The Pallet Network keeping it nice and simple
Leicester based The Pallet Network says its ‘keep it simple‘ aproach remains a key differentiator and attraction to network members. Richard Eldred, TPM chief executive says: ‘We offer no value-added services, we keep it simple, we know what we are good at and we stick to it. Other pallet networks take on customers directly and use their members for cheap delivery, if we did that we would need a bigger infrastructure but that would deflect our attention away from our members.‘
The Pallet Network‘s simple attitude is reflected in its apporach to IT system. The only technology it has introduced is barcode scanning and online PoDs. Jim Scanlan, network managing director, says: ‘We dont see the point of much of the new technology currently being introduced – its just an expense to members. We have had members of existing networks coming to us saying that they are being forced to pay £3,000 for a scanner, the scanners we chose cost £70.‘
The network says it is working on a new system to get PoDs from the cab to online quicker but declined to give any further details. It expects to have it up and running by the end of the year.
TPN says it has been adding members at a rate of one a week since Christmas. It is now up to 70.
Scanlan says: ‘We purposely set our stall out that we didnt want to be the biggest but the best. We have grown faster than the other networks, but we’ve only been able to continue our growth because our service has stood up. We have never chased volume.‘
TPN also aims to continue its expansion in Europe by launching a Benelux operation by November. The network already operates services to the Netherlands, Germany and Ireland. ‘We dont want to set up in other countries ourselves, we will use existing networks because you need to be sensitive to each country‘s culture, says Scanlan. ‘I believe European pallet networks are going to make life very interesting for the groupage operators. When the standard is right there is a big prize to be had for all of us.‘
RGP Transport of Irlam, Manchester, is the newest recruit to TPN and starts operations for the network next week.
