Why Logistics Skills Are More Important Than Ever for the UK Economy

The UK's logistics sector continues to prove its importance to the economy.

According to Logistics UK's Logistics Report 2026, the sector contributes £175 billion annually to the UK economy and employs around 8% of the national workforce. Despite ongoing disruption caused by global trade tensions, rising operational costs and geopolitical uncertainty, logistics businesses continue to keep goods moving, supply chains operating and businesses trading.

However, behind this success lies a growing challenge.

The industry needs more skilled people.

Why Logistics Skills Are Becoming More Important

The logistics industry has changed significantly in recent years.

Businesses now need employees who can confidently manage:

• International freight operations

• Import and export procedures

• Customs documentation

• Supply chain coordination

• Customer communication

• Digital logistics systems

• Regulatory compliance requirements

At the same time, technology is transforming the sector. Logistics businesses are investing heavily in fleet management systems, route optimisation technology, inventory management platforms and supply chain data systems.

While these innovations improve efficiency, they also increase the need for employees with the knowledge and skills to manage increasingly sophisticated logistics operations.

For many employers, developing these capabilities internally is becoming just as important as recruiting experienced professionals.

Why Freight Forwarding Expertise Matters More Than Ever

Freight forwarding remains one of the most important functions within global trade.

Every day, freight forwarding professionals coordinate the movement of goods across international supply chains while managing customs requirements, documentation, compliance obligations and customer expectations.

As supply chains become more complex, businesses increasingly need employees who understand:

• Freight forwarding operations

• Customs procedures

• Import and export documentation

• International trade requirements

• Customs Declaration Service (CDS)

• Incoterms 2020

• UK Trade Tariff requirements

These capabilities help businesses reduce delays, improve efficiency and maintain high levels of customer service.

As a result, freight forwarding expertise is becoming one of the most valuable skillsets within the wider logistics industry.

Why Logistics Employers Are Investing in Apprenticeships

As logistics skills become harder to recruit, more employers are turning to apprenticeships as a long-term workforce development solution.

The Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship enables employers to develop practical freight forwarding expertise, customs knowledge and operational capability while employees continue contributing to day-to-day business activities.

Unlike traditional training programmes, apprenticeships combine structured learning with real workplace experience, helping learners apply their knowledge immediately within operational environments.

For many organisations, the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship provides a more sustainable solution than relying solely on external recruitment in an increasingly competitive market.

The Growing Demand for Customs Knowledge

One area seeing particularly strong demand is customs knowledge.

Since Brexit, customs compliance has become significantly more important for businesses involved in international trade.

Errors in customs documentation can result in delays, additional costs and operational disruption, making customs capability a business-critical requirement.

Many employers are therefore looking for individuals who can confidently navigate:

• Customs declarations

• Commodity codes

• Customs Procedure Codes (CPCs)

• Duty and VAT calculations

• Import and export procedures

• Customs compliance requirements

However, finding candidates with these skills can be challenging.

This is one reason why workforce development programmes such as the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship are becoming increasingly valuable across the freight and logistics sector.

How the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship Develops Future Talent

At Momentous Learning, our Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship has been designed specifically for freight and logistics employers looking to build long-term capability within their teams.

The programme combines structured workplace learning with industry-recognised development opportunities, helping learners develop the practical skills required in modern freight forwarding operations.

The Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship covers key areas including:

• Freight forwarding operations

• Customs procedures and compliance

• Import and export documentation

• International trade processes

• Supply chain operations

• Customer communication

• Operational problem solving

Learners can also follow specialist pathways aligned to their role, including Air Freight, Ocean Freight and Road Freight.

This ensures learning remains relevant to the day-to-day realities of the business while creating confident and capable freight professionals.

Building Customs Capability Through BIFA Customs Essentials

One of the key benefits of the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship is the inclusion of BIFA Customs Essentials.

As a standalone course, BIFA Customs Essentials is widely recognised across the freight industry and typically costs around £300 per learner.

The programme helps learners develop practical understanding of:

• Incoterms 2020

• Customs valuation

• UK Trade Tariff navigation

• Customs Procedure Codes

• Duty and VAT calculations

• Customs Declaration Service (CDS)

• Import and export procedures

By including BIFA Customs Essentials within the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship, employers gain access to valuable customs training while learners build industry-recognised knowledge that can be applied immediately in operational roles.

In Summary

The UK's logistics sector is powering economic growth, enabling trade and helping businesses navigate an increasingly complex global environment.

Behind that success are skilled professionals who understand freight forwarding, customs procedures and supply chain operations.

As demand for these capabilities continues to increase, the Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship provides a practical route to developing the next generation of freight and logistics professionals.

Whether you are looking to recruit new talent or develop existing employees, investing in logistics skills today is an investment in the future success of your business.