Norfolk is a challenging area for logistics, due to its size, its geography, and its road infrastructure, not to mention the preponderance of tourist and agricultural traffic dominating the tarmac 24/7. In an area as unique as this for anyone involved in transport and logistics, reliable network support is crucial.

With big announcements of significant expansion and investments by network members, FreightForce and Team C Express Logistics, the strength of the United Pallet Network (UPN) in Norfolk has increased substantially. UPN Regional Director – Kevin Nightingale recently went to find out what was happening.

Team C Express Logistics are a Thetford based company established in 1997. Working with both UPN and APC, the company provides a comprehensive range of guaranteed same day, overnight and international delivery services. With a reputation built on provision of exceptional customer service, Team C Express Logistics handle freight of all sizes, from documents through to 1250kg pallets. 

“We’ve been working with Team C Express Logistics since 2018,” said Kevin. 

“A very important addition to our network, they came into UPN with a solid reputation for service excellence and reliability. Team C Express Logistics are a vibrant and dynamic company led by owner and Managing Director Tim Clements and a committed Sales Director, in Scott Gaine. This year is proving to be a landmark year for the company as it positions itself for future growth.”

This year, Team C Express Logistics are outlaying a seven-figure investment, significantly expanding their site and further segmenting their businesses to optimise both service performance and growth potential.

“We acquired the two neighbouring units with land behind our existing depot and developed the two and a half acre site into three distinct operational sectors, Pallets, Parcels, and now offer storage too,” said Tim.

“We are purposing each segment to meet the specific needs of its individual operation. It’s all part of our plan for major growth in each segment that we operate. These are exciting times for all of us at Team C Express Logistics, for our customers and also for our suppliers, as we build the scope and scale of our business”.

Founded in 1998, FreightForce Distribution are based in both Norwich and Great Yarmouth, providing general haulage, express pallet distribution and warehousing. Entrepreneur owner, CEO - Nick Jolley, is growing the business and its local reputation together with industry specialist Martin Halliday - Sales Director.

The FreightForce Distribution warehouse facility in Great Yarmouth is new. This £2.5 million investment is projected to become the main centre for the company’s future distribution operations. The new warehouse is enabling FreightForce to store 5,000 additional pallets – taking its total capacity to over 9,000 pallets. 

FreightForce has also just announced the investment in a substantial new fleet acquiring 11 new Mercedes HGV trucks taking its fleet to 58 vehicles, supported by more than 70 drivers and 20 staff based at Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

FreightForce now handles an average of 10,000 to 12,000 pallets of goods per week, an increase from 2,000 pallets at the same time last year.

“The success of our business stems from having a clear vision and working to a strategic model, identifying specific aims and having clear measures in place”, said Nick, “This clearly defines how we do business.” 

“Despite the challenges of recent years, FreightForce has continued to grow strongly, that’s been down to our total customer focus and our strong reputation for high-quality service. We are providing a total logistics solution. We have big plans to grow FreightForce and further develop our services.”

FreightForce’s turnover for 2022 was £13.5 million up from £11.5 million in 2021. 

“Having FreightForce as a part of Team UPN is a huge asset to our network in an important area for our business.” said Kevin.

“Nick, Martyn and their team run a superb operation with a fantastic reputation. They align perfectly with our own ethos as an organisation driven by service quality. It represents impressive growth by an impressive organisation.”

By homing in on the company’s distinct point of difference within the sector in terms of its bespoke IT support systems and infrastructure, and its quality driven focus on service excellence, UPN has established a unique position in the Pallet Network Sector with its “Unique IQ” initiative. 

Established in 2001, UPN has grown strongly and steadily into a high quality palletised freight distribution network. Focussed on growth through member success UPN currently have over 90 members covering the whole of the UK, and European partners providing coverage throughout 26 countries.

upn.co.uk

freightforce.co.uk

teamc.co.uk