Logistics Sector Brokers - Sector Information

Skills for Logistics is the Sector Skills Council which works alongside companies involved in moving, handling, storing or wholesale of goods. Freight logistics is the movement and supply of goods throughout the economy - from raw materials, through all stages of the manufacturing process, to the final delivery of the finished product to companies and consumers.

The term "logistics" isn't one entity - it covers a vast array of different industries and sectors. People often divide logistics into the method of transporting goods - ie. road, rail, sea or air. However in reality, large logistics companies work across all types of transport within multiple industries.

Industry Overview

The UK logistics sector is worth £74.45bn to the economy. It currently employs approximately 2.3 million people spanning some 196,000 companies.

Freight logistics companies fall into two groups, those that manage their own distribution system such as Weetabix and those that manage it on behalf of another company such as Exel or Eddie Stobart Ltd., such organisations are referred to as Third Party Logistics (3PL).

Over 60% of UK freight is carried out for "Hire and Reward" on behalf of another company.

Sector Skills Issues

Skills for Logistics works with employers, training providers and stakeholders to address the following issues within the sector:

• Significantly reduce LGV driver shortage
• Identify and reduce internal skills gaps
• Raise investment in vocational training
• Improving productivity through training investment
• Address diversity issues in the sector
• Improve quality and quantity of learning supply
• Improve the image of the logistics industry

Skills for Logistics Footprint