Why Freight is the backbone of growth in the Midlands

From the movement of automotive parts in the West Midlands to the agricultural exports of the East, freight is an engine of productivity – acting as the backbone of growth across the Midlands. The region's strategic location and strong transport links have made it one of the UK’s most important logistics hubs, powering trade, employment, and investment.

A central hub in the UK’s transport network

Thanks to its central location and impressive transport links, the Midlands is perfectly placed as the beating heart of the UK’s freight and logistics network.

Take the Golden Logistics Triangle – an area covering around 289 square miles that’s famous for its dense concentration of warehouses and multimodal hubs. From here, operators can reach 90% of the UK population within just four hours by HGV. That’s a huge strategic advantage for any business moving goods across the country.

The region has access to key roads such as the M1, M6, M42, and A14, and supported by vital rail freight corridors such as the West Coast Main Line. Then there’s East Midlands Airport – home to the UK’s largest dedicated air cargo hub, making it a vital gateway for express freight.

In short? This is one of the most connected places in the country – and freight is thriving because of it.

Supporting jobs and attracting investment

Given the prevalence of freight and logistics firms, it's no surprise the sector is a major employer. According to Logistics UK, over 580,000 people work in the sector in the Midlands, with more than 45,000 logistics firms based in the region, accounting for over one-fifth of all UK logistics roles.

This scale makes freight a cornerstone of the Midlands economy. But with growth comes the need for greater support.

Challenges persist as the sector faces issues in getting appropriately skilled people, which is compounded by an ageing workforce. Additionally, poor roadside facilities and welfare conditions contribute to challenges in recruitment for HGV driver roles, an issue also highlighted in the Midlands Connect Freight Routemap.

Unlocking the Midlands' freight potential

To ensure the Midlands reaches its full economic potential, supporting the growth of the freight and logistics sector is essential. This means:

• Investing in clean technology and low-carbon transport solutions.
• Expanding the refuelling network for alternative fuels like hydrogen and electric.
• Improving workforce development through skills training and better working conditions.

As we look to a more connected and sustainable future, freight will remain a key enabler of regional resilience and growth, through moving goods, creating jobs, and driving prosperity across the Midlands.

Kuran Singh is a Strategy and Policy Officer at Midlands Connect.