The Association of Pallet Networks YTD benchmarking results show the pallet network market returning to pre-pandemic high service levels, strong growth and more predictable volumes. The Q1-Q3 2022 benchmarking figures for the pallet network sector show less volatility, more stable growth and better operational performance, as the sector finally shrugs off the encumbrances and market shifts which arose from the pandemic. To the end of Q3 2022, total pallet volumes were lower than the same period in 2021 but were almost 10% greater than pre-pandemic levels.
This article was first published in the January 15th 2023 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
The UPN “Drive Service Quality” initiative has been given a significant boost by the addition of three important new member partners – Uniserve Group, STR Logistics and DNR Haulage. Uniserve Group blend oceanfreight, airfreight, and roadfreight services with intelligent warehousing, distribution and supply chain solutions. STR Logistics were established in 2002 and currently operate from several sites within Devon and Cornwall with an ongoing strategy to expand right across the whole Southwest region, while Kent based DNR Haulage was established in 2016 and currently operates from a distribution centre in Sittingbourne.
Leading palletised freight distribution specialist Palletline has joined forces with one of the UK’s top universities to give students an insight into the sector and to help drive innovation within the business. Palletline has partnered with WMG, at the University of Warwick, and is playing host to 90 MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management students to demonstrate its operations and share the journey of a pallet through its network. An intensive course over a 12-month period, the MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management programme currently has a cohort of 180 students; many of whom are international students and possess a range of prior work experience.
Birmingham-based PGS Global Logistics is investing £10 million in a purpose-built warehouse in West Bromwich to support continued growth. PGS is set to deliver over 30 new jobs once the 80,000 sq. ft facility opens in early 2023, adding to the company’s existing 14-acre site near Birmingham Airport, and growing the group’s total warehouse space to 350,000 sq ft. PGS Global Logistics is a shareholder member of the Pallet-Track network, which enables independent logistics firms to work together to collect and deliver palletised freight more efficiently.
One of the country’s oldest family-run transport companies, with nearly 120 years of history and prestigious service, has added pallet network operations to its growing logistics portfolio and chosen Palletforce as the best network to help deliver its growth and quality aspirations. Wreford’s Transport, a much-respected operator based in Northampton, will cover selected NN postcodes and further strengthen Palletforce’s unrivalled presence and service in the busy East Midlands area, providing customers with the trusted option of overnight palletised distribution to every corner of the country. It’s the first time Wreford’s has joined a palletised freight network, and the decision to choose Palletforce was ultimately based on recommendations from fellow Transport Association members.
It is greatly encouraging to see the pallet network sector back in stable growth.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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