Already adapting to meet the new challenges of this volatile economic climate, the pallet network sector is undergoing significant change and development, with no other network moving as fast as Palletline to optimise services and opportunities for its Member Companies and their customers nationwide.Palletline – who pioneered the sector back in the early 1990s during an earlier era of economic challenges – has undergone a rapid metamorphosis over the past two years. This began with a network expansion programme and culminated in the move to a new hub, together with the implementation of a new operational model enabled by innovative technology.Equipped with entirely new and market leading IT solutions for total freight visibility, Palletline’s technology now takes on the value and scope of a more expensive 3PL solution, offering a realistic alternative to less flexible cost plus contracts. In short, the new, technologically enhanced network can provide all the same services, yet on a far more economical basis.Palletline operates via a network of 70+ high quality independent distribution businesses strategically located nationwide. Using the combined facilities of these organisations – brought together into a cohesive whole by investment in technology – the network offers a comprehensive package of services.From single pallets through to full loads, complemented by more than six million square feet of warehousing across the country, a combined fleet in excess of 3,000 vehicles and support services from breakbulk and pick and pack through to European links, Palletline has it all. What’s more, the services are available on an ‘as required’ basis, stripping cost out of the equation. “It’s not just a vision,” states Managing Director Kevin Buchanan. “It’s already happening, changing patterns in the industry make the Palletline solution a very attractive to customers who need to achieve best value in a very demanding economic climate” . With the levels of investment in IT and the rigour established through our Academy training programmes, Palletline can and does provide a real and very practical alternative solution.”

Whatever the outcome of the Palletline’s changing focus, one thing is for sure – the network’s commitment to investment in technology has been the catalyst for change, placing the organisation at the leading edge of the pallet network sector.