TruckandTrackWinter2019FB

Truck and Track Winter 2019 www.truckandtrack.com 52 PALLET NETWORKS “Our members have undoubtedly had a challenging year, with myriad operational pressures, but they are still witnessing growth in the market,” commented Sanders. The APN’s latest benchmarking statistics of the UK’s leading pallet network operators showed a slowdown in the rate of growth for total volumes but particularly strong increases in Economy services and the Half Pallet markets. Paul Sanders commented “Our members have delivered record volumes in the first nine months of 2019, with annual growth in excess of 2.0% to the end of September 2019. Although the rate of growth has slowed again this year, demand for network services is still high. Volumes are strong across all service offerings, with Economy services seeing the greatest rise of more than 5.0%, while Half pallet volumes have increased by almost 4.6% in the period. This time last year the APN was predicting volumes in excess of 20 million pallets; we’ve already achieved and exceeded this.” Paul observed “The sector is now seeing the impact of the increase in e-retail. We introduced new KPIs some time ago to make sure our members understand the correlation of pallet size and delivery point, and members are using this to deliver the best service for their customers in this fast-paced sector. We are seeing increases in half and quarter pallet volumes which reflect this change in the market.” Sanders noted “Service levels remain high throughout the membership – over 96.4% of pallets are delivered within their service criteria across all networks – and member trunk trailer utilisation consistently exceeds industry averages, at nearly 76% in 2019.” Paul continued “We have seen significant investment across members in technology, vehicles and state of the art facilities across the country, reflecting the highly professional services now offered by the pallet network sector. Members Health and Safety record is exemplary, with fewer than 0.57 accidents for every 100,00 pallets delivered.” In fact, the APN takes health and safety very seriously and networks work together to create and implement best practice, sharing their findings with the wider transport sector through free downloads of posters and guidance from their website. “We have recently been working with the RHA & HSE on new guidance for Tail lift operation” explained Paul, “this guidance is expected to be published in the new year, but members are already reviewing their processes to ensure compliance in this key area of safety, both for drivers, warehouse staff, customers and the general public. Our research shows average pallet weight delivered is less than 380kg; but weight is just one part of the risk assessment, so we are working to ensure safety across all factors.” What will the new year bring for the APN and the market sector? “The sector is still very challenging as we face ongoing negotiations surrounding Brexit and its implementation. Other challenges, such as skills shortage and fuel prices, will not make things any easier,” predicted Sanders, “But our members have built robust processes and continue to operate with high standards; they are ready for 2020.” www.theapn.co.uk Pallet sector prepares to support the economy through an uncertain 2020 Paul Sanders, Chairman of the Association of Pallet Networks Members of the Association of Pallet Networks are well prepared to face challenges ahead Paul Sanders, Chairman of the Association of Pallet Networks comments on its members’ latest operational statistics: LOADS MORE FOR THE PALLET NETWORKS 01543 420 121 www. deker .co.uk