The United Pallet Network has revealed the identity of the first of its European service partners as Brownhills, West Mids-based Twente Express.
UPN revealed in April that it had shaken up its existing European coverage in a move to encourage greater use by its UK members. As part of this it has upgraded its IT and divided its 26-country European coverage between four members.
Under the new set-up, Twente Express will take exclusive responsibility for the delivery of UPN palletised freight to the Benelux, including Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg. Twente will continue to deliver and collect freight within the WV postcode area.
Trevor Paul, MD at Twente Express, said: “Over the last decade, UPN has grown consistently by focusing on service. It required a partner to help manage the Benelux on behalf of its members and we were delighted to be selected. We have been working in the Benelux since we were formed 30 years ago and I am proud of the quality reputation we have earned over the years.”
Paul added: “The network model is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK, as hauliers struggle to deal with rising costs and downward pressure on pricing. UPN is the fastest growing in the sector and it now offers delivery and collection services in 26 countries.”
Freight into Europe currently accounts for 1% of UPN’s total pallets volume, and it is hoped that the new focus will increase this to somewhere in the region of 3% to 5%.
