Logistics confidence rises despite higher costs

Logistics confidence among businesses in the United Kingdom saw a measurable increase during the second quarter of 2026. Performance tracker records indicate that operators feel more optimistic about their future prospects following a volatile beginning to the calendar year.

The business outlook score climbed to 6.5 out of 10, up from 5.8 in the initial quarter. Financial health assessments from participants also showed a slight improvement, rising to 7.5 from a previous mark of 7.2.

Chief executive Ben Fletcher noted that the results demonstrate gradual signs of recovery within the trade. He added that firms have managed to preserve service reliability for their customers while handling significant supply chain complications.

The sector faces substantial financial headwinds.

Transport costs reached a low score of 11.5 out of 100 in the report, illustrating the severity of current expenses. Approximately 57 percent of those surveyed anticipate these costs will continue to climb in the short to medium term.

The pressure on profit margins remains a central concern for many organizations. Road freight companies are especially vulnerable, as they often operate with limited financial buffers to absorb sudden price spikes.

Expectations for freight pricing remain high among respondents, with 70.4 percent expecting international rates to climb and 67.6 percent predicting domestic pricing will increase. Global shipping volatility continues to disrupt standard operations. Roughly 26 percent of businesses reported that conditions worsened compared to the previous three-month period.

Recruitment continues to be a primary challenge for the industry. Data shows that 44 percent of respondents currently struggle to find enough professional drivers to meet demand. Furthermore, nearly one-third of the companies surveyed are reporting severe or very severe difficulties in hiring skilled mechanics, fitters, and technicians.

Ben Fletcher has called for a stronger policy framework to assist the sector. This includes requests for consistent infrastructure investment, improved access to qualified personnel, and government strategies that recognize the importance of logistics in supporting national economic growth. The organization represents a wide array of freight operators across road, rail, air, and water, alongside major users of these services such as manufacturers and retailers.