Networking opportunities
April 1st 2009

Pallet networks have changed the way manufacturers and suppliers distribute small consignments of freight across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. Craig Hibbert, MD Palletways UK Member Network, believes pallet networks can help customers

Despite this, pallet networks are ideally placed to come out of the recession as one of the strongest areas of the logistics sector as suppliers and producers of goods look to drive costs out of their supply chains and, at the same time, maintain their high levels of customer service.

So how can pallet networks maximise cost savings and make a business more competitive? As goods are consolidated with other customers' freight along the pallet network supply chain, this increases vehicle utilisation and thereby reduces 'empty' miles Pallet networks provide next day and on demand deliveries by cost effectively moving small volumes of goods frequently By using a pallet network to collect and deliver goods, a company does not need to have capital tied up in their own transport fleet or in vehicle leases Look for a network with a large number of local depots. The more local the service, the less miles travelled in collecting goods ready for distribution to customers Businesses should thoroughly investigate the market place for those pallet networks providing added value solutions that can make the logistics operation more efficient and a business more competitive. Palletways IT platform ensures transparent customer information and enable fast and efficient tracking and tracing of products throughout the supply chain and allow real time distribution of proof of delivery (POD) If a business is experiencing significant export growth, they should ensure they chose a pallet network with a European capability. Palletways has just completed the integration of its pan-European network and is now the only pallet network to provide a door-to-door distribution to and from Continental Europe. For our customers in the UK, this means they can put their UK and European bound goods on the same vehicle, presenting significant cost benefits If a business is looking to reduce its storage requirements or experiences seasonal peaks, it should look for a pallet network that can provide a storage facility on their behalf. At Palletways, we can provide customers with a palletised consignment stockholding solution that dovetails with our overnight national distribution network . It also means these is the facility for late ordering for next day delivery. We can take orders from goods on site as late as 7:00pm for next day delivery.

Case Study: Vodka not on rocks Global Brands, founded in 1997, is a vodka specialist and manufactures and distributes several of its own brands including Kick Energy Drink, Corkys Vodka Shots and their flagship VK brand.

The customer base is wide and products are distributed to breweries such as Coors and Carlsberg Tetley, as well as wholesalers such as Mathew Clarke. Global Brands products are now also available in supermarkets, including Sainsbury's and Morrisons.

Although the company uses its own vehicles for large deliveries, Global Brands recognised a need for a highly reliable and cost-effective distribution service for small consignments throughout the UK.

Transport Manager, Kevin Hopkinson, wanted to use a local distribution company that would be flexible to their needs and close enough for a fast and efficient service. They selected Lichfield-based Palletways depot, Palletways 51, one of 100 plus member depots in the UK.

Palletways 51 is a founder member of the Palletways network and serves Telford, Derby and parts of Staffordshire.

"Having a reliable pallet network to deliver goods to our customers is vital to the success of Global Brands," says Hopkinson. "Our delivery requirements are not always consistent – although we send out pallets most days, we tend to be busier from September to December when students are beginning a new term at university and we also have other peaks around Easter and the May bank holidays.

Using a pallet network is, therefore, the most cost effective way of fulfilling such orders and ensuring our product remains competitive."

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