ACS&T has announced a 10-year deal with Ticco Foods, which will see it run a new 1,500-pallet temperature-controlled distribution centre at Colnbrook in Berkshire and to take over operation of Ticco’s 12-strong van delivery fleet.

The agreement will provide third parties with access to the direct delivery fleet, creating a shared-user, final mile delivery platform that will charge per case, said ACS&T.

The new Colnbrook site was launched in late June and includes ambient, chilled and frozen areas. ACS&T will be responsible for storage, order management, picking and dispatch for both retail and wholesale deliveries.

This is the first time Ticco has outsourced both its warehouse and final mile delivery operations to a third party logistics provider.

“Ticco Foods has been working with ACS&T for nearly two decades and has a reputation with us for providing the highest quality of services,” said Ticco MD Jay Sanghera. “This new venture will only further cement our working relationship.”

“This new operation will significantly enhance our service offering, enabling us to better fulfil the needs of a greater range of food service companies,” added ACS&T business development director, Mike Rice. “The industry has evolved dramatically in recent times with customers now seeking logistics providers who can transport smaller quantities of goods more frequently. The final mile delivery network has been developed to respond to these requirements.”