Truck and Track Winter 2025/26 www.truckandtrack.com 42 PALLET NETWORKS Q3 results from the Association of Pallet Networks (APN) show total pallet volumes to the end of September 2025 were 2.3% higher than the same period 2024, with more than 22.6 million pallets being delivered by the UK’s eight ambient pallet networks. The results for the year to the end of September 2025 demonstrate a robust and resilient market, with steady growth and strong service levels. Key points include: ■ Next-day volumes to the end of September 2025 were 2.1% higher than the same period in 2024. Economy volumes increased by 3.7%. ■ Residential deliveries grew by 5.3% in the first three quarters of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, to become 16.3% of total pallet volume. This growth was across all pallet sizes. ■ The first three quarters of 2025 saw all pallet sizes grow in volume compared to Q1 to Q3 2024 - 1.8% for full pallets, 2.4% half-pallets and 3.1% for quarter pallets respectively. ■ Full pallets account for 48.7% of total volume, 29.1% are half pallets, with quarter pallets making up the remaining 22.3%. (Figures are rounded.) ■ Next-day services account for 61.7% of the total volume and economy services 38.3%, reflecting a slight increase in the use of economy services, compared to the full year 2024. ■ However, generally the split remains fairly consistent with next-day deliveries having slightly more than a 60% share. ■ Q1 to Q3 2025 consignments have grown by 2.2% compared to the same period 2024, although the average pallets per consignment KPI has remained at 1.43. The UK’s pallet networks have managed this growth well, with service levels showing 96% of all consignments are delivered within specified criteria, and trailer utilisation at 74%, well above the national average of articulated vehicles. Furthermore the UK’s pallet networks once again drove down safety related incidents substantially with a 27.4% reduction in the first three quarters of 2025. This brings the incident ration to 0.30 per 100,000 pallets delivered, 0.42 less than in 2024. APN chairman Paul Sanders says: “After the turbulence of the COVID years and the subsequent suppressive effects of high inflation and low economic growth, the performance of the pallet network sector in 2025 is a testament to the hard work and excellent value offered by APN members. “The network model is naturally resilient, offering economical transport in tough times, and exceptionally flexible and scalable transport when orders grow,” he says. “Our members have also continued to focus on the essentials – excellent service, safety and efficiency – all of which ensure the best value, the best teams and the best cost control.” www.theapn.co.uk Paul Sanders, Chairman of the Association of Pallet Networks 2025 pallet volumes up in Q3 showing market resilience TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTE1MTA=