TruckandTrackAutumn2019

Truck and Track Autumn 2019 www.truckandtrack.com 62 PALLET NETWORKS “At the half-way point of 2019, our members were still enjoying record volumes albeit through a slight slowdown in the rate of growth. Total pallet volumes have increased by 3.0% from those seen in the same period of 2018; the second half of the year promises similar results.” APN members delivered more than 13.3 million pallets in the first half of 2019. For the first time since 2016 customers have shifted towards Economy services, which saw growth of more than 5.2% compared to just 1.3% in Next Day services. Almost 35% of pallets are now moved on economy services. However, 19.0% of all pallet deliveries are made with a premium service promise, for example AM, PM, time specific delivery, etc. which might suggest customers value predictability of delivery more than speed. With annualised growth across all pallet sizes of 10.2%, quarter pallets are exceeding expectations seeing growth of 14.9% so far in 2019, although half pallet growth is currently exceeding growth in other sizes. Deliveries to residential addresses could be the influential factor here. Paul Sanders commented: “Members are now utilising their expertise to offer competitive and compelling home delivery services. On average 14% of all pallets are delivered to residential addresses, a percentage that grows every year. More than 16% of all quarter pallets are B2C, with excellent network technology being an advantage in this market.” Service levels in the pallet networks are consistently reported in excess of 96% across all members. “The road transport sector has more than its share of economic challenges,” observed Sanders, “but hauliers recognise the benefits of network membership, and are reaping the significant operational and financial rewards. With the future looking even more challenging, our members are preparing for continued growth.” The consolidation of freight within pallet networks enables hauliers tomaximise their trunk trailer utilisation andminimise the number of vehicle movements. In an industry that is often criticised for its under-utilisation and empty running, the APN reports that members’ trunk trailers are consistently more than 75% full (averaging 75.7% in the first half of 2019) – an enviable statistic. APNmembers also have an enviable track record for safety, Sanders suggests this is down to its collaborative approach to best practice sharing in this area. “Accidents have been reduced to just 0.6 accidents per 100,000 pallets delivered, a reduction of 20.8% on the same period in 2018, but we will continue to work closely with our members, HSE, DVSA and DfT to reduce this even further.” The APN has been working closely with the RHA and HSE looking at the impact of Tail Lift pallet weight on deliveries. “We find that weight is just one factor in the safe handling of pallets” observed Paul, “load presentation, quality of wrapping, standard of stacking and manual handling technique are all contributory factors in our members’ risk assessments, and we are working with the RHA working Group and the wider transport sector to finalise a best practice approach in this area. We will share our findings from the research through our website, where we already have numerous best practice documents which are freely available to download for any transport operator or their customers. Currently average pallet weight across members is 380kg across the 13.3million pallets, far lower than that being suggested as a maximum weight, although we recognise the range of weights brings additional challenges.” www.theapn.co.uk As Brexit turmoil continues, pallet networks are braced to turn uncertainty into opportunity Paul Sanders, Chairman of the Association of Pallet Networks As the economy continues to be challenged by the confusion that is Brexit, a strong start to the year gives confidence in the opportunities for pallet networks, both in the UK and abroad LOADS MORE CUSTOMER SERVICE 01543 420 121 www. deker .co.uk Paul Sanders, Chairman of the Association of Pallet Networks comments on its members’ latest operational statistics: