Sharp ■ Informed ■ Challenging
NEWS INSIDE Driver shortage easing But industry still suffering
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HGVs take Euston load?
Station waste may go by road p4
Microlise round-up Tesco backs hydrogen
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OPERATORS INSIDE Brighouse Pallet Services.............................. p3 Brit European Group....................................... p8 DawsonGroup...............................................p10 DHL .............................................................. p3 DPD .............................................................. p4 KB Event ......................................................p24 Owens Group................................................. p3 Seal It Services ............................................. p3 Tesco ............................................................ p8
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ROAD TEST: trials of the eActros LongHaul on public roads are set to start this year, with the batterypowered truck scheduled to enter series production in 2024. Prototypes of the 40-tonne vehicle, which has a range of approximately 500km on one battery charge and superfast megawatt charging, are already undergoing internal tests. MercedesBenz Trucks is also preparing additional variants of the eActros – dubbed the eActros 300 and the eActros 400 – as early as July, in addition to the eEconic, which is also scheduled to roll off the production line at its Wörth plant next month.
Review considers ‘all options’ for business after largest shareholder members push for sale
Palletline up for grabs? By Carol Millett
The board of Palletline is undertaking a strategic review of all options for investment in the business including a sale, Motor Transport has learned. Potential buyers could include Amazon – a major customer, which is the only pallet network to hold Amazon’s preferred carrier status for inbound deliveries. Other likely contenders include major operators, aspiring to emulate Culina’s ownership of The Pallet Network, which was bought by Culina subsidiary Eddie Stobart in 2018 for £53m. Venture capitalists are also likely bidders. During the pandemic, Palletline saw volumes soar, aided by the resulting online shopping boom. According to the latest figures from the Association of Pallet Networks, the sector saw a 13.2% growth in 2021, delivering 31.5 million pallets. Sources said the move to sell is
boost the value of the network market potential and need for continued expansion to meet the ahead of sale. The idea caused ever-changing market landscape. uproar among members, with many voicing their opposition. This year, celebrating its 30th anniversary, the business is exploring However, Palletline stated that it has the lowest hub rate in the alternative investment options to industry and intends to maintain provide a strong platform for that position. The company plans growth.” to invest more than £12m over the next three years in hub capacity and IT infrastructure projects. Launched in 1992, Palletline being driven by those with the delivers to 29 European countries largest shareholdings who are from 96 UK depots. It handles BY keen to realise the value of their approximately five million pallets stake in the business. a day and has a combined fleet of However, Palletline told MT that more than 6,000 vehicles. its shareholder model does not Asked if Palletline was up for allow for a small number of sale, Palletline group MD Graham members to hold the majority of Leitch said: “In 2021 Palletline the decision-making power and enjoyed its best-ever year, achievthat its shareholders are limited ing a 19.4% increase in turnover. 0330 124 5651 to voting rights of 5% per member. Volumes increased by more than info@hireco.co.uk hireco.co.uk It is understood that in a meet17.6% from 17,000 to 20,000 and ing of members on 18 May, thesource we> finance hit the five million pallets mark > maintain > TRAILER > TRUCK > VAN > source > finance > maintain > TRAILER > TRUCK > VAN > > maintain > TRAILER > source > COCKTAILS > BBQ > ICE CREAM > COCKTAILS board announced plans to raisesource for> finance the first time. > TRUCK > TRAILER > VAN > TRUCK > TRAILER > VAN hub costs by £1.50 per pallet, to “This success demonstrates the
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Commercial Vehicle Show p10 Legal focus: van licensing p14 Viewpoint p16 Finance: electric vehicles p20 Interview: Richard Smith p24