Truck and Track Summer 2021

Truck and Track Summer 2021 www.truckandtrack.com 36 PALLET NETWORKS “2020 really tested the resilience of UK supply chains and 2021 has really continued in the same vein!” observed Sanders. “Our members provided Covid-safe deliveries throughout the pandemic, and these services continue today despite lifting of many restrictions. But we’re not just battling coronavirus; thedriver shortage and Brexit have piled on even more pressure in very difficult trading conditions.” The operational statistics of the APN are very encouraging for the sector – total pallet volumes have increased by 26% year on year, with much of this growth in Next Day Services. “So far in 2021, members have delivered more than 15 million pallets – these are volumes we’ve never seen before, in fact we’re seeing 20% greater volumes than pre-pandemic levels.” So why are hauliers and customers using pallet networks more? Sanders suggested, “We’re seeing growth across all pallet sizes (28% growth across full pallets, 22% in half pallets and 27% in quarter pallets) but continuing to deliver high levels of service (average 94%); by selecting volumes to put through the networks, hauliers canmake efficiencies in their own operations and use their drivers more efficiently, while still delivering for their customers. Drivers have always been a coveted resource, but today we’re seeing trucks parked up as there’s nobody to drive them.” Sanders said that the driver shortage is nowhaving a real impact on operations; in a year where we’ve seen EU drivers returning to their home countries, IR35 rules deterring agency drivers, a reduction in driving tests and disrupted apprenticeships, the mitigation steps taken by Government are inadequate for a problem of this scale. “The Department for Transport recently extended drivers’ working hours; we are very focussed on health and safety at the APN and we don’t think exhausted drivers are a suitable or sustainable solution,” said Sanders, “We urgently need the Government to add LGV drivers to the UK Shortage Occupation List.” Without such urgent action, the driver shortage will only get worse and will have far reaching effects on the UK economy. Sanders explained, “The logical outcome is that transport will become more expensive as wages are pushed up, shelves will be empty. One suggestion could be for hauliers to access the Apprenticeship Levy to fund licence acquisition, “We understandmore than £500m has been paid into the fund and only £50mhas been taken out; this would seem like a logical solution to support and fast track Training initiatives,” said Sanders. Pallet Networks are providing essential services to keep the country moving in very difficult circumstances. “The pallet network model is an efficient and sustainable approach to haulage,” observed Sanders, “with vehicle utilisation consistently above 75%, our members are focussed on the challenges of today and tomorrow.” www.theapn.co.uk Paul Sanders, Chairman of the Association of Pallet Networks Driver shortage threatens UK supply chains As UK supply chains face increasing disruption, Pallet Networks have stepped up to keep the country moving. Paul Sanders, Chairman APN, discusses the latest operational statistics for this vital economic sector. TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TO ALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk Logistics giant Pall-Ex Group is collaborating with technology companies The Barcode Warehouse and Honeywell to deliver the next phase of the pallet network’s growth plan. The Leicester-based business will be purchasing more than 500 scanners, mobile and vehicle-mounted computers including the popular CK65 and Thor VM3 from Honeywell via The Barcode Warehouse to support its NexusScan project, as part of the continued rollout of Pall-Ex Group’s Nexus Core Operational System.Pall-ExwillalsoreceiveHoneywell’s Edge services, helping assist with device deployment, spare pool of devices, rentals and supporting applications through a 24/7 help desk. Nexus is a bespoke system, built by the in-house team of developers at Pall-Ex Group and has been successfully rolled out to the entire Pall-Ex UK membership with further rollouts planned for Fortec and international partners. Pall-Ex Group’s pallet networks in the UK are comprised of over 170 independent member business across both the Pall-Ex and Fortec networks. The significant investment supports the NexusScan project which will deliver a new hub scanning application to the business. Pall-Ex Group deploys solutions fromHoneywell and The Barcode Warehouse in latest major technology investment