Logistics: Bite-Size Insights - February 2026

In this edition of Logistics: Bite-Size Insights, we consider the latest UK Government proposals on transitioning to Zero Emission HGVs, review recent parliamentary questions and responses on freight crime and its impacts, and provide an overview of the considerations required when transporting horses as cargo.

The drive to Zero Emission HGVs

On 6 January 2026, the Department for Transport (DFT) launched a consultation to bring forward Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) to Zero Emissions Heavy Goods Vehicles (ZE-HGV). The aim of the framework is to phase out the sale of all new non-zero emission HGVs weighing up to 26 tonnes by 2035 and all others by 2040.

While higher premiums may be seen in the short term, it is hoped that the freight industry will ultimately benefit from lower maintenance costs, enhanced sustainability scores and improved data retrieval and analysis.

As a result of the ZE HGVs, freight operators and their respective insurers will need to consider the framework’s impact on their insurance cover and policy terms. There is a window of opportunity to shape the regulations by responding before the 17 March deadline.

Read more about the consultation in our article here: The drive to Zero Emission HGVs

Contacts: Shaan Burton and Florrie Southgate

The debate on how to tackle freight crime continues in Parliament

January 2026 saw multiple parliamentary questions raised around tackling, monitoring, assessing and the impact of freight crime. There were also questions raised on the increase in haulage costs, rising insolvencies in road freight transport companies and support needed to encourage young people to pursue careers in the logistics sector - all of which are impacted by rising levels of freight crime.

One of the questions put to the Home Office was what methods is law enforcement using to monitor and assess the levels of freight thefts and what measures are being taken to tackle them. It is encouraging to see questions such as these raised, and answered promptly.

As with any sector battling an increase in crime, the result is an increase in insurance claims - whether that be under cargo policies for the goods that are the subject of crime, or liability policies where insureds are being pursued by third parties for loss or damage to goods. The result is, however, the same. Increased crime, resulting in increased insurance claims, which ultimately will lead to increased premiums.

Read more in our article here: The debate on how to tackle freight crime continues in Parliament

Contacts: Shaan Burton and Mallory Pradel-Weisz

How do we move cargo with a heart?

Moving horses is quite different from hauling pallets or parcels - the cargo is live, valuable, and vulnerable. The UK Government’s comprehensive guidance sets out clear rules on how to keep horses safe on the road, covering everything from driver licensing to vehicle upkeep and animal welfare, blending transport regulation with animal care considerations.

In challenging economic times, hauliers may consider alternative revenue streams by diversifying and broadening the services they offer to the market. Whether domestic equine transport is a new or existing service, a thorough knowledge of the rules and compliance with the various certificate, licence and equipment provisions is essential.

When moving horses as cargo, both insurers and insureds will need to consider whether they have the necessary capabilities to transport such live cargo, and whether they have adequate insurance in place for the movement in question.

Read more on the requirements for transporting horses in our article here: How to move cargo with a heart: a domestic view of equine transportation 

Contacts: Shaan Burton and Verity Thomson