What are pallet networks and how can they help me?
If you have sent a pallet (or need to!) there is a good chance that the pallet won’t make its entire journey from origin to destination with the one carrier and may indeed be handled by several suppliers, working together. When this happens, the movement of your goods will be handled by a Pallet Network…and there are a number of them operating across the UK and beyond!
In this section of the Knowledge Centre, we will discuss the role that Pallet Networks play in moving products around the UK, discuss the benefits of using them and discuss the main Pallet Networks that operate in the UK. As you might suspect, we also have all the suppliers details you might require in the LOGISTO Directory (click here). We also recommend that you read our Knowledge Centre article on pallets, which you can reach here.
Without further ado, let’s get down to the detail – What are Pallet Networks?
Pallet Networks are a collection or co-operative of professional hauliers that work together to provide freight delivery services. Of course, this is freight that is on pallets!
How do Pallet Networks operate?
The way that the Pallet Networks go about their work is relatively simple. However, rather than us try to explain it, we will let ‘The Association of Pallet Networks’ (who are dedicated to the Pallet Network sector) show you, through their detailed infographic (please visit theapn.co.uk for more information).
OK, so it is clear how they operate, but what are the benefits of using a Pallet Network?
There are a few clear reasons for you to utilise a Pallet Network in support of moving your goods. You will realise the benefits of the economies of scale and utilising the existing infrastructure means you won’t need to invest in as much (or any) equipment or IT. You will be able to have your pallets delivered within 24 hours, even sometimes on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Of course, like with parcels, you will be able track and trace your goods as they move through the network.
Lastly (but by no means least!), there are significant environmental benefits as a result of the way Pallet Networks operate (including vehicle utilisation) and the efficiency of transport.
Whilst we are here, what are the benefits to suppliers of joining a Pallet Network?
Like for a customer, the benefits to a haulier of joining a Pallet Network are clear, namely:
- Gives regional hauliers the ability to deliver nationwide, utilising other hauliers networks, whilst they can be confident that the other members are all aligned on key aspects of operations such as reliability and security of service
- Allows loads to be delivered cost-effectively
- Ensures hauliers can be cost-competitive, allowing suppliers to bid for (and hopefully win!) more work!
Now that you are confident in the service that Pallet Networks provide and the benefits that they can deliver (both to a customer and a haulier), we will now provide a high-level summary of the 8 main Pallet Networks that operate in the UK (and beyond). If you would like to find out more about how these providers can support your pallet movements, then please reach out to them via their details that are in the LOGISTO Directory. Their information can be found here.
In no particular order, let’s dive into each of the key Pallet Network providers in the UK, starting with:
Palletways, founded in 1994, are one of, if not the largest palletised freight networks in the UK. They have over 115 member depots located across the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland. Operating out of 7 owned hubs (Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Livingston, London and Milton Keynes) and delivering over 25,000 pallets a day, they certainly have the right experience to assist with your pallet requirements.
Palletways parent company is Imperial Logistics, often voted one of the world’s top logistics companies.
Pallex, launched in 1996, is based out of Ellistown in the midlands and operates from two main hubs: Ellistown and Warrington. Now operating across the UK (and 8 European countries), utilising over 90 SME’s, Pallex was the first (and only) UK pallet network to receive the ISO gold standard for network-wide quality.
The Pallet Network, acquired and now owned by Culina Logistics in 2021 is a leading palletised freight distribution network, delivering over 5 million pallets in 2021! With the most thorough post code reach in the UK, you should have little problem in getting your pallet(s) to its required destination. The pallet network operates from 130 depot locations, utilising 120 partner companies.
Palletline was the first UK pallet network, founded in 1992. Still 100% owned by the partner companies, all 96 of them striving to deliver your pallets speedily and efficiently. Delivering over 4 million pallets a year, to 29 European countries, they have a history of what is required – delivery pallets!
Located from their central hub near Wolverhampton, operating out of a 267,000sqft super hub, Pallet Track has been operating for 10+ years, delivering pallets across the UK. Known for efficient IT, ensuring seamless order and trace capability, they have rapidly become one of the main players in UK pallet networks.
Palletforce is made up of over 100 member companies has operated for over 20 years delivering pallets. They are part of the logistics giant EV Cargo which means that through their parent company they can provide global logistics services. Currently delivering over 16,000 pallets a day, their very own superhub is based in Burton upon Trent and handles over 500 trucks per night.
Fortec has grown to include over 70 partners, operating across the UK, Ireland and Europe, delivering thousands of time critical pallets every day. They operate in all postcodes of the UK, based from their hub located in Northamptonshire….the UK’s ‘Golden Triangle’ of freight infrastructure!
Operating from their 250,00sqft hub in Lichfield, Staffordshire, UPN has the support of over 90 member companies supporting the pallet network deliver across the UK and Europe. 5,000 local vehicles assist with the final mile delivery, ensuring your pallets are delivered speedily and safely to their end destination.
Now that we have provided an overview of the main Pallet Networks, don’t forget that you can find all the key details about the companies and their contact details in the LOGISTO Directory. Please click here and you will be taken straight to the relevant section.
Got a question on pallet networks?
No problem, please drop a question on the LOGISTO Forum, or contact the LOGISTO team here and we will be more than happy to help.
Thank you
LOGISTO Team