In a tough economic climate, businesses must look to their supply chains to cut costs. Creating efficiencies is crucial – especially when getting goods to market. Cost-effectiveness and flexibility are key; qualities which palletised distribution specialists Palletline deliver in quantity.
Palletline provides a vital service for many businesses across the UK, especially smaller firms. The network gives its customers access to nation spanning distribution, backed by market leading technology, together with local knowledge and the highest levels of customer service.
“Palletline enables companies to get their goods to market quickly and cheaply,” says Kevin Buchanan. “That’s the bottom line. But it’s not the whole story – without a dedication to quality and passion for customer service we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Palletline has continually invested in innovation to deliver market leading service. “Since inception, the network has been at the forefront of every innovation in the palletised distribution industry,” adds Kevin.
Currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, Palletline revolutionised the market by creating an innovative ‘hub and spoke’ based system – meaning that all freight to be transported outside of a distributor’s local area is consolidated and sent to a central point before delivery to the customer. This model creates significant operational and environmental efficiencies that can be passed on to the customer.
Crucially, it reduces the cost of transporting smaller palletised shipments long distances – ensuring it remains the industry benchmark today.
“The ‘hub and spoke’ system is the foundation. Because our network comprises some of the UK’s finest hauliers, customers can have complete confidence that their freight will be delivered on time and in excellent condition,” confirms Kevin.
Building on that foundation is cutting edge technology – driven by ever more demanding customer requirements and Palletline’s vision to take the palletised distribution industry to the next level.
Sophisticated online booking technology ensures arranging a delivery is fast and painless. When freight is collected, Palletline’s full track and trace facility creates total transparency for customers throughout the process.
“The ability to know exactly where your freight is at all times is particularly reassuring, especially for customers on tight deadlines. From collection to delivery, a typical pallet is scanned up to eight times in its journey and its status uploaded to our web-based system for customers to check,” explains Kevin.
Palletline was the first pallet network to introduce date and GPS stamped proof of delivery (POD) – giving added peace of mind to customers. PODs are automatically uploaded to Palletline’s web based service upon arrival and can be sent to customer for instant notification.
Kevin explains how Palletline’s attention to detail pays off: “We have one of the lowest claims level in the industry, which is testament to our on-going commitment to quality control. Our bespoke technology and stringent requirements ensure we uphold the most rigorous freight checking procedures of any network. Not surprisingly, this all translates into customer satisfaction.”
While insisting on an inflexible level of quality, Palletline is also renowned for delivering an unprecedented flexibility of service. Its pioneering distribution model enables businesses to comply with varied time slots and delivery specifications according to the requirements of their customers throughout the UK.
Palletline has the widest coverage of any UK network. With the launch of its new Scottish hub this year, customers can now take advantage of next day delivery to Ireland – a unique service in the industry. Furthermore, the network is expanding its European operation, connecting businesses to important new growth areas.
As testament to its market leading customer service, Palletline has attracted several new members this year, eager to offer their own customers the same network spanning quality. These include respected hauliers, Panic Transport (Contracts) Ltd of Rugby. Panic Managing Director Kevin Johnson explained some of the reasons he and others are joining:
“Palletline has demonstrated superior levels of IT capability,” he explained. “To be honest, we had major customers who were quite literally counting down the days in order to benefit from these new, enhanced services in areas including track and trace and digital signature capture.
Kevin Johnson added: “After a great start, we’re putting increasing amounts of our freight through the network because we – and more importantly, our customers – have the utmost confidence in Palletline’s ability to deliver the goods.”
Kevin Buchanan, Managing Director of Palletline, is pleased to welcome Panic Transport to the network. “Over the years, the Panic Transport name has become synonymous with excellent service and customer care,” he stated. “The company reflects the high calibre of the independent and professional transport operators who are the force behind the Palletline service.”
2012 has brought widespread industry acclaim to Palletline, following its attainment of ‘Network of the Year’ in the prestigious Motor Transport Awards. The awards shortlist was comprised solely of palletised distribution networks this year, making the win particularly significant for Palletline and a confirmation of its long held status as the industry’s most highly regarded network.
Kevin Buchanan, Managing Director of Palletline, said: “We’re enjoying a great year. As well as attracting some fantastic new members to the network, we’re really starting to see the rewards of our hard work and commitment to our customers.”
