The logistics industry in the UK is on course for a good year ahead in 2018, despite Brexit according to a new report by the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

The FTA Logistics Report 2018 gleaned the opinions of more than 500 businesses. It found optimism in the sector from businesses using all modes of transport.

Elizabeth de Jong, FTA’s Director of UK Policy, commented: “Respondents to this year’s FTA Logistics Report were generally positive about their 2017 trading performance, and the prospects for their respective sectors. With positive growth in domestic and international road freight, as well as the majority of air freight import/export business, sea freight movements and a rebound in rail intermodal services, there is much for the logistics industry to be encouraged by.

“However, with inflationary pressures at home and abroad and the uncertainty of trading relationships post-Brexit, it is clear that many operators are far from confident about their future business prospects. And with logistics underpinning the British economy at all levels, both domestically and overseas, it is crucial that the sector is boosted by concrete plans for the UK’s future relationship with Europe, which will keep Britain trading effectively as the country moves towards the challenges of Brexit.”

FTA said it is calling for a “positive agenda” from the UK government, “focusing on making the most of global opportunities while optimising the opportunities which Brexit brings for business both at home and overseas”.

FTA added: “Retaining maximum access to EU markets, in as frictionless a state as possible, is also high on the agenda of “asks” to ensure trade can continue to flow freely to and from the UK.”