Summer 2014 Magazine www.pallex.com
New Direction Cris Stephenson appointed UK managing director
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IT delivery
Olympians’ Rio hopes
Ace Express Freight
In this issue P5 Pall-Ex flies the flag for carers P6 Drivers’ environmental pride P8 Growth for the Green Group P13 Expansion in action
Pall-Ex IT solutions increase supply chain efficiency
Pall-Ex team up with a pair of Team GB Olympic hopefuls
Celebrating 25 years of service excellence
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STAFF NEWS
Welcome to our Summer edition of Fastlane These are truly exciting times for Pall-Ex. Our business requires constant energy and focus to ensure that we provide our members with the progressive range of services that they deserve. As such, I instigated major changes to renew and refresh the structure of our senior management team. Adrian Russell has been at my right hand since the inception of Pall-Ex. I am delighted that he will remain at my side in his capacity as Group managing director, where he will oversee our international expansion.
After three years spent as Adrian’s deputy, Cris Stephenson has been appointed managing director of Pall-Ex UK. As head of a dedicated and specialist team, he is exclusively focussed upon delivering quality throughout all areas of our UK network. Pall-Ex will benefit enormously from this positive change and renewal. I am convinced that the restructure will achieve its aims, much to the benefit of our Pall-Ex network. Hilary Devey Founder and CEO, Pall-Ex Group
A word from Adrian Russell, group managing director The restructuring of our board of directors marks the start of a new chapter in my 17 years with Pall-Ex. Since taking on the role of managing director in 2007, I have helped to engineer many constructive changes within the business, as well as witnessing the seismic shift in commercial conditions occasioned by the recent recession. Our members’ and colleagues’ hard-work, adaptability, positivity and ability to overcome challenges have been a source of great pride for me. I have made some good friends within the business, and also experienced the sad passing of others. I am immensely proud to have had the honour of being Pall-Ex’s UK MD; but now is the right time to hand over the baton. Our business will benefit from renewal and reinvigoration of its senior management.
Pall-Ex has grown phenomenally. This latest development will provide our UK membership with a dedicated, exclusively focussed team, which is free of distractions from other areas of business development. Cris Stephenson has been tasked with reshaping the management and delivering that focus, and will bring a number of initiatives to fruition without delay. I myself am not quite ready to ride off into the sunset. I will be closely involved in Group activities, including the coordination of our growing international operations. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everybody who has supported me during my time as UK managing director. I couldn’t have done the job without you. I know that Cris will benefit from your on-going support and commitment to our strong and vibrant Pall-Ex brand.
Next Fastlane: Autumn 2014 News & feedback: contact Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Assistant E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079
PALL-EX NEWS
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Introducing Cris Stephenson Fastlane interviewed newly appointed UK managing director Cris Stephenson about his past experience and ambitions for the future of the Pall-Ex network. You’ve worked in the logistics sector for 30 years now; starting off as a driver. Did you ever see yourself achieving this appointment when you started out? Yes, I did. It was always my ambition to get right to the top. My father owned a business and ended up with five farms, three factories and a fleet of 40 vehicles. While he supported me throughout my education, through to my graduation from Durham University; I started my career from the ground and worked my way up independently. I was very driven from a young age and knew that I never wanted to become trapped in a comfort zone. I’m not afraid of confronting issues and thrive on change and challenges.
What experience will you draw upon in the new role? I have gained a wealth of life experience. As a bike racer, my life depended upon my team maintaining a safe, fast, and reliable machine which would equip me for situations where calculated risks outweighed courage. Here, I learned only too well that the team is everything. I’ll never forget the time a major fashion retailer’s sole NDC burned to the ground. My team
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and I opened a fully operational warehouse within hours, literally saving their business; only to have them transfer half of our contract to a competitor less than a year later, due to a minor cost saving. I’ve learned from all of my mistakes and successes, and am well aware that experience, willingness to learn, ability to recover, and openness to change are vital to successful leadership. All of my experiences, gained within every role, from driver to MD, have made me what I am today, and I will draw upon every lesson in order to benefit Pall-Ex.
What changes are you keen to bring about for the UK network? Essentially we will keep driving our business forward; because within the service industry, to stand still is to fail. These are the earliest days of my appointment; but at this stage I am willing and happy to state that we have a number of exciting and innovative projects which are primed for imminent introduction.
How will the UK network continue to grow and benefit from Pall-Ex’s international expansion? Pall-Ex provides one network for all of our members’ national and international freight distribution
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I want to firmly establish Pall-Ex as the UK’s best known and most respected pallet network
requirements, giving members the scope to do business wherever they choose. Our international connections enable members to sell a complete transport solution in to Europe and beyond and, due to increasing volumes generated by our European partners; we continue to gain volumes from Europe for distribution throughout the UK. New territories targeted within the Group’s expansion strategy might well have new ideas which we can learn and benefit from in terms of value-added services which our UK members can offer to their customers.
What do you see for the future for Pall-Ex? I want to firmly establish Pall-Ex as the UK’s best known and most respected pallet network. To achieve this, we need to be the first choice for members: we will deliver even more in terms of our membership offering; providing the most complete membership package in terms of IT, service, innovation, quality and support. With dedication, pride, focus, and cooperation, we will genuinely become the UK’s number one network.
FASTLANE SUMMER 2014
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PALL-EX NEWS
Pall-Ex IT solutions deliver supply chain assurance A suite of new, free-of-charge track and trace products has been launched to benefit Pall-Ex members, network customers and end-customers. Since the implementation of SMS-EPOD in March, Pall-Ex has been a full, real-time proof of delivery (POD) network with a 99 per cent rate of compliance across the network. The system means that submitting POD data is as easy as sending a text message. Details are updated in real-time by Pall-Ex’s cloud-based TWINE system, allowing all parties to access up-to-date tracking reports for consignments at any given time. Pall-Ex has also developed a free smartphone application, allowing customers to instantly locate as many as ten consignments at once. To download the tool, which memorises consignment details for two days and works across a range of platforms, users search ‘Pall-Ex track and trace’ at any application store. Additional benefits are delivered by Pall-Ex’s ‘plug-and-play’ tracking widget, which is easily installed on members’ and service users’ websites. This tool empowers end-customers with the ability to self-serve at their convenience and creates sales opportunities by encouraging customers to return to suppliers’ websites. The new systems are complemented by Pall-Ex’s web-based customer shipping portal, Solitaire, which has increased functionality, allowing users to email consignment recipients with delivery identification data. This information enables end-customers to track their orders using the tracking tool of their choice. Pall-Ex IT director Sean Sherwin-Smith commented: “Knowing the location and delivery time of their freight is a crucial factor for our members and customers, who have commented on the positive impact our real-time POD is already having upon their businesses.
Pall-Ex has also developed a free smartphone application, allowing customers to instantly locate as many as ten consignments at once.
“Our members are fully supported and incentivised, ensuring the highest levels of compliance. Complete consignment visibility is one of Pall-Ex’s major goals, and we are particularly pleased that the membership is so eager embrace these IT solutions.”
Pall-Ex has released a white paper outlining the ways in which customers can strategically deploy tracking tools to develop customer relationships, increase profitability, and improve service quality. Learn more at www.pallex. co.uk/customer-technology.
Next Fastlane: Autumn 2014 News & feedback: contact Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Assistant E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079
PALL-EX NEWS
Olympians’ Rio hopes boosted by Pall-Ex
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Pall-Ex flies the flag for carers
Already a familiar name on roads throughout Europe, Pall-Ex has now taken to the water, teaming up with a pair of Team GB Olympic hopefuls. Pall-Ex is the official sponsor for Canoe Slalom C2 athletes Matthew Lister and Rhys Davies, who are preparing to compete in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Pall-Ex’s has funded Matthew and Rhys’ new black carbon boat, christened ‘The Hilary D.’ The pair first came to the attention of Pall-Ex CEO Hilary Devey after she discovered that they had affectionately named their former boat ‘Hilary’. As Matthew explained, backing from Pall-Ex is a major boost for himself and Rhys: “Sourcing sponsorship hasn’t always been easy as our sport doesn’t have as big a profile as some of the more mainstream events. “I’ve always been a huge fan of Hilary. When we found out she was interested in sponsoring us, we couldn’t believe our luck.
Our new, top-of-the-range boat is fantastic and will be invaluable to our training.” This year, Matthew, Rhys, and ‘The Hilary D’ will attend events including the World Championships in the USA and Australia, and the European Championships in Vienna and Macedonia.
Pall-Ex members dug deep to raise £5,000 in support network health and safety manager Steve Underwood’s expedition to Kilimanjaro for Carers Trust.
For Hilary, backing Matthew and Rhys was an easy decision: “I greatly admire this pair’s drive and determination. They are wonderfully positive and I’m delighted that we’re in a position to help them on their way. Following their journey will be so exciting.”
Steve spent eight days trekking to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain, where he unfurled a flag in acknowledgement of his Pall-Ex sponsors.
“Many of Matthew and Rhys’ races happen across Europe and as we continue with our own European expansion, sponsorship is a brilliant way for us to promote the Pall-Ex brand across the continent.”
To date, Pall-Ex has raised more than £150,000 for Carers Trust, which assists unpaid carers throughout the UK, providing assistance and financial services including educational grants, respite breaks, and practical support.
Left to right: Matthew Lister and Rhys Davies
Steve commented: “Pall-Ex members throughout the UK were incredibly supportive, not only making donations, but also calling me for training updates and to wish me well. I was amazed by how much was raised!” Pall-Ex CEO, Hilary Devey CBE, is vice president of Carers Trust. Hilary commented: “I am so proud of our UK network’s fantastic generosity. Its continued contribution to Carers Trust, an organisation which is incredibly dear to my heart, is commendable.” Alison Houghton, senior fundraising manager for Carers Trust, commented: “I would like to thank the Pall-Ex network for its continued support of Carers Trust.”
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70km
travelled in 8 days
5,895m altitude reached
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PALL-EX NEWS
Survey reveals clean conscious of Pall-Ex drivers A staggering 86 per cent of Pall-Ex network drivers believe that local authorities throughout the UK should do more to combat littering, by providing more bins for the disposal of waste.
“We’re proud that our network’s drivers take such pride in their jobs, vehicles, and environment, and it is a shame that their conscientious efforts are let down by a lack of facilities in some parts of the country,” commented Pall-Ex Group managing director Adrian Russell.
When quizzed about the quality of recycling, litter and cleaning facilities at UK service stations and lay-bys, 56 per cent of drivers said they feel let down by a lack of facilities.
“Our campaigns with North West Leicestershire District Council have made an impact in the region local to Pall-Ex’s Ellistown hub. We need other authorities to replicate our efforts throughout the UK – not just in support of lorry drivers; but to benefit all road-users and communities.”
Provisions were said to vary considerably between different regions, with around half of the respondents regularly having to take rubbish home for disposal. It also appeared that service area staff and Highways Agency officers are rarely seen to reprimand those who do drop litter.
Green Footprints, a joint campaign created by Pall-Ex and North West Leicestershire District Council, was
Traffic Commissioners to crack down on mobile phone offences Traffic commissioners are considering more stringent action against professional drivers caught using mobile phones. Legal expert Anton Balkitis, from law firm Rothera Dowson, examines the potential consequences. Since February 2007 it has been an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone or device while driving. Offenders are usually dealt with by way of a fixed penalty with a fine of £100 and three penalty points on their driving licence. There is now a possibility that HGV drivers will see far more serious consequences under new plans being considered by traffic commissioners (TCs). Industry regulators, with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), are considering measures which could
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66%
More than half of drivers quizzed spend more time cleaning their cabs than their homes
of drivers would be more annoyed by coffee spilt on their cab’s seats than on their sofa
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of drivers are more concerned with the cleanliness of their lorries than their living rooms
designed to educate and inspire while reducing the amount of litter dumped in the district’s lay-bys, and was named best overall project at last year’s Keep Britain Tidy Awards.
lead to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC) being automatically notified when a vocational driver picks up points for mobile phone offences in a private or commercial vehicle.
The logic behind this idea seems to be that if offences are shown to have been committed in a lorry or PCV, then drivers would be instructed to appear before the TC at the first offence.
At present, the licensing agency only informs the OTC when a driver with nine points or more applies to renew their licence, or to regain it following a period of disqualification.
The OTC has confirmed that improvements to the current referral system are under consideration. A spokesperson intimated that the objective is to target the serially and seriously non-compliant amongst professional drivers.
Commissioners are seeking to automatically suspend the licence of errant professional (HGV or PCV) drivers, for a period of 21 days for a first offence and 42 days for a second offence. Further considerations include creating a separate offence for using a mobile phone in a lorry or coach; along with a specific endorsement code that would identify the type of vehicle being driven.
Mobile phone offences, more than ever, will cost offending hauliers their livelihoods. For further information, contact Anton Balkitis on 0800 046 3066.
Next Fastlane: Autumn 2014 News & feedback: contact Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Assistant E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079
PALL-EX NEWS
Pall-Ex members club together to score a birdie! Pall-Ex’s golf day 2014, sponsored by Deker Trailers, took place in fantastic sunshine at The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield, England’s only PGA branded course. Depot representatives and their guests enjoyed breakfast before competing for ‘longest drive’ and ‘nearest pin’ titles, as well as an overall team title. Champagne and trophies were presented to the winners by operations director
Fraser MacNeill, following a three course dinner. PMB Pallet Express (D02), represented by Bradley Larimore, Dave Kelly, Anton Broughton and Neil Blundell, were the winning team. Second place went to Aaron Logistics (D15), whose team consisted of Mike Dorey, Paul Bradley, Phil Lowrey and Robert Dubicki. In third place were Eric Ward, Macauley Christopher and Nigel Shreeves, representing Premier Logistics (D42) and Pall-Ex’s Leicestershire central hub.
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Sponsored by Deker Trailers
6,152 yard, 70 par course
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MEMBER NEWS
Progressive growth for the Green Group A tidy job by trucklink.eu Staff from trucklink.eu (D114) joined local residents to spend a day volunteering as part of Ashby’s Big Tidy Up. Litter-pickers from the depot, based in Ashby de la Zouch, helped to collect more than a tonne of rubbish and retrieved all manner of discarded waste from throughout the town and surrounding areas.
Green Group (D87) has demonstrated its continued commitment to efficient and environmentally-friendly business development. As part of its ambitious expansion strategy, the Maltby-based depot has taken delivery of 50 Euro-6 Mercendes-Benz Actros units, adding to the 30 Euro-5 Actros units it purchased last summer. The units, which return between 9 and 9.5mpg fully-freighted, 1.5mpg more efficient that the vehicles they have replaced, will average 160,000 miles per year and deliver considerable fuel savings.
Assistant managing director Rebecca Wharmsby commented: “It was exciting to see our new fleet taking to the roads. The liveried units look fantastic and are the perfect emblem for our expert service and 25 years of experience within the logistics industry. “Membership of Pall-Ex, with benefits and solutions such as TWINE, ideally compliments our growth plans and forward-thinking business practices.”
The litter collected was sorted into recyclable and non-recyclable categories and disposed of appropriately. Depot principal Nigel Todd commented: “The staff and I were keen to take part as we all take great pride in our region, as a company and as citizens of a fantastic community. “We were genuinely shocked by the amount of litter we collected, particularly from roadside hedges and lay-bys. Litter along our highways can appear to be a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ issue; but our team delved deeper and saw the true extent of the problem. “We will certainly be taking part in future events, and hope that by visibly assisting in the improvement of our community, we’ll encourage others to think twice about littering.”
Next Fastlane: Autmun 2014 News & feedback: contact Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Assistant E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079
MEMBER NEWS
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R J Murray nets biggest ever deal with solar power contract R J Murray & Son Ltd (D67) has secured the largest individual contract in its history. Operator of Pall-Ex’s Northern Hub, Carlisle-based R J Murray will handle the logistics for a multi-million pound, three-year deal with Global Heat Source, a solar panel kit provider. The contract, which will see around 500 pallets per week distributed throughout Pall-Ex’s UK network, is worth £1.2 million a year to R J Murray, and approximately £700,000 per year to the network and its members. Global Heat Source’s packing operation is based within Pall-Ex’s Northern Hub complex, meaning that pallets - each carrying a complete solar panel kit - can be assembled on site and shipped to installation
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engineers without the need to travel unnecessary road-miles. “As Pall-Ex already provides one of the most environmentally efficient methods of road transport in the world, it is particularly fitting that R J Murray’s new contract should further the rolling out solar power across the UK,” said Pall-Ex Group managing director Adrian Russell. Steve Murray, managing director of R J Murray, added: “This is a milestone in the development of both R J Murray and the Pall-Ex Northern Hub. To be chosen as the logistics provider for this project is testament to the efficiency of our operation, and we
This is a milestone in the development of both R J Murray and the Pall-Ex Northern Hub.
are looking forward to working with Global Heat Source.” Global Heat Source managing director James McLinden commented: “We are delighted to secure the deal with RJ Murray & Son Ltd, who have always provided a reliable and cost-effective solution to our logistic requirements.”
FASTLANE SUMMER 2014
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MEMBER NEWS
Silver anniversary for Ace Ace Express Freight (D06) has celebrated 25 years of service excellence. Established in 1989, Ace Express Freight Ltd has gone from strength to strength. Starting out from a shared office in Dublin, the company is now Ireland’s leading independently owned and operated freight company.
Ace Express Freight operates a network of 14 members, offering complete coverage of Ireland. Its hub is located in North County Dublin, and employs a core of 90 full-time staff along with more than 200 sub-contracted workers. The depot offers overnight distribution services throughout Ireland as well as daily services to and from the UK and Europe. In addition to this, the Ace Express Group offers warehousing, road, sea and air freight services throughout the world.
Commenting on the success of the company, Philip Tracey said: “None of what we have achieved over the last 25 years would have been possible without the hard work, dedication and loyalty of a great team of staff. We have been lucky enough to build excellent relationships with our partners, suppliers, and customers, and will continue to achieve the very highest standards as we look towards the future.”
Above, left to right: Commercial director Mark Tracey, managing director Philip Tracey, director and company secretary Julie Tracey, operations director Declan Byrne.
Next Fastlane: Autumn 2014 News & feedback: contact Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Assistant E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079
MEMBER NEWS
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Express Freight
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Fastlane interviewed Mark Tracey to find out more about the depot’s 25 years in business. Is Ace Express Freight still a family-run business? Yes, very much so! Philip and I are directors, along with Philip’s wife Julie, and our brothers have played a huge part over the years. Bobby handles health and safety while Michael is our general manager, and Alan has been our financial advisor from day one. Declan Byrne is our operations director and also a shareholder: because he isn’t a brother by birth we have had to adopt him.
What was the motivation behind establishing Ace Express 25 years ago? Philip was very young, and was handling exports for another company when he identified the need for an overnight service from Ireland to the UK. His company didn’t want to invest in an overnight service, so Philip and Julie used the money they were saving as a deposit on their first house to establish Ace Express Freight.
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What has been the greatest challenge over the years? Ace Express has always been quite aggressive in the marketplace and enjoyed good growth rates. This is because we have been able to find the right people to make the business a success. Transport demands passionate people with dedication and a genuine desire to exceed customers’ expectations. Assembling our amazing team may have been our biggest challenge, but they are worth it!
Do you have any favourite memories or achievements from your time in business? We’ve had so much to celebrate in 25 years. Of course the ‘firsts’ stand out: first large account won, first property acquisition, first computerised operations. The achievements which stand out most are those where we linked up with people who, to this day remain our partners in business - both customers and suppliers. Personality plays such a big part in this business.
How did you reach the decision to join Pall-Ex? At the turn of the century, our business was growing 25% year-on-year and the UK’s pallet networks were growing rapidly. We wanted to join a network because a very large part of our business involved traffic between the UK and Ireland.
There were no pallet networks in Ireland at the time, and competitor networks were looking for so much money in exchange for franchise agency that we decided to set up our own network in Ireland. Once we had established Ace Express Pallets we sought a partner in the UK, met Hilary Devey, and were smitten! Securing Pall-Ex agency for Southern Ireland was a major milestone for the company, and was followed by agency throughout Northern Ireland. To say we have a ‘gra’ (Irish word for love) for Pall-Ex would be an understatement. We feel very privileged to have Pall-Ex agency for the whole of Ireland.
What have been the major benefits of Pall-Ex membership? As local and global freight forwarders our business is built on partnership and trust. The benefits of membership are too numerous to list; but we could not have better partners than the Pall-Ex network.
How has the transport industry changed in 25 years? When we started out, fax machines were modern technology and we still employed runners, employees literally running up and down the docks with custom clearance papers. Now, everything is automated. Operations are quicker, faster, and cheaper; but passion still makes you stand out from your competitors. The transport industry will continue to evolve at a steady pace.
What do you miss about the old days? The price of a pint has increased significantly and I miss my hair!
What makes business easier after 25 years? Twenty five years of developing instincts, building trust, and long-standing friendships make everything so much easier.
What advice would you give to somebody starting out in transport today? I can’t over-emphasise the importance of strong strategic planning. Get the plan right; be honest, work hard, and love what you do.
FASTLANE SUMMER 2014
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MEMBER NEWS
Ken’s charitable coast to coast challenge
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The coast to coast challenge was fantastic and I have raised more than £800 for a charity which provides an invaluable service throughout our region.
Ken Daniels-Sims, managing director of Cheshire-based Sims Worldwide (D27) cycled from Wokington to Sunderland in support of local children with life-threatening conditions. Ken and his team cycled 139 miles over two days; tackling the famously gruelling Whinlatter Pass, Back Hill, Nenthead Allenheads and Hartside Hill climbs to complete the route in an elapsed time of nine hours and 59 minutes. Ken undertook his challenge in support of Francis House Children’s Hospice, which supports the families of children with life-limiting conditions throughout the North West. Ken commented: “Not all children enjoy good health, but Francis House does fantastic work, providing, fun, rest, comfort, support and enjoyment for children, young people, and their families.
Next Fastlane: Autumn 2014 News & feedback: contact Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Assistant E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079
EUROPEAN UPDATE
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Expansion in action The Pall-Ex Group’s six established domestic networks already span a quarter of Europe, distributing freight throughout the entire continent. Project director Anand Assi explains how the network is developing across Europe and beyond. More than ever, businesses are looking for new markets to explore and seeking to operate across wider geographical areas. A robust logistics network is the backbone for expansion and a pan-European palletised freight network delivers this capability.
The flexibility of our model is key to reaching our goals. Working with our principal national partners (PNPs) to ensure we adhere to local regulations, while respecting regional customs and behaviours, is a core aspect of Pall-Ex’s European strategy.
Our expansion model has proved to be successful. Throughout 2013 the average growth of our European networks was close to 100 per cent, indicating that the continental model will grow in strength as more networks are launched, attracting more members.
There are, of course, alternative methods by which to transfer freight throughout the world. Air, sea and rail transport are all popular in most areas of Europe. Road-based palletised freight distribution networks come into their own because they can provide a dynamic, controlled, last-mile solution for small, less-than-truckload consignments.
We offer a competent network model for distributing palletised freight. Stringent research and planning provide in-depth knowledge of local economies, business and haulage operations. This results in the development of a robust and growing chain of national member networks, providing last-mile operations across the continent. Working across multiple territories will always present challenges. One of the most common issues for UK hauliers operating on the continent can be the EU restriction on the height of trucks. This emphasises the importance of consolidation, which is vital when supplying a delivery service across territories with varying laws and trading conditions.
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With so many points of origin and delivery, road haulage provides a far more specific track-and-trace service for customers. Keeping everybody up to date, in real-time, gives confidence to service-users, including those looking to work further afield for the first time. Pall-Ex has established a road map of target countries, which includes Turkey. More than 90 per cent of Turkey’s domestic freight is delivered by road; usually to and from the seaports underpinning its strong international position. Launching a network in this key territory will establish a gateway to Asia, adding a new, seamless, transcontinental dimension for the Pall-Ex Group and its members.
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Throughout 2013 the average growth of our European networks was close to 100 per cent, indicating that the continental model will grow in strength as more networks are launched, attracting more members.
Bringing businesses together across international borders is essential to profitable trade; benefitting the economies of individual countries and Europe as a whole. Palletised freight networks make this process easier and more efficient. Our Pall-Ex Group network will continue to develop and evolve, providing a greater service which benefits everybody.
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EUROPEAN UPDATE
Pall-Ex Romania expands nation’s largest logistics network Pall-Ex Romania now boasts more depots than any of its competitors and has announced the arrival of two major new members. Pall-Ex Romania CEO, Danor Ionescu, commented: “We are incredibly proud to have become the logistics provider with the nation’s largest haulier membership. Our network continues to develop in response to growing requirements for efficient transport. “Our newest members, Imferex and FTB, join a network of ambitious and dedicated hauliers, all working to deliver excellent service levels throughout Romania and beyond.”
A positive response from SITL Representatives from Pall-Ex’s European networks met in Paris to participate in SITL, the international trade show for transport, logistics and freight-forwarding.
Pall-Ex Group’s stall at the exhibition was hosted by Pall-Ex France, along with delegates from the international network’s UK head office. The team was joined by colleagues including Enric Estruch, managing director of Pall-Ex Iberia, and Danor Ionescu, managing director of Pall-Ex Romania, and promoted the Group’s brand and international distribution services among visitors from more than 70 countries worldwide. “It was great to interact with international visitors as part of a dynamic group of Pall-Ex representatives. This was also the perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships within the Pall-Ex network,” commented Julia von Massow, project analyst and SITL host.
Launched in 2011, Pall-Ex Romania is Eastern Europe’s leading pallet network and allows the region to benefit from the unique hub-and-spoke network concept that revolutionised pallet distribution throughout the UK and Western Europe.
International links for Pall-Ex Iberia Pall-Ex Iberia took advantage of its presence at Alimentaria, Barcelona’s international food and drink exhibition, to showcase the Group’s capabilities and reveal its plans and objectives for the future. Establishing links with both domestic and international customers, Pall-Ex Iberia joined exhibitors from around the world, connecting with more than 140,000 visitors from Asia, the United States and South America, as well as throughout Europe.
Next Fastlane: Autunm 2014 News & feedback: contact Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Assistant E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079
EUROPEAN UPDATE
Focus Italy Pall-Ex Italia continues to expand; handling increased freight volumes generated from domestic growth as well as significant increases throughout Pall-Ex’s European network. A key link in Pall-Ex’s growing pan-European network, Pall-Ex Italia operates a central hub in Fiorenzuola d’Arda, with four regional consolidation hubs located around the territory.
quality has paved the way for an influx of new hauliers joining the network; including two who recently made the move from a major competitor. Pall-Ex Italia’s managing director, Melissa Alberti, commented: “We are confident that our quality, coverage and strong links with the continent will ensure Pall-Ex Italia continues to grow and strengthen. “The Italian freight market is delivering consistent growth at the moment, and our convincing progress is something I can only see continuing throughout the coming months. Further growth in cross-border international volumes will further bolster the network, which in turn will continue to enhance the nation’s economy.”
Established members are increasing their pallet volumes, while an increased focus on service
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Expansion Europe Initial marketing campaigns to initiate the search for principal national partners in Bulgaria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have come to an end, resulting in a positive response from appropriate companies throughout all three countries. A short-list has been created, and meetings with potential partners from all three countries will take place at Pall-Ex’s UK hub in the coming summer months.
Italia on tour! Winners of Pall-Ex Italia’s annual network awards visited the UK to observe Pall-Ex’s UK Leicestershire hub in operation. Representatives from 15 Italian depots achieving the greatest growth, commitment and quality were welcomed by Pall-Ex Group managing director Adrian Russell and his team; who discussed the Group’s expansion plans before conducting a night tour of the hub. The visitors spent the remainder of their weekend touring the UK, taking in a rugby match and sight-seeing in Cambridge before returning to Italy.
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Pall-Ex Italia’s operations and customer services manager, Carlo Danieli, commented: “Our visit to the UK was extremely beneficial. It was an excellent opportunity to celebrate our achievements and look to the future while further developing positive relationships within our network and the Pall-Ex Group.”
FASTLANE SUMMER 2014
Sponsors of PALL-EX’S 2014 GOLF DAY