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Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget was an “olive branch” for logistics firms who have finally heard some good news from the government, according to parcel delivery service ParcelHero.

It claimed that the measures outlined in the speech yesterday will reduce the strain on hauliers, as well as reducing the recent friction between the industry and ministers.

David Jinks, head of consumer research at ParcelHero, said the Budget: “kicked off with an acknowledgement of the challenges facing the sector and the announcement of new measures that will aid freight transport companies and the many small retailers and manufacturers they serve.

“ParcelHero welcomed the Chancellor’s opening announcements on supply chains and freight transport,” said Jinks.

“He confirmed relaxations on temporary visas and also announced new lorry park facility plans, an extension of the HGV levy through to 2023 and the removal of vehicle excise duty on HGVs.

“Transport and infrastructure announcements made during the Budget will also improve the outlook for the sector.

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“In all, £130bn of infrastructure spending was announced, with £21bn for roads and £46bn for railways, including a new integrated rail plan.”

Jinks added that tax changes to encourage shipping companies to the UK could attract more of the world’s largest shipping firms to our shores and that business rates changes will boost the country’s beleaguered high streets.

Elsewhere, Thames Freeport welcomed the announcement in the Budget that it would be able to begin operations from next month.

Ernst Schulze, UK CE of DP World, said: “This is exciting news for Thames Freeport, our customers and the local community.

“Freeport status has already begun to turbo-charge one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe at London Gateway.”

Charles Hammond, chief executive of the Forth Ports Group, added: “Thames Freeport opens a new chapter for the development around the growing logistics cluster at Tilbury.”

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