The robots are coming, FTA awards dinner told

Whatever form Brexit takes, the skills crisis facing the logistics industry is only going to get worse and the industry will be forced to invest in more automation, the president of the FTA Leigh Pomlett told the annual FTA Logistics Awards dinner last night (December 13).

“The skills shortage means trucks will be unloaded by robots within five years,” predicted Pomlett, an executive director of CEVA Logistics.

Guest of honour, transport secretary Chris Grayling MP, reassured the audience of over 400 that the government would ensure “sensible arrangements and a smooth transition” were in place for an orderly Brexit in March next year.

“We have to deliver the [prime minister’s] Brexit deal,” he said. “It is my job is to ensure a smooth transition in March for you whatever the deal.”

Grayling said there were bilateral discussions going on behind the scenes with France to avoid chaos at the Channel ports in the event of a no-deal Brexit. “We are confident we can deliver the fluidity you want,” he said.

But he echoed Pomlett’s warning that the logistics sector must invest in more automation rather than rely on cheap foreign labour in the future. “Automation will mean a revolution,” he said. “I have been told that the logistics industry did not need to automate because of the in-flow of labour. In future you will have to automate and use robotic technology.

“It will be a technological revolution that will transform our country.”

• Miniclipper Logistics was named Road Freight Operator of the Year at the awards, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in west London. Former Christian Salvesen CEO and FTA president Stewart Oades was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.