United Pallet Network (UPN) are pleased to announce commencement of full operations at its new purpose developed SmartHUB central sortation facility.

Despite the obvious challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, site developments and expansion was completed on schedule on 11th May to provide a new level of service support to the 90 plus UPN member network.

The new UPN SmartHUB operation, fully supported by an all-encompassing cross network SmartHUB IT system, will now provide all members with significantly upgraded support.

“Our new SmartHUB is a massive step forward for all of us at UPN,” said David Brown UPN Managing Director,

“So far £3,000,000 has been invested in establishing a facility that meets the exact requirements of our central operation and gives extensive capacity for business growth for all of us over the next decade and beyond.”

On Fradley Park Lichfield in the heart of the Midlands UPN SmartHUB is just half a mile from the company’s previous location and as a result has enabled a minimum of transition disruption for both UPN staff and member hauliers.

Contactless “SmartHUB” Technology is the latest introduction from United Pallet Network – UPN. “SmartHUB IT” is a bespoke technology platform created internally by UPN to manage smooth operations across its UK pallet network.

The powerful new “SmartHUB IT” system is focussed on driving optimum performance across all aspects of UPN’s operation. UPN are now totally contactless, particularly significant in the current Covid-19 pandemic.

“UPN have developed “SmartHUB IT” in response to requests from our membership for greater support and control,” said David Brown - UPN MD,

“Now all inbound and outbound UPN trunks are monitored minute by minute, mile by mile, and scheduled in a timely way to ensure synergistic and speedy central sortation and pallet transhipment.” Said David Brown,

“In the same way that an airport handles flights UPN give member trunks “slots” to smooth flow our central sortation operation for the benefit of all of us.”

A “SmartHUB IT” App monitors and manages all trunks with GPS Tracking of inbound and outbound journeys, In-App Digital manifests, and In-App “On site Guidelines”. The app also receives “call in” notification to indicate when on site trunks are ready to be loaded. The App will receive the outbound manifest directly to it. It will give instructions to drivers, calling them in to be loaded, automatically log site arrivals, exit of site and more.

Integrated with the new App is a range of “SmartHUB IT” Central Sortation “Tools”. An “Arrivals Board” will display real time expected arrivals with indications of late / early arrivals. The board will also have the facility to view vehicle positions on a map. ETAs are calculated based on real time GPS locations and will account for traffic conditions. A “Resource Planning” feature will manage central staffing levels in line with real time ETAs. Member depots will have tools to book extra inbound vehicles online and to view map positions of outbound trunks in real time.

Further operational management features are planned for integration into “SmartHUB IT” to help members continually improve local palletised freight distribution services. The already excellent nationwide UPN service will be further improved towards the magical 100% on time delivery performance.

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.

Now the UK’s only privately owned pallet network, UPN was established in 2001 and 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.

www.upn.co.uk