UK freight operators are set for a busy Christmas, according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

The FTA’s latest Quarterly Transport Activity Survey (QTAS) shows that retail and wholesale sectors did not do as well as expected in the third quarter, with sales growth hitting an all time low in October. But, despite weakened consumer confidence due to interest rate rises and the unstable housing market, retailers are hopeful Christmas shoppers will soon boost sales.

Good news is also on the way for UK international operators. After years of losing out to foreign operators the situation appears to have stabilised, with more than a quarter of surveyed operators reporting an increase in international freight activity.

The only bad news is the continuing deterioration of both road and rail network reliability. This year has been the worst for rail infrastructure since recovery from the Hatfield derailment in October 2000.

In another survey, the FTA has identified that around half of UK lorry fleets supplement their hgvs to cope with additional demands at Christmas. Across the industry a seven per cent increase in the number of hgvs is needed - an estimated 30,000 vehicles.

Nearly two in five operators said they required additional hgv drivers, which amounts to a five per cent increase in drivers across the industry - an estimated 25,000 drivers.

Given that Santa carries out the most difficult freight operation in the world, respondents were asked to list the top three factors, which would help him complete his mission. The most popular option, favoured by two thirds of participants, was no congestion, followed by no fuel costs (55 per cent) and no delivery costs (47 per cent).

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