Palletline is the UK’s first and premier palletised freight distribution company. Our 71 strong member network provides cost-effective and reliable pallet distribution to thousands of businesses and customers each and every day using a revolutionary rigorously maintained network.
Palletline’s six distribution hubs are strategically located around the UK, including our central hub and headquarters near Birmingham and five regional hubs in London, Manchester, Cumbernauld, Rugby and Rutland. Our unique business model reduces road miles and minimises environmental impact, while supporting the long-term success of customers and members alike. We strive to remain at the forefront of the industry by innovating continuously.
WLN – As the Pallet Networks category experts, how has the category been performing in the last 12 months? What are the major trends and developments?
Pallet networks have been experiencing significant growth over the past 12 months which is fantastic news for the sector and Palletline as a business.
The trends we are experiencing, driven by the improving retail sector and higher levels of consumer confidence are greatly increased volumes.
Given that the business is handling greater volumes than ever before we have been focussing on further streamlining operations with a key focus on regional structures and partnerships that will strengthen the network, reduce road miles and improve operational efficiency.
While the high volumes will be good for business and profitability, it will bring its challenges to all major players.
Firms for example, desperately need to act to train the next generation of skilled drivers. The current shortage needs to be dealt with as there is already significant pressure on volumes, working hours, wages and ultimately profit margin.
To tackle this problem, Palletline has rapidly introduced a Drivers Academy programme which we are initially piloting in London, to ensure we train the next generation of drivers.
WLN – What are your core products and services: what are you best known for providing?
Palletline is extremely well-known as being the UK’s first and premier palletised freight distribution company and we take pride in the service that we offer.
Through the innovation of the network we provide a dependable service that reduces road miles, keeps costs down and works for the network, members and customers.
The innovative hub and spoke distribution method we pioneered, allows delivery costs to be reduced whilst increasing speed and efficiency.
WLN – What developments or upgrades have you made to your core products and services in the last 12 months?
The biggest service upgrade we have made to Palletline this year is the introduction of further regional hubs in Rugby and Rutland to help the business cope with increased demand and volumes of palletised deliveries.
The new regional hub at Rugby was opened in February at the Panic Transport Depot with the new Rutland facility opening shortly afterwards at CS Ellis Group Ltd in March.
Since the introduction of the new facilities, there has been a network reduction of 1.4 million trunking miles and capacity increase of more than 4,500 pallets per night.
Furthermore, the network continues to review its core products and services in line with customer needs and offers innovative solutions such as a hybrid collection/delivery contract we operate for a large multinational retail organisation.
WLN – What makes you the ‘go to’ supplier in your area of expertise?
Palletline is a nationwide, member-owned cooperative network with more than 6,000 vehicles, 12,000 staff and access to over five million square feet of warehousing space.
Beyond the breadth and scope of the network, we feel that it is our unique and innovative culture, desire to push the boundaries and make real revolutionary improvements that makes people want to work with us.
This is because such an attitude infiltrates all areas of the business from member relations to logistics and technology – and this kind of attitude towards work is infectious.
WLN – Have you launched any new products and services in the past year? How are they performing?
The past 12 months has seen Palletline launch PLUS Logistics, which is a powerful delivery service offering contract logistics, warehousing and storage, supply chain solutions, pick and pack, reverse logistics, emergency FSL, click and collect and through the night services – PLUS Logistics is an industry first that offers resource on a grand scale.
WLN – Which industry sectors are your customers in?
Palletline offers a broad comprehensive service that covers sectors including retail, food and drink, construction, manufacturing and Automotive.
We have a track record of delivering the broadest range of products imaginable from fragile foodstuffs such as eggs to the bizarre items such as a life size Elvis!
The level of care throughout the Palletline delivery chain ensures that everything is transported on time with the utmost care.
WLN – Can you name some of your major customers and tell us about the work you do for them?
Palletline offers a comprehensive pallet collection and delivery services to thousands of UK customers every day with the focus on ensuring quality in this challenging market.
We work with some of the biggest brands in British retail and have a huge number of key contracts. For example, Palletline is one of Amazon’s preferred UK carriers. While the network further has a small number of central accounts our core focus is on our member customers.
Our technology enables full tracking of items which helps members to provide excellent customer service.
WLN – Can you tell us about your latest major projects, and what they involve?
As the industry leading innovative pallet network, Palletline is proactive in collaborating with its member companies in finding solutions to the industry challenges.
As such Palletline has set up the Palletline Drivers Academy, which is headed up by Palletline health and safety manager Ken Bell. Having won several health and safety awards, Ken is working in partnership with a number of member companies and external organisations to ensure the network has the skilled drivers it need to cope with the ever increasing volumes.
WLN – Have you made any big moves recently in terms of investment in the business, recruitment and so on?
As well as investing in regional hub infrastructures such as our new facilities in Rugby and Rutland which will help us to continue increasing our capacity levels – Palletline is constantly investing in its people.
The Palletline Drivers Academy initiative is an exciting investment which promises to deliver a pipeline of drivers that are not only highly skilled, but fully bought into the Palletline way.
WLN – What was your company’s single biggest achievement in the last year?
The last 12 months have been extremely exciting for Palletline. As well as capitalising on the improved economic conditions and increasing volumes, we have grown significantly while initiating improvements to member services.
We have also managed to cope with the largest volumes we have ever seen while providing for growth of the network over the coming year.
In all honesty, I think the biggest achievement has been coping with the greatest volumes the network has ever experienced.
WLN – What are your plans for 2015? Are you planning to bring out any more products or services, move into new markets or enter new countries?
In an industry that has experienced tremendous growth and change, our plans for 2015 are to focus on our strengths – supporting our members even further in order that we and they can deliver a consistently high quality of service.
WLN – What are your predictions for the industry in 2015?
Given the volumes currently being experienced and looking at the orders coming in – Palletline is expecting another bumper year for the industry.
Customers are looking for ever more efficient and cost effective procedures that help them to address the needs of the 24/7 consumer culture we live in.
Certain topics will continue to dominate in 2015. The driver shortage situation for example needs to be addressed by firms and the wider industry. Otherwise working hours, wages and costs to the sector risk spiralling.
WLN – What other headline news from your company can our readers look forward to reading about in Warehouse & Logistics News in 2015?
Here at Palletline there is never a shortage of news. We are constantly investing in our services, forming new strategic partnerships and appointing industry leading talent to take us to the next stage of our business plans.
Beyond this Palletline always has a strong programme of activity through its CSR initiatives and partnership with charity Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Alliance UK (NCCA UK). There will be plenty to look out for in 2015!
Phone: 0121 767 6870
Email: enquiries@palletline.com
Web: www.palletline.com
Twitter: @palletline
Facebook: palletline
LinkedIn: palletline-plc
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