Just 9.7 per cent of UK transport and storage businesses expect to raise prices in September, down sharply from 15.8 per cent in August and the lowest level of any major sector, according to new ONS data.

The latest Business Insights and Conditions Survey shows 60.2 per cent of transport and storage firms are not considering price rises at all, up from 40.6 per cent the previous month.

Among businesses planning increases, transportation or haulage costs are the biggest factor at 24.3 per cent, followed by energy prices at 22 per cent. The data shows the proportion citing finance costs has fallen sharply, from 13.9 per cent in August to 3.6 per cent.

The figures contrast with wholesale and retail, where 19.7 per cent of businesses expect to increase prices in September, up from 18.7 per cent in August. The survey shows that energy costs, transport and haulage, labour and raw materials are all contributing to pricing pressures.

Manufacturing sits at 16.6 per cent, down from 22.9 per cent in August, with raw material prices and labour costs the main drivers.

“‘What’s striking about this month’s figures is that transport & storage, the sector that ultimately absorbs and passes on the country’s haulage and fuel costs, is the one showing the least appetite to raise its own prices,” said Parcelhero’s head of consumer research David Jinks.

“Just under one in ten transport and logistics firms expect to put prices up in September, and six in ten aren’t even considering it. That’s a real change of tone from earlier in the year, when energy and financing costs were squeezing margins hard.”

‘For anyone shipping parcels or freight, or running a business that depends on stable delivery costs, this is good news. If the logistics sector itself isn’t planning to pass on higher prices, that should help keep a lid on delivery and haulage charges heading into the crucial pre-Christmas peak season – even as costs elsewhere in the supply chain continue to rise.

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