Tariff-free access to the single market and the ability to hire non-UK drivers are the key issues for hauliers as the industry faces Brexit, according to a survey by the FTA.

The association, which had 250 responses from hauliers that pay for its premium ‘international’ membership, found these were the two most important issues.

It also found that 64% of respondents expect a short-term hit to their business, while half expect things will be worse in the long term after Brexit.

Chris Yarsley, FTA’s EU Affairs Manager, said: “With the UK’s current driver shortage, it’s no surprise that labour mobility issues are at the forefront of international transport businesses minds and this is certainly something FTA will be pressing the government to prioritise when the negotiations begin.

“These results reflect the fact that companies prefer certainty to the unknown, which is where we find ourselves at the moment."

It came as the RHA called for urgent talks with Theresa May, who will shortly succeed David Cameron as prime minister.

Richard Burnett, chief executive of the RHA, said: “The logistics industry employs more than 2.2 million people and is a vital component of UK plc.

"It is therefore essential that as prime minister she understands that the needs and interests of our industry must be taken into account during the forthcoming Brexit negotiations."

Topics