According to recent reports, growth in the pallet network sector has started to show major signs of slowing as a shrinking pool of reliable members and an absence of consolidation has lead to dual running and a lack of choice for customers. With pressures mounting and little visible change in the offing, are customers in need of alternative solutions?

“Not enough quality members”

Speaking to MotorTransport last month, PalletForce chief executive Michael Conroy admitted that sector growth had taken a knock, with growth in palletised freight slowing from 15% in 2014 to just 7% last year.

Conroy blames the halt in progress on a lack of quality members to keep the UK’s eight separate pallet networks running, stating that this deficiency has led to an increase in dual running as “certain members knew that networks had no market alternatives to call upon.” He also cited “a lack of succession planning” as a reason for many family-run haulier companies dying out, further shrinking the pool of available and reliable members.

Lack of Ownership

These pressures will no doubt add to what can sometimes amount to a negative customer perception of pallet networks.

A lack of ownership over cargo passed between the individual drivers or companies of one network can fail to give customers peace of mind, as accountability for any damages or process issues becomes blurred between driver and network. Many network drivers have also pointed out the challenges and time pressures that they face when managing multiple pickups and drop-offs.

A Reliable Alternative

While a pallet network can seem like a cost-effective choice, there are more reliable alternatives when it comes to delivering time-sensitive loads and securing the safety of your cargo, as well as your own peace of mind.

Here at Waller, we offer time critical haulage around the clock with unrivalled flexibility and access to vehicles. Trusting one firm with your delivery removes the hassle associated with driver coordination and short notice or ad hoc logistics, as well as any grey areas in accountability. We take full ownership to ensure the accurate and timely delivery of your cargo.

For more information, or to talk to us about our specialist time critical transport solutions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be more than happy to tailor a haulage solution to your specific requirements.