Winter 2013 Magazine www.pallex.com
Forging ahead together The Pall-Ex journey continues
3 Sense of achievement
Anand Assi receives Doctorate in Business Administration
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7
Leap of faith
Special edition livery
Jason Ketteridge raises a fantastic sum for charity!
Intercounty Distribution (D98) new initiative
In this issue Pall-Ex Polska launches: Pall-Ex’s fifth active mainland network / P10 Pall-Ex slashes the cost of its trunking service to Iberia, Italy and Germany / P10 Get to know JT Leyland (D82) / P6 Pall-Ex litter campaign cleans up at awards / P3
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STAFF NEWS
Welcome to our winter edition of Fastlane I am delighted that our network continues to exceed its target volumes. We are all working hard and doing a fantastic job, having collaborated to grow by 14% compared to the UK’s economy overall, which has increased by 1.3% year on year. As we gain momentum, we are continually discovering ways to improve our service and to develop and strengthen both internal and external relationships. In Europe too, Pall-Ex continues to go from strength to strength. This year has seen some fantastic Pall-Ex milestones. Our fifth continental network, Pall-Ex Polska, was launched; while Pall-Ex Romania recently processed its 100,000th pallet. Our French, Iberian, and Italian networks are powering ahead, with steadily growing volumes and big plans for the future. I would like to personally welcome two new members, Renfrew-based Link Transport and Warehousing and Northampton’s Bletsoe-Brown. These hauliers will be an asset to Pall-Ex,
adding to the strength and integrity of our network. Our members’ employees are a fantastic bunch. Pall-Ex’s is truly driven by the commitment, enthusiasm and dedication of its people; from its lorry drivers through to receptionists, sales teams and transport planners. The transport sector is full of unsung heroes; the hard-working men and women who keep Pall-Ex’s network traffic flowing around the clock. I am so pleased that we’re able to report on the professional and personal achievements of our colleagues. Pall-Ex is proud to support worthy causes and champion the development of its people. We can be sure our ‘can-do’ network will continue to pull together to encourage and support Pall-Ex’s future growth. As the festive season fast approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everybody a very happy Christmas and a fun New Year. I hope you all enjoy a successful and prosperous 2014! Hilary Devey Founder and CEO, Pall-Ex Group
Pall-Ex Project Director receives doctorate Anand Assi, Project Director at Pall-Ex, has received a Doctorate in Business Administration from leading institution, Aston Business School. Centring his studies and thesis around ‘hub and spoke’ palletised freight systems, the Doctorate has allowed Anand to add a real contribution to ‘new knowledge’ in the field and cement himself as a thought leader in the industry. Anand commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed the work I have put in and the sense of achievement having received my Doctorate is fantastic. My thesis was inspired by the work that Pall-Ex is doing and I have developed a deep theoretical understanding of the industry. “It has been hard work finding the time for intensive study. As Project Director at Pall-Ex there are a lot of work commitments, including long hours and international travel, not to mention juggling a young family. I would like to thank the Pall-Ex board for their on-going sponsorship, guidance and support throughout the research and writing of my thesis.”
Pall-Ex welcomes Graham Murray Graham Murray, Pall-Ex’s new Director of Strategic Development, will commence his employment by seeking out potential new member depots and investigating strategies which will strengthen the network.
and productivity of a diverse range of logistics-based operations.
Graham’s specialities are process improvement; business planning, development and retention. Experienced in cost-reductions and man-management, he is especially interested in streamlining processes and market diversification.
Commenting on his new role, Graham said, “I am thrilled to have joined Pall-Ex. I’ve already been impressed by the levels of enthusiasm, dedication and camaraderie among my new colleagues. I will bring my business development skills and instincts into play, contributing to Pall-Ex’s on-going drive for delivering and developing a world-class service.”
Graham has repeatedly converted costs into revenue streams, and increased the profitability
Married to Tracy for 25 years, Graham has two daughters and is a keen golfer and Manchester United fan.
Next Fastlane: Spring 2014 News & feedback: contact Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Assistant E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079
PALL-EX NEWS Remembering Stuart Westrope: 1954-2013 Stuart Westrope, Director of New England Transport and long-standing Pall-Ex member, will be fondly remembered by the network. Stuart was one in a long line of Westrope hauliers. His grandfather John was a haulier and a baker. John’s sons, Gerald and Philip, founded Westrope Bros in 1946. Gerald Westrope bought his first lorry from his father, and was father to Stuart, John and Stella; all of whom entered the family business upon completing their education.
Campaign cleans up at awards A campaign to reduce litter caused by Britain’s vehicle-users, spearheaded by Pall-Ex, has been named as best overall project at the annual Keep Britain Tidy Network Awards. As well as winning the main accolade at the ceremony, the campaign, undertaken in conjunction with North West Leicestershire District Council, also picked up the night’s Partnership Award. The campaign to reduce the amount of litter dumped in the district’s lay-bys centred upon a charter which urged local businesses to encourage drivers to ‘keep their cabs fab’. As well as being the first company to sign up to the charter, Pall-Ex also encouraged other businesses in the area to follow its lead, including United Biscuits, McVities and KP. The Keep Britain Tidy judges were so impressed by the campaign that they crowned it overall winner at the London awards ceremony. Commenting on the double award, Adrian Russell, Managing Director of Pall-Ex, said: “We didn’t hesitate to get involved with the campaign.”
Stuart commenced co-directorship of the company with his siblings in 1987, and Westrope Bros became a Pall-Ex member in the network’s first year of operations. In 2000, Westrope Bros founded a sister company, New England Transport, which now handles the Westrope’s Pall-Ex business. Stuart took charge of traffic, Stella headed up accounts, and John took responsibility for the workshop. Stuart was known as a kindly, supportive, and good-humoured man, who inspired loyalty among his employees and was always delighted with his staff’s success. A friend to all, he thrived upon the adrenaline of transport and was affectionately known as ‘Captain Chaos’ among his employees, who describe Stuart as ‘a well-loved oneof-a-kind, and a great friend to all’. www.pallex.com
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“The fact that so many major businesses have joined forces with us will make a big difference in the local area. We hope that our joint actions, as well as the national recognition from Keep Britain Tidy, will help inspire others around the country.” Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Phil Barton said: “Littering from vehicles is a costly problem and tackling it is a priority for many local authorities. Pall-Ex and North West Leicestershire District Council have started something that should make a significant difference.”
Pall-Ex aims to reveal trucker snacking habits Pall-Ex has teamed up with vegetable grower Freshgro to uncover the truth about truckers’ eating habits.
to encourage truck drivers to think about their eating habits.”
Freshgro is working with Pall-Ex to survey more than 300 of the network’s drivers.
Adrian Russell, Managing Director at Pall-Ex, commented: “As a network, we’re well known for looking after our members and their drivers. They are the ones that literally keep our freight moving.“
“Evidence shows we are fast becoming a nation of snackers, but it’s essential to deliver a broader range of healthy options for consumers who are on the go,” comments Martin Evans of Freshgro. Martin added: “This is a unique opportunity to find out what snacks are currently consumed and what drivers really want. We hope the results of this research may also go some way
“We’ve run a number of incentives for drivers over the years, but handing out carrots is certainly a first. We look forward to viewing the results of the survey and seeing if there is anything else we can be doing to meet the needs of our drivers.”
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PALL-EX NEWS
Pall-Ex teams up with DFID to improve Africa’s logistics landscape
Pall-Ex nets two major new members
Pall-Ex is sharing its industry expertise with the Department for International Development (DFID) to help boost growth and cut costs in east Africa.
Northampton-based transport and logistics specialist Bletsoe-Brown prides itself on being a family-run business. It has a long-standing history and will take control of coverage for the NN postcode area.
Group Sales Director Chris Tancock accompanied Secretary of State Justine Greening on a trip to Tanzania, a region struggling with the second highest transportation costs in the world. Commenting on her advisory role, Hilary Devey said: “A robust logistics infrastructure is one of the keys to lasting business success. The growth of many businesses in east Africa is being stunted by crippling transport costs. “Chris Tancock’s visit will help kick-start economic growth in the region. Together, we hope to provide people living in the region with the skills and expertise to make a real difference to their own lives.”
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A robust logistics infrastructure is one of the keys to lasting business success
Pall-Ex has announced the arrival of a duo of new members
Following a postcode restructuring exercise in Scotland, Renfrew-based Link Transport & Warehousing Ltd is covering part of the G and PA postcode areas. This strategic move is designed to strengthen Pall-Ex’s presence in Scotland. Founded in 2005, Link Transport & Warehousing Ltd is situated just five minutes from Glasgow Airport. It is a sister company of Air Sea Scotland Ltd, the largest independent freight forwarder in the country. Commenting on Pall-Ex’s haul, Network Development Director Steven Reed said: “These companies will be a real asset to our network. Both have a great
McGregor Logistics pushes ahead with business development McGregor Logistics (D45) has taken delivery of four new moffat vehicles and six trailers as part of its dedication to expansion. This is the latest move in an ambitious schedule of development. McGregors moved to a new, seven-acre site in Warmsworth, at the start of 2013. The depot also recently opened a new satellite depot in Thurrock, enabling it to better service its London-based customers.
Since successfully delivering turf to London’s Olympic Arena, the depot has invested in its capacity to deliver turf throughout the UK and Ireland, to locations such as arenas, golf courses, racecourses, new motorway developments, and private addresses. Sales Director Graham Hamilton commented: “We look forward to continued growth in all areas of our business and are happy to be in a position to help and compliment Pall-Ex’s network.”
history of delivering quality service and we look forward to working together. Our members in the UK deliver reliable, efficient services, providing firm foundations for the ever-expanding Pall-Ex network.”
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These members have a great history of delivering quality service and we look forward to working together
Training boost for A E Parkers Joe Parker, Transport Manager at A E Parkers, has successfully completed his International CPC Training. Joe has worked through the ranks in the family business, having started off as a fork-lift driver. He has gained a comprehensive working knowledge of the diverse range of issues affecting transport managers in today’s dynamic and, at times, challenging industry. John Parker, Managing Director at A E Parkers said: “Parkers is committed to the training and development of its employees at all levels of the business. The professional development of our employees is crucial to the success of the business.”
Next Fastlane: Spring 2014 News & feedback: contact Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Assistant E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079
PALL-EX NEWS Steve’s Kilimanjaro climb for carers Steve Underwood, Health and Safety Manager at Pall-Ex’s Leicestershire hub, will climb Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Carers’ Trust. The Carers’ Trust assists more than 450,000 unpaid carers throughout the UK, providing a range of support and financial services which allow them to live their own lives; including educational grants, respite breaks, and practical support. Fighting-fit Steve will spend 6-8 hours per day walking a total of 70 kilometres and climbing to an altitude of 5,895 metres to the peak of Africa’s highest mountain. Steve is taking his training seriously, and recently climbed Mount Toubkal in Morocco. He has also been climbing in Pen Y Fen’s black mountain range, training destination for the SAS. Steve’s Pall-Ex colleagues are gearing up for some fun fundraising efforts. Watch this space for updates!
To find out more or make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/ClimbKili-Steve
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Leap of faith for The Stroke Association Pall-Ex member employee Jason Ketteridge faced his biggest fear to raise a fantastic sum for charity! Jason, a popular Operations Manager who has been with New England Transport (D36) for more than 20 years, completed a tandem skydive to raise more than £3,000 for Hilary Devey’s chosen charity, The Stroke Association. Jason’s dread of heights added an edge to the challenge of leaping from a plane more than 4,000 meters above ground. However, he was in good company, jumping alongside his father, two brothers, and sister-in-law. The family members took the plunge together in memory of Jason’s grandmother, ‘Ciss’, who passed away in 2010 following a stroke. Jason recalls: “I had serious doubts when the door opened; but suddenly we were out in the sunshine, and falling!” Jason loved the experience, calling his 45 second free-fall at 120 miles-per-hour, “thrilling and almost indescribable”. Once his parachute had opened, Jason savoured his “peaceful and moving” descent over the Suffolk coastline.
Overjoyed to have completed their jumps, Jason and his team celebrated with a swig of single malt whiskey from a handy hip-flask! Jason was overwhelmed with support and sponsorship from his New England Transport customers and colleagues; raising a total of £3,052.00, including a £250.00 donation from Pall-Ex. Speaking as the funds flooded in, Jason said: “We’re sincerely grateful for the generosity of all who contributed. We’re so pleased to have been able to help The Stroke Association and the many people who rely on their valuable services.”
Ken Daniels-Sims Golf Day Sims Worldwide (D27) sponsored a day of golf to raise funds for Greater Manchester Asbestos Victims Support Group.
Poor weather conditions did nothing to dampen the mood of the Annual Gordon Marriott Memorial Golf Day, which raised a fantastic £14,500.00. Chris Hazlehurst, organiser of the event, said “Sims Worldwide were a great partner for the day, providing goody bags for the golfers and contributing hugely to the funds raised.” Sims Worldwide Depot Principal Ken Daniels-Sims said, “it was an honour to support such a worthwhile charity and have such great fun at the same time.”
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MEMBER NEWS
Member profile
Getting to know JT Leyland JT Leyland (D82) recently took delivery of new double deck and urban trailers, both decked out with Pall-Ex’s new livery. Fastlane set out to find out more about the Cumbrian depot. A Pall-Ex member for more than nine years, JT Leyland (D82) was established in 1953 by Tommy Leyland. Following the passing of his brother, Mike Leyland took over the reins in January 1995. The company started out with just one vehicle, servicing Liverpool and Manchester’s wholesale grocery market in the days before supermarkets reshaped Britain’s shopping landscape. The emergence of supermarkets saw a significant shift in JT Leyland’s operations, which incorporated large volumes of agricultural business until the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in 1995, when agriculture took a big hit. At this point, JT Leyland, which now employs 22 staff and operates 17 vehicles, adjusted its focus once again, to develop its general haulage business. The depot joined Pall-Ex in 2004. Mike heard that the local Pall-Ex member had gone out of business. He put in a call to Pall-Ex, and in a matter of weeks had learned enough to want to come on board. The local landscape means that a mixed range of customers require a variety of services. Unlike its competitors, the firm is ideally located at the very heart of Milnthorpe, near Kendal. Delivering the best very best service from its prime location is JT Leyland’s aim. Depot Principal Mike Leyland explains: “Pall-Ex membership has made a real difference to our operations. Pall-Ex business represents around a third of our operations; with the rest split between general haulage and warehousing. Our relationship with Pall-Ex is a really strong string to our bow and allows us to offer even more to our customers.” “We pride ourselves on being responsive, and extremely responsible. We’re ideally located to deliver quality in the city and countryside. In keeping with our history of adapting to market needs, we’re perfectly equipped to undertake timed deliveries, and our new urban trailer is already paying for itself. We’re never satisfied until our customer is satisfied.”
Get to know Mike Leyland At 69, Depot Principal Mike has no plans to retire, explaining, “work keeps me young!” Fastlane found out more.
What is your favourite Film?
As a Cumbrian, there’s nothing better than traversing the beautiful but seriously precarious Striding Edge on Helvellyn. Scrambling the exposed, rocky ridge can mean literally hands-and-knees progress in places: it’s a great social as well as a challenge.
The World’s Fastest Indian. I loved this true story. Anthony Hopkins does a great job of portraying Burt Munro and it’s a real feel-good film; about a New Zealander who modifies his 600cc Indian motorbike again and again, until he eventually sets the land-speed record in the 1960s and in his old age. Munro has to overcome all kinds of obstacles, befriending and winning over all kinds of people along the way. I love the themes of life-long dreams and the need for speed!
Who are you most inspired by?
What is your favourite Book?
What is the most exciting thing you have ever done?
My Uncle George. A quarry man by trade, George was a First World War veteran and had all kinds of practical hobbies which impressed me as a boy. He was known for repairing bikes and I loved spending time with him. Inspirational to be around; he was inspirational and interesting to me in childhood and as an adult.
What is the greatest luxury in life? A good single malt whiskey.
What would your desert island item be?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harpur Lee really strikes a chord. The subject matter is brutal; but I also found the novel to be full of truth, courage and hope.
What is your favourite Pastime?
Enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon is the perfect antidote to working in logistics!
A sharp knife – I can’t think of anything more useful; except maybe a decent whisky!
What football team do you support?
Preston North End is my favourite team, and I follow Manchester United, because they’re my most local team.
Next Fastlane: Spring 2014 News & feedback: contact Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Assistant E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079
MEMBER NEWS
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Special edition livery for Intercounty Distribution Cornwall-based Intercounty Distribution (D98) has produced a special edition livery, as part of an initiative with local company, Skinners Brewery. Intercounty has been working with Skinners Brewery for 11 years. This is the second time that the two companies have worked in conjunction to produce a bespoke livery design.
Intercounty Distribution regularly transport kegs and bottled beer for Skinners Brewery, equating to approximately 40 pallets per week.
Carole Bennett, General Manager at Intercounty Distribution, commented: “Skinners Brewery has been a fantastic client over the years and we are excited to be working together on this project.”
The team at Skinners Brewery were delighted with the final designs. Steve Skinner, CEO added: “We have very stylised branding, so to see our famous ‘Betty Stogs’ ale in huge lettering on the side of the lorry really is very special.”
“The new livery allows the brewery to show off its unique branding in areas of the country that it may not normally reach, at the same time as being a great opportunity for us to give something back to a loyal client.”
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“Our relationship with Intercounty has grown over the last decade and by providing us with the chance to put our designs and branding on a lorry will only strengthen that further.”
On your bike! Ken Simms, managing director of Sims Worldwide (D27) joined a group of local businessmen on 13 September to cycle to Abersoch over two days in support of Help For Heroes. Almost 50 cyclists took part in this long distance ride from The Hesketh Tavern in Cheadle Hulme - over 130 miles up and down! The group regularly supports local charities and initiatives across the North West. The team have now raised over £15,000 for the charity.
It’s not too late to show your support!
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MEMBER NEWS
Network Support: showcasing collaborative success! Sims Worldwide (D27), of Stockport, has utilised Pall-Ex’s Network Development services, with outstanding results! Ken Daniels-Sims, Managing Director of Sims and long-standing Pall-Ex member, worked closely with Bruce Macmillan, Pall-Ex Commercial Regional Manager, to develop and implement a cooperative sales-boosting strategy which has increased Sims’s Pall-Ex business, adding considerable value. Key to the strategy was the generation of high-calibre appointments with specifically targeted companies; businesses whose custom would convert into healthy profit and growth for the network, benefitting Pall-Ex and its members. Pall-Ex’s Telesales team proactively maintains a comprehensive database of leads, which was used to arrange appointments in conjunction with a wish-list of known prospects and eyeball-leads compiled by Sims. Depot 27 additionally benefitted significantly from the assistance of Rebecca Wayte, Pall-Ex Regional Member Sales Manager. Rebecca, previously Telemarketing Manager at Pall-Ex, was welcomed by Ken, who has booked her for regular support throughout the rest of the year, and is looking to extend this arrangement for 2014. Bruce Macmillan is a big believer in the constructive importance of eyeball-leads. Bruce explains: “these can be gained by simply observing industrial estates and taking note of any business that has palletised freight.” “Palletised goods can be glimpsed through part-open warehouse
Ken Daniels-Sims, Managing Director, Sims
doors. Other good business indicators include stand-trailers on site, and the presence of competitors’ collection and delivery vehicles should also be viewed as an opportunity.“ Ken Daniels-Sims explained: “Our Sales manager Paul Barrow trawled the local area, introducing Sims in an almost ‘stealth’ fashion, calling at the warehouse door and appealing directly to warehouse staff on the ground. Rebecca operated more formally, attending agreed appointments. I would later accompany Rebecca or Paul if necessary to close the deal.” Rebecca Wayte explains: “During six weeks working with Sims Worldwide I attended 140 meetings, which were generated for me by the Pall-Ex Telesales team. Members can utilise our Telemarketing facility to boost the efforts of their own sales teams; or they can book one of our Member Sales Managers to attend meetings with prospective customer appointments on their behalf.”
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Looking at the commercial implications, it is very important to ‘smart prospect’
41% increase in Pall-Ex business
Bruce Macmillan, Pall-Ex, Commercial Regional Manager
Rebecca converted 20% of the appointments she attended on behalf of Sims, leading to the establishment of 28 new accounts: other companies are still in talks with Sims. Ken Daniels Sims commented: “Last week our Pall-Ex business was up 41% on this time last year. Some of that growth may be due to confidence in the market, but a significant proportion is down to the initiative developed in conjunction with Pall-Ex’s Network Support.” Bruce Macmillan said of Network Sales development: “Looking at the commercial implications, it is very important to ‘smart prospect’; growing Pall-Ex’s network with long-standing clients who are prepared to pay a reasonable rate and represent a productive, long-term relationship. There are many commercial aspects which Pall-Ex can help with. It is crucially important for every member to have a healthy pipeline.”
Next Fastlane: Spring 2014 News & feedback: contact Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Assistant E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079
IT UPDATE
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Polish network launched The push for world domination continues! Last issue we had just launched our French network. This issue we can report the successful launch of our Polish network. As the end of the year fast approaches, the IT team is still ploughing through a number of key projects, ensuring we stay ahead of our competitors and just as importantly making it increasingly easier for customers to send their freight with us. We call it our ‘Collaborative Advantage’. Following on from our last Fastlane update, the Tracking Widget is now available and several customers have already adopted it on their websites. Our Solitaire Enterprise solution has been picked up by several customers who are looking for a more integrated approach to producing Pall-Ex shipments. Furthermore, we have increased the capability of this solution; adding file-mapping functionality to increase simplicity. The fastest integration to date is 8 minutes and 39 seconds!
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At the hub, we are now in possession of our new fork-lift scanners, which we are now rolling out to complement our all-new, intelligent RF (Radio Frequency) network in the hub. This new technology balances the flow of data back and forth to TWINE. It is designed to monitor itself so that if any one antennae fails, the system can redirect connected FLT scanners to another antennae, ensuring we capture every scan, every time.
Finally... I am pleased to announce that TWINE/NAVistics has been nominated as a finalist for a CILT Technology Award.
With the continued volume growth across the network, the IT team have been focused on providing solutions to ensure services levels remain high and support our Members.
We have also been short-listed for a British Accountancy Award.
Our new Service Delivery Monitor does just this, feeding real-time delivery and collection information to Members. This data allows members to identify potential areas of service failure and pro-actively address them before they become an issue.
Both of these nominations are for major, industryrecognised awards and reflect the continuous hard work that has gone into developing these two systems – well done all and thanks to Pall-Ex’s Marketing department for helping us to get this far!
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NAL UTIONS
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EUROPEAN EXPANSION
Destination Europe Pall-Ex has slashed the cost of its trunking service to Iberia, Italy and Germany! Pall-Ex’s relationship with a duo of new trunking providers will enable reductions of up to 36%. Bradford-based Insped Ltd took over Pall-Ex’s trunking service to Iberia and Italy in October, while Davies Turner started a new trunking service to Germany back in September. These streamlined line-haul services now run twice a week from Pall-Ex’s central hub in Ellistown and are an ideal opportunity for members to explore new opportunities overseas. Up to
30% Rate Reduction to
Iberia & Italy
Send freight anywhere in Spain, Portugal & Italy with our new reduced Pall-Ex Europe tariff!
REDUCED CARBON FOOTPRINT
Up to
36%
reduction in trunking costs
Pall-Ex Polska fuels group’s European expansion Pall-Ex Polska has taken to the road, becoming the fifth active continental network for Pall-Ex Group, and its second in Central Eastern Europe. Officially commencing operations on Friday 13 September, the new network has its hub strategically located in the Łódź region of Poland.
Chabinka added: “With its rapidly-developing infrastructure, Poland is a major logistical gateway and is responding positively to Pall-Ex Polska and the many benefits it brings.”
With leading Polish logistics company KMC Services taking on the role of Principal National Partner, the 19 member-strong network includes some of the biggest names in the Polish haulage industry.
For Adrian Russell, the launch of Pall-Ex Polska is hugely significant: “Coupled with our endeavors in Romania, this steady start in Poland provides further evidence that the pallet network concept is adaptable and of interest to the wider region.
Katarzyna Chabinka, CEO of Pall-Ex Polska, is firmly focused on growth in the coming months, commenting: “It has been a positive start and after months of hard work, it’s excellent to see the hub up and running. My team and I will be looking to build on our positive start, increasing pallet volumes over the coming weeks, months and years.”
“We forecast that Pall-Ex Polska will continue to grow and integrate itself as a backbone to the domestic distribution landscape, much like we did in the UK, all those years ago.”
Pall-Ex Romania reaches 100,000 milestone Pall-Ex Romania, the first ever palletised freight network to launch in Eastern Europe, has reached a new milestone after processing its 100,000th pallet.
“Our continued success is down to the breadth of services that we offer. With elements such as online track and trace, scanned POD and guaranteed 24-hour delivery for five distinct pallet sizes, we really are offering an unrivalled service.”
Since launching in late 2011, the network has succeeded in bringing a new level of efficiency and cost-effectiveness to importers, distributers and manufacturers across the country.
For Adrian Russell, Managing Director of the Pall-Ex Group, operations in Romania are pivotal to Pall-Ex’s rapidly expanding European presence: “Eastern Europe is integral to the evolving global supply chain. Pall-Ex Romania, together with Pall-Ex Polska, will eventually provide the burgeoning Asian manufacturing economies with a convenient, efficient and secure gateway between Asia and Europe.”
“This is a huge achievement for the entire team,” commented Danor Ionescu, CEO of Pall-Ex Romania. “When we launched, we were faced with introducing an entirely new concept to the Eastern European logistics sector. The volume of freight we’re now handling shows that it’s being embraced.”
Next Fastlane: Spring 2014 News & feedback: contact Nicola Forman – PR and Marketing Assistant E: nforman@pallex.co.uk T: 01530 239079
EUROPEAN EXPANSION
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Pall-Ex Romania reports healthy growth and delivers charity hope Pall-Ex Romania’s volumes are up 42%: a great result for Central Eastern Europe’s first ever hub and spoke pallet network. Echoing the on-going success of Pall-Ex UK’s ‘Penny a Pallet’ scheme, Pall-Ex Romania is
Pall-Ex Iberia powers ahead with environmentally friendly drive
supporting SOS Children’s Villages, a Romanian charity which cares for children with disabilities. For every pallet that travels through the network’s hub in Sibiu, Pall-Ex Romania donates five Euro cents to the charity, and has so far raised in excess of 2,300 Euros.
European pipeline
Pall-Ex Iberia has hugely boosted its environmentally friendly credentials, investing in a performance-optimising new dual-fuel truck. The standard-setting new vehicle, powered by a combination of methane gas and diesel, will perform line-hauls to and from Pall-Ex Iberia’s main hub in Madrid, opening the door to cleaner, greener logistics. This new milestone for Pall-Ex’s Iberian network compliments the Group’s environmental ethos and determination to minimise the environmental impact of the haulage industry. Early studies suggest that methane diesel engines cut fuel consumption by up to 25%, resulting in reduced CO2 emissions and attractive operating economies. Pall-Ex Iberia’s network now boasts a portfolio of 42 members, performing distribution services across the entire Iberian Peninsula, and its figures continue to show healthy volume growth.
Pall-Ex’s Projects department has several expansion projects currently in the pipeline. Pall-Ex European Partners assembled at Pall-Ex’s Leicestershire hub in October for a cross-border workshop, to discuss strategic processes with the aim of progressing Pall-Ex’s aim to make its pan-European vision a reality. We are in negotiations with Turkish companies interested in forging a partnership which would bring our first-class hub-and-spoke model to the Turkish market. Pall-Ex’s Scandinavian direct marketing campaign ended in September. Establishing a network in Scandinavia would open our network to the Nordic markets, and also to neighbouring Russia and the Baltics. The projects team is in contact with potential partners in Germany, Benelux and Bulgaria, while initial research is currently being conducted into the Czech Republic and Slovakian markets.
€2,300 raised so far! Pall-Ex Italia adds volumes and services Pall-Ex Italia continues to expand its offerings as well as its volumes. Now with 60 members covering the Italian mainland and surrounding islands, a new ‘Medium’ pallet size, measuring 100 x 120 x 160cm and weighing up to 600kg, has been introduced. Pall-Ex Italia’s overall volumes have grown by 30% from last year since the new pallet was introduced in April.
30% increase in Pall-Ex Italia volumes
Pall-Ex France doubles up for efficiency Pall-Ex France continues to expand and strengthen its network
Centre Express Limousine (CEL), a founding member of Pall-Ex France, has increased its capacity, purchasing two double-deck trailers from Cheshire-based, family-run trailer and vehicle manufacturers, Cartwright. Trailers are increasing in popularity across France
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as companies look to reduce their costs. Anand Assi, Project Director at Pall-Ex UK, commented: “Pall-Ex’s network is one of the most efficient forms of road freight transportation, dramatically reducing fuel- and road-usage. Double-deck trailers reduce the number of trailers required, making the model even more efficient.”
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Season’s greetings and a Happy New Year from all at Pall-Ex
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