from the owner:Hi Tony, thanks so much for the great review, we would be more than happy to help you with any further shipping requirements you have in the future!
Daniel W.
9 months ago
I would like to give a special positive review to Catherine Gibson our account manager. Catherine's communication is great along with her speedy competitive quotes. Her communication and updates with our air / sea imports are always up to date and accurate. We have been using International Freight Solutions for well over 12 months now and look forward to many more years working together.

Keep up the good work !!!!

Dan Willerton

Healthy Step (Sensograph) Ltd
Unit E209 Warmco Industrial Park,
Manchester Road, Mossley,
Ashton-under-Lyne,
Lancashire
OL5 9AY
Response from the owner:Many thanks for your great review Dan, it really means a lot to us and especially Cath as she’s bouncing along the clouds now!!
Sam R.
9 months ago
Amazing service from Paul - super helpful, informative and really has a wealth of knowledge. It is a pleasure working with him for our business needs.
Response from the owner:Sam, thanks so much for the kind words and taking the time out to leave such a fantastic review! Looking forward to assisting you again.
Joanne G.
9 months ago
Perfect to deal with and nothing is too much trouble.
Response from the owner:We really appreciate you taking time to leave your kind review - many thanks Joanne!

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Member of FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations

FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations logoFIATA – the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, is a non-governmental, membership-based organisation representing freight forwarders in some 150 countries.

FIATA’s membership is composed of 114 Association Members and over 5,500 Individual Members, overall representing an industry of 40,000 freight forwarding and logistics firms worldwide.

Founded in 1926 in Vienna, Austria, FIATA owes its acronym to its French name (Fédération Internationale des Associations de Transitaires et Assimilés) and is known as ‘the global voice of freight logistics’. FIATA is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

FIATA is a reference source on international policies and regulations governing the freight forwarding and logistics industry. FIATA works at the international level to represent service providers who operate in trade logistics and supply chain management. Through its FIATA documents and forms, digitalisation of key trade documents, annual congress and headquarters meeting, training and publications, it promotes trade facilitation and best practices among the freight forwarding community.

FIATA is committed to representing the interest of its members by actively engaging with the World Trade Organization, United Nations agencies and other international organisations, transport organisations, global partners and governments to promote and protect the interest of the industry. Find out more about FIATA >

FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations

You can trust International Freight Solutions Ltd to take care of your International Deliveries!

 

For a freight delivery quotation or to book in your consignment, please click below…

Jeff B.
3 weeks ago
Working with Catherine and IFS has been a breath of fresh air. Communication has been excellent, she keeps you informed throughout the entire process and makes something that others could easily make difficult feel… well, easy.

If you want someone who treats your shipment like it actually matters (because it does), Catherine is the one. Highly recommend, my stress level definitely approves 😄.
Response from the owner:Glad you are happy with our service Jeff. Cath's communication is great - she does like to talk!😆We appreciate your business and look forward to assisting you again.
Rachel J.
3 months ago
Great service. We needed a parcel collecting from Italy - all arranged very smoothly, efficiently and a very quick delivery.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great feedback Rachel. Glad everything went well for you and that you were happy with our service.
Alan G.
4 months ago
when a friend whose first langauge is not English needed a parcel shipping to Canada at short notice the team especially Paul came up trumps and pulled out all the stops i highly recommend this company
Response from the owner:Many thanks for the great review Alan, always happy to assist.
Emily S.
4 months ago
Lots of help and advice when shipping a ceramic sculpture to Dubai. Very smooth service and speedy delivery. Will definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Really glad you were happy with our service Emily - hope to assist you again soon.
Declan B.
5 months ago
Great customer experience all the staff are great
Response from the owner:Appreciate the kind words Declan
Tony P.
7 months ago
Had 3 pallets to bring in from Greece. Sender was struggling with UK regulations. Spoke to one freight forwarder who just said 'can't help sorry' as their agent in Greece couldn't help. Was starting to worry until I found IFS. Google reviews looked good and when I spoke to Paul he couldn't have made things any easier. Pallets here safely within a couple of weeks, price cheaper than I was expecting and great communication throughout. Top top company.
Response from the owner:Hi Tony, thanks so much for the great review, we would be more than happy to help you with any further shipping requirements you have in the future!
Daniel W.
9 months ago
I would like to give a special positive review to Catherine Gibson our account manager. Catherine's communication is great along with her speedy competitive quotes. Her communication and updates with our air / sea imports are always up to date and accurate. We have been using International Freight Solutions for well over 12 months now and look forward to many more years working together.

Keep up the good work !!!!

Dan Willerton

Healthy Step (Sensograph) Ltd
Unit E209 Warmco Industrial Park,
Manchester Road, Mossley,
Ashton-under-Lyne,
Lancashire
OL5 9AY
Response from the owner:Many thanks for your great review Dan, it really means a lot to us and especially Cath as she’s bouncing along the clouds now!!
Sam R.
9 months ago
Amazing service from Paul - super helpful, informative and really has a wealth of knowledge. It is a pleasure working with him for our business needs.
Response from the owner:Sam, thanks so much for the kind words and taking the time out to leave such a fantastic review! Looking forward to assisting you again.
Joanne G.
9 months ago
Perfect to deal with and nothing is too much trouble.
Response from the owner:We really appreciate you taking time to leave your kind review - many thanks Joanne!

Valued Google Customer Reviews for International Freight Solutions Ltd

A Freight Forwarder who regularly go the extra mile when it comes to customer service. We believe in carving out long term business relationships…

An introduction to International Freight Solutions (IFS)

International Freight Solutions (IFS) can arrange Express or Economy services for your Documents, Parcels, Pallets, Part or Full Trailer/Container Loads, either by Road, Ocean, Air or Rail…

First Electric Heavy-goods Vehicle crosses Channel Tunnel with Leshuttle Freight

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) by International Freight Solutions

Learn more about a Freight Forwarder by International Freight Solutions. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for…

New EU Import Security Rules started in January 2026

Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is the new safety & security declaration system for movements into Northern Ireland and the European Union…

A Red Sea return would be a game changer for container shipping in 2026

Container lines deciding to navigate back to the Red Sea is arguably the most important development to watch for in the global shipping market this year…

Freight forwarding goes right back to the 1800’s!

Back in 1836 Thomas Meadows and Company Limited, London began to see the need for this industry with demand for more reliable rail transport…

IFS is a member of World Top Cargo Alliance of Freight Forwarders

International Freight Solutions are proud to be part of World Top Cargo Alliance and look forward to many years of fruitful partnership…

International Freight Solutions Ltd is a member of BIFA

The leading body representing the UK International Freight Services industry – The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is the prime trade association for UK registered companies…

UK Government Moves to Scrap De Minimis Customs Rule

The UK government is in open consultation to reform customs treatment of low-value imports (LVIs) into the United Kingdom…

Logistics industry experts Logistics UK respond to Anti-Growth Budget

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement in the Budget of an increase in fuel duty from September 2026 has come as a blow to the sector…

Member of FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations

FIATA’s membership is composed of 114 Association Members, overall representing an industry of 40,000 freight forwarding and logistics firms worldwide..

Port of Felixstowe receives its first two Autonomous Trucks (ATs)

Port of felixstowe has taken delivery of the first two units from an order for a further 34 autonomous trucks (ATs) from Shanghai Westwell…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pre-Budget speech fails to rule out tax rises

Warnings that businesses can’t take more tax hikes.  Fear amongst economists that increasing taxes will not help economical growth…

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Port of Felixstowe receives its first two Autonomous Trucks (ATs)

Hutchison Ports, Port of felixstowe has taken delivery of the first two units from an order for a further 34 autonomous trucks (ATs) from Shanghai Westwell Technology Co. Ltd. Thirty-four ATs, also supplied by Westwell, are already in operation at the port’s Trinity Terminal.

Speaking at a function today (20 November 2025) at the port to celebrate the event, Clemence Cheng, Executive Director of Hutchison Ports and Port of Felixstowe CEO, said:

“We are delighted to receive the first trucks from our second order of ATs from Westwell. The new machines feature a step forward in LiDAR technology and marks the next phase of our journey using autonomous technology to support our experienced workforce.

“The improvements that have been incorporated in the new machines will now be retrofitted to our existing fleet to improve further the benefits they bring in terms of operational performance and efficiency. We look forward to continuing to work with Westwell to deliver on our shared vision of a smarter and greener future.”

Kenny Tan, Founder and Chairman of Westwell, said:

“Celebrating our 10th anniversary, Westwell is proud to empower the 150-year legacy of the Port of Felixstowe with its proprietary Ainergy technology—driving intelligent transformation across the global logistics ecosystem. Hutchison Ports is a valued global partner for Westwell, and we look forward to continuing our close collaboration in the years ahead, driving meaningful progress in sustainable port development.”

The ATs at the Port of Felixstowe were the first of their kind in Europe to be operated in a mixed-traffic environment. Powered by advanced sensor fusion architecture—including a 360-degree industrial-grade binocular camera and 128-line LiDAR, each truck features interactive light signals and audiovisual alerts to communicate driving intentions clearly to human drivers, significantly reducing collision risks. Read more from Port of Felixstowe >

 

Need a quotation or ready to book a job?

Simply click the options below or call our dedicated team…

+44 (0) 1709 610 000

Valued Google Customer Reviews for International Freight Solutions Ltd

A Freight Forwarder who regularly go the extra mile when it comes to customer service. We believe in carving out long term business relationships…

An introduction to International Freight Solutions (IFS)

International Freight Solutions (IFS) can arrange Express or Economy services for your Documents, Parcels, Pallets, Part or Full Trailer/Container Loads, either by Road, Ocean, Air or Rail…

First Electric Heavy-goods Vehicle crosses Channel Tunnel with Leshuttle Freight

In a joint effort, Kuehne+Nagel, LeShuttle Freight, Voltempo, and DAF Trucks have successfully sent first eHGV) through the Channel Tunnel…

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) by International Freight Solutions

Learn more about a Freight Forwarder by International Freight Solutions. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for…

New EU Import Security Rules started in January 2026

Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is the new safety & security declaration system for movements into Northern Ireland and the European Union…

A Red Sea return would be a game changer for container shipping in 2026

Container lines deciding to navigate back to the Red Sea is arguably the most important development to watch for in the global shipping market this year…

Freight forwarding goes right back to the 1800’s!

Back in 1836 Thomas Meadows and Company Limited, London began to see the need for this industry with demand for more reliable rail transport…

IFS is a member of World Top Cargo Alliance of Freight Forwarders

International Freight Solutions are proud to be part of World Top Cargo Alliance and look forward to many years of fruitful partnership…

International Freight Solutions Ltd is a member of BIFA

The leading body representing the UK International Freight Services industry – The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is the prime trade association for UK registered companies…

UK Government Moves to Scrap De Minimis Customs Rule

The UK government is in open consultation to reform customs treatment of low-value imports (LVIs) into the United Kingdom…

Logistics industry experts Logistics UK respond to Anti-Growth Budget

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement in the Budget of an increase in fuel duty from September 2026 has come as a blow to the sector…

Member of FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations

FIATA’s membership is composed of 114 Association Members, overall representing an industry of 40,000 freight forwarding and logistics firms worldwide..

Port of Felixstowe receives its first two Autonomous Trucks (ATs)

Port of felixstowe has taken delivery of the first two units from an order for a further 34 autonomous trucks (ATs) from Shanghai Westwell…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pre-Budget speech fails to rule out tax rises

Warnings that businesses can’t take more tax hikes.  Fear amongst economists that increasing taxes will not help economical growth…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pre-Budget speech fails to rule out tax rises

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said she will make “necessary choices” in the Budget after the “world has thrown more challenges our way”.

Pre-budget speech by Chancellor Rachel ReevesIn an unusual pre-Budget speech in Downing Street, Reeves did not rule out a U-turn on Labour’s general election manifesto pledge not to hike income tax, VAT or National Insurance.

When journalists explicitly asked if the government was set to break that pledge she did not answer directly but said she was “setting the context for the Budget”.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the speech was “one long waffle bomb” which had left business leaders “none the wiser”.

She added that the chancellor “does not need to put up taxes”, and should copy Conservative policies like scrapping stamp duty to “stimulate” the economy.

South Yorkshire’s Chambers of Commerce warns the Chancellor that businesses can’t take more tax hikes. There is fear amongst economists that increasing taxes will not help economical growth. Read more from BBC >

Need a quotation or ready to book a job?

Simply click the options below or call our dedicated team…

+44 (0) 1709 610 000

Valued Google Customer Reviews for International Freight Solutions Ltd

A Freight Forwarder who regularly go the extra mile when it comes to customer service. We believe in carving out long term business relationships…

An introduction to International Freight Solutions (IFS)

International Freight Solutions (IFS) can arrange Express or Economy services for your Documents, Parcels, Pallets, Part or Full Trailer/Container Loads, either by Road, Ocean, Air or Rail…

First Electric Heavy-goods Vehicle crosses Channel Tunnel with Leshuttle Freight

In a joint effort, Kuehne+Nagel, LeShuttle Freight, Voltempo, and DAF Trucks have successfully sent first eHGV) through the Channel Tunnel…

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) by International Freight Solutions

Learn more about a Freight Forwarder by International Freight Solutions. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for…

New EU Import Security Rules started in January 2026

Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is the new safety & security declaration system for movements into Northern Ireland and the European Union…

A Red Sea return would be a game changer for container shipping in 2026

Container lines deciding to navigate back to the Red Sea is arguably the most important development to watch for in the global shipping market this year…

Freight forwarding goes right back to the 1800’s!

Back in 1836 Thomas Meadows and Company Limited, London began to see the need for this industry with demand for more reliable rail transport…

IFS is a member of World Top Cargo Alliance of Freight Forwarders

International Freight Solutions are proud to be part of World Top Cargo Alliance and look forward to many years of fruitful partnership…

International Freight Solutions Ltd is a member of BIFA

The leading body representing the UK International Freight Services industry – The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is the prime trade association for UK registered companies…

UK Government Moves to Scrap De Minimis Customs Rule

The UK government is in open consultation to reform customs treatment of low-value imports (LVIs) into the United Kingdom…

Logistics industry experts Logistics UK respond to Anti-Growth Budget

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement in the Budget of an increase in fuel duty from September 2026 has come as a blow to the sector…

Member of FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations

FIATA’s membership is composed of 114 Association Members, overall representing an industry of 40,000 freight forwarding and logistics firms worldwide..

Port of Felixstowe receives its first two Autonomous Trucks (ATs)

Port of felixstowe has taken delivery of the first two units from an order for a further 34 autonomous trucks (ATs) from Shanghai Westwell…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pre-Budget speech fails to rule out tax rises

Warnings that businesses can’t take more tax hikes.  Fear amongst economists that increasing taxes will not help economical growth…

Logistics UK launches Logistics “Treasure Map” for innovators

Technological solutions aimed at the logistics sector are not always grounded in real operational needs and can be “solutions looking for a problem”. So says business group Logistics UK as it publishes its Logistics Innovation Opportunities Map (LIOM).

Launched Tuesday 21 October at Logistics UK’s Digital Transformation in Logistics conference in Birmingham, the roadmap challenges innovators to develop creative and technological solutions to real world problems that will have material benefits for the logistics sector and wider UK economy.

Speaking after the conference, Logistics UK Acting Chief Executive Kevin Green said, “We call our report an Innovation Opportunities Map, but we could equally call it a Treasure Map: the challenges identified represent significant financial opportunities for the developers and entrepreneurs that can solve them.”

The LIOM is designed as a resource for technology developers, infrastructure providers, investors, policymakers and logistics businesses and rather than prescribing specific solutions it identifies practical logistics problems that innovation can help solve.

Green continues: “We want to tap into the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity that businesses thrive on to find solutions. There will be approaches that we are not aware of which is why the report does not seek to specify solutions, rather it acts as an invitation to innovators to share their wisdom.”

The LIOM captures operational challenges looking at three use cases from across logistics: long-distance and depot-to-depot trunking; urban logistics and last mile; and off-road, site-based and private-network operations.

For trunking, the roadmap identifies challenges including optimising hub location; the need for smoother multimodal transfers between vehicles and modes; managing vehicle mix, availability and maintenance; and delivering efficient return journeys and border crossings. Read more from Logistics UK and download their map >

 

 

Need a quotation or ready to book a job?

Simply click the options below or call our dedicated team…

+44 (0) 1709 610 000

Valued Google Customer Reviews for International Freight Solutions Ltd

A Freight Forwarder who regularly go the extra mile when it comes to customer service. We believe in carving out long term business relationships…

An introduction to International Freight Solutions (IFS)

International Freight Solutions (IFS) can arrange Express or Economy services for your Documents, Parcels, Pallets, Part or Full Trailer/Container Loads, either by Road, Ocean, Air or Rail…

First Electric Heavy-goods Vehicle crosses Channel Tunnel with Leshuttle Freight

In a joint effort, Kuehne+Nagel, LeShuttle Freight, Voltempo, and DAF Trucks have successfully sent first eHGV) through the Channel Tunnel…

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) by International Freight Solutions

Learn more about a Freight Forwarder by International Freight Solutions. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for…

New EU Import Security Rules started in January 2026

Import Control System 2 (ICS2) is the new safety & security declaration system for movements into Northern Ireland and the European Union…

A Red Sea return would be a game changer for container shipping in 2026

Container lines deciding to navigate back to the Red Sea is arguably the most important development to watch for in the global shipping market this year…

Freight forwarding goes right back to the 1800’s!

Back in 1836 Thomas Meadows and Company Limited, London began to see the need for this industry with demand for more reliable rail transport…

IFS is a member of World Top Cargo Alliance of Freight Forwarders

International Freight Solutions are proud to be part of World Top Cargo Alliance and look forward to many years of fruitful partnership…

International Freight Solutions Ltd is a member of BIFA

The leading body representing the UK International Freight Services industry – The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is the prime trade association for UK registered companies…

UK Government Moves to Scrap De Minimis Customs Rule

The UK government is in open consultation to reform customs treatment of low-value imports (LVIs) into the United Kingdom…

Logistics industry experts Logistics UK respond to Anti-Growth Budget

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement in the Budget of an increase in fuel duty from September 2026 has come as a blow to the sector…

Member of FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations

FIATA’s membership is composed of 114 Association Members, overall representing an industry of 40,000 freight forwarding and logistics firms worldwide..

Port of Felixstowe receives its first two Autonomous Trucks (ATs)

Port of felixstowe has taken delivery of the first two units from an order for a further 34 autonomous trucks (ATs) from Shanghai Westwell…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pre-Budget speech fails to rule out tax rises

Warnings that businesses can’t take more tax hikes.  Fear amongst economists that increasing taxes will not help economical growth…