The domestic pallet market in the UK is maturing fast, with multiple networks now fighting each other for a share of the cake. However, in Ireland, the sector is still in its infancy.
Ace Express Pallets was the first to launch a hub-andspoke operation earlier this year, followed in July by PalletXpress, an offshoot of logistics operator Transland Group.
The Fortec Pallet Distribution Network expects to complete the construction of a new barcoding facility this month, adjadcent to its central hub facility near Rugby. After entering the scanning facility – one and half times the size of an artic lorry – vehicles will pull back their curtains and then a freight checker on either side will move up and down the walkway to scan loads. Fortec development director Alan Cramley said this would remove potential bottlenecks at the hub entrance.
Read More3i disclosed details this week of what it made from its investment in Palletways when it sold its shareholding last month. Birmingham-based director Richar Bishop says 3i ‘made a return of three tiems its investment‘. 3i bought into Palletwyas for £6m in May 02 and left with £18m. Palletways had ‘traded well and exceeded expectations. I think it is an extremely good business‘ Bishop says.
Read MoreFedEx Freight has opened new, expanded service centers in Aurora, Ill., and Fremont, Ind. The carrier has also increased its capacity at five other locations. “Ongoing investment in our infrastructure has always been a critical component of our success,” said Douglas G. Duncan, president and CEO, FedEx Freight. “Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve by anticipating customer demand for our service and proactively expanding or opening new facilities to add the necessary capacity to our network. These strategically-placed facilities allow us to more effectively handle additional freight from our customers, which has been spurred by a recovering economy and increasing implementation of fast-cycle logistics.”
Read MorePalletForce is set to announce a GBP1m pre-tax profit for the year ended August 31, an increase of two-thirds over the GBP600,000 in 2002/3. Year-on-year, volumes rose by 57%. And chief executive Mick Scarlett is predicting sharply improved profitability and more strong growth this year. Profit will rise 150% on a 50% growth in volume, up from 5,000 pallets a night now to 7,500 in a year’s time, he says. Those figures will put the company hot on the heels of rivals Pall-Ex and Palletline according to Scarlett. He says Palletways is out in front as clear market leader by volume. Scarlett says: “It wasn’t our plan to catch up with the big three. We set out to focus on quality, but as a result we have developed a very good name within the sector.”
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