Truck and Track Autumn 2026 www.truckandtrack.com 30 PALLET NETWORKS TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk Half-year results from the Association of Pallet Networks (APN) show steady volumes across the sector, with high service levels and booming B2C demand. Overall pallet volumes remained very similar to the first six months of 2025, with almost 15 million pallets delivered across the UK. However, some key points possibly reflect the cost pressures which have affected businesses and households alike: ■ A slight shift in favour of economy services. ■ A two percentage point drop in timed premium services. ■ Substantial growth in half and quarter pallets, at +3.2% and +2.6% respectively, but a slight decrease in full pallets, suggesting that end users and retailers may be ordering smaller quantities. For the first time full pallets are significantly less than half the total shipped. ■ This move from full to quarter and half pallets is reflected across the B2B and B2C delivery points. Residential surge B2C deliveries climbed to 16% of total volume, almost two percentage points up on the same period in 2025. Although the shift to half and quarter pallets is evident, next-day delivery is clearly still an important factor for consumers, with half of all B2C pallets sent next day and 57% of quarter pallets. APN Chairman Paul Sanders says: “Despite strong cost pressures in the economy, pallet volumes have remained relatively steady, which is a testament to the value and service UK pallet networks offer. Service levels remain at 96% delivery within the specified criteria. That’s important to freight owners and their customers.” He continues: “Pallet networks continue to offer higher trailer utilisation than the national average, and also reduce vehicle movements by thousands of miles. As a model of collaborative logistics, networks remain an essential and extremely productive part of the UK’s distribution infrastructure.” The Association of Pallet Networks has a membership of seven pallet networks in the UK: Pall-Ex, Pallet-Track, Palletforce, Palletline, Palletways, THE Pallet Network and United Pallet Network. These in turn represent 800 hauliers, more than 24,000 vehicles and over 13 million sq ft of warehouse space collectively. www.theapn.co.uk Paul Sanders, Chairman of the Association of Pallet Networks Value and service dominate half year pallet sector results Download a free copy of Mental health MATTERS at https://www.theapn.co.uk/downloads.aspx
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