UK services output index: transportation and storage
UK services output index: transportation and storage stood at 112.9 in Jul 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Monthly GDP and output table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 1997 to Jul 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Monthly GDP and output table
| Indicator | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Services output index by industry | |||||||||||
| H — Transportation and storage | 112.9 | 112.9 | 111.9 | 112.3 | 111.5 | 111.2 | 110.7 | 111.5 | 108.8 | 108.4 | |
| I — Accommodation and food service activities | 100.9 | 100.7 | 100.6 | 101 | 101.6 | 99.9 | 100.7 | 101.4 | 98.2 | 99.8 |
Understanding UK services output index: transportation and storage
The UK services output index: transportation and storage tracks monthly economic activity across the United Kingdom within Section H of the Standard Industrial Classification, covering freight transport by road, rail, water, and air, warehousing, postal services, and courier activities. Unlike retail or manufacturing metrics, this series measures the physical and logistical movement of goods and passengers alongside cargo handling and storage logistics. The scope explicitly omits travel agency operations or tour operator services, which fall under administrative categories, focusing strictly on conveyance networks and terminal operations throughout the country.
Interpreting this index requires careful handling of seasonal shifts, particularly weather disruptions affecting transport links and regular peaks in freight volumes ahead of festive shopping periods. Early releases are routinely subject to revisions as late survey responses arrive from haulage firms and shipping agents. Analysts should rely on month-on-month comparisons to capture swift logistical bottlenecks, while using rolling three-month averages to smooth out volatile fuel price impacts. Comparing this index directly with manufacturing output figures can reveal discrepancies between goods produced and goods actually moved through distribution channels.
Frequently asked questions
- What specific business operations does this series include?
- It covers passenger and freight transport via land, water, and air, warehousing, postal services, and courier activities across the United Kingdom.
- How does this series handle seasonal freight surges?
- The data are seasonally adjusted to remove predictable calendar effects, such as pre-Christmas delivery spikes and weather-related slowdowns.
- Why do early monthly estimates of transportation output often change?
- Initial figures rely on partial returns from transport operators, leading to subsequent revisions as comprehensive survey data are incorporated.