TruckandTrackSpring2020

Truck and Track Spring 2020 www.truckandtrack.com 50 PALLET NETWORKS The UK’s eight pallet networks have joined together, says the Association of Pallet Networks (APN), to offer their services for the movement of emergency supplies for critical services. The UK’s pallet networks are uniquely placed to ensure timely and reliable supply of emergency goods to anywhere in the UK. Between them they have 30,000 employees, over 750 depots, a fleet of 23,500 vehicles and offer 100% coverage by postcode. Moreover pallet network members are leading distribution specialists within their own regions, so they already know their regional distribution centres, essential businesses, hospitals and community hubs. APN Chairman Paul Sanders says: “We are uniquely placed to offer our services to ensure that emergency supplies coming from anywhere and destined for any corner of the UK, can be delivered quickly, safely and reliably to support critical services, whether in rural or urban settings. “We would urge the government to take advantage of our unique skills set and infrastructure at this time of national crisis.” “The supply of emergency supplies for critical operations – not least ensuring food in our supermarkets and well stocked pharmacies and hospitals – is one of the most important aspects of protecting the UK public during this crisis.” Pallet networks are one of the most efficient forms of freight distribution enabling overnight deliveries of consignments of any size from a single pallet upwards, anywhere in the UK. Regional members collect freight from their local area, and transport it to the most appropriate regional Hub, where it is reloaded onto vehicles returning to its destination area. This is a faster, more cost-effective and more carbon-sensitive approach to logistics than any other, harnessing collaboration between regional specialists all over the country acting as one. This is particularly important at a time when many users of essential goods are requiring small frequent deliveries of vital goods with many drop points within a given locality. In 2019 UK pallet networks delivered 26 million pallets of goods. “Our pallet networks are efficient, professional and practised,” says Sanders. “As a sector we are determined to pull together and put our huge resources, skill and professionalism at the disposal of our country.” UK pallet networks join forces to offer government a unique supply chain service for critical supplies The UK’s eight pallet networks announce a massive collaboration, putting their 750 depots and 23,500 strong distribution fleet at the UK government’s disposal for emergency supply for critical services From Brangelina to Brexit, Britain is a nation driven by Portmanteaus – the blending of two words to define and successfully commit to memory a strong brand or message. This success has paid off for driven and rapidly expanding courier company Celkom Transport Ltd– the blending of names of business and married partners Celina and Lukasz Komamicki – which has become the latest family-owned company to join the Pallet-Track network. Founded 12 years ago, Celkom began life as a couple with a van and nowhas a fleet of almost 20 vehicles whichwill cover the north Yorkshire HG and LF postcodes for Pallet-Track fromMarch 2 2020. The addition of Celkom brings the membership of the award- winning Midlands-based network close to 100 shareholders, all able to seamlessly dispatch palletised freight across the UK. Based in Acaster Malbis, York, Celkom Transport Ltd now employs 15 people and has worked with the likes of Parcelforce and UK Mail in its short history. “We have grown organically over the last two decades after starting through rolling our sleeves up and building the courier business – we are not afraid of hard work and I still get behind the wheel 365 days per year if necessary,” said managing director Lukasz, who came to the UK from Poland 16 years ago. “We’ve been looking at our next strategic move over the last two years and the time is right to make the move and build upon Pallet- Track’s collaborative approach, which is very much in line with our growth needs and those of the sector as a whole.” Nigel Parkes, founder and managing director of Pallet-Track, said: “Pallet-Track is a hard-working network that attracts hard working and ambitious members and Celkom certainly epitomises that entrepreneurial approach. We welcome that ethos as they focus upon the York postcodes, which will neatly dovetails with the other Yorkshire network members.” From all ports to Portmanteau - Celkom joins Pallet-Track Rapidly growing courier group expanding business through award-winning pallet network LOADS MORE CUSTOMER SERVICE 01543 420 121 www.deker.co.uk