Pall-Ex launches groupage service as it expands partnership with Staples

Pall-Ex has introduced a groupage service to support a new contract it is running together with Staples Solutions.

The partners are now providing warehousing fulfilment and distribution to the Saint-Gobain-owned plumbers’ merchant Graham from Staples’ 500,000sq ft warehouse in Rockingham, Northamptonshire.

The deal, which went live last week, will now build until full volume is reached next month.

Pall-Ex and Staples have an existing contract with builders’ merchant Jewson, also part of Saint-Gobain.

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Kevin Buchanan, group MD of Pall-Ex, said: “Over the last 18 months we have worked closely with Staples to develop a full-service offering, increasing Pall-Ex’s corporate volume by 15% and our network volume by 5.2%.

“Our newly created full-load and part load service, the capabilities of our network and the addition of two new Pall-Ex staff, who are based at the Staples site, will ensure we exceed the expectations of Grahams and Saint-Gobain."

Kevin Lewis, supply chain director at Staples, said: “Staples’ partnership with Pall-Ex has enabled us to develop a full-service offering of the highest quality and fully utilise our Rockingham facilities.

“Pall-Ex’s ability to exceed our strict On Time In Full (OTIF) delivery rates has helped to secure this new contract and their commitment to integrating and streamlining our IT systems paves the way for additional contracts of this scale."

To mark the next step of the partnership the companies have unveiled a joint livery. Lewis is pictured with Mark Steel (left), sales and marketing director at the pallet network.

Under its original tie-up with Staples serving Jewson, Pall-Ex is understood to be handling approximately 120 pallets a night directly with the membership picking up the remainder from a total nightly shipment of 650 pallets.

The intention is not to overwhelm members and disrupt trunking volumes but to offer additional work for those that are placed to take it and that individually may not be able to win it.

An example of this is London-based Pall-Ex member PPL, which as an off shoot of the Staples project is now providing a transshipment parcel service for the client.

Transport capability

Pall-Ex holds an O-licence authorising up to 35 vehicles and 100 trailers at its central hub in Coalville, Leicestershire as well as for four trucks and six trailers at Staples Rockingham DC.

Through Pall-Ex South West, and two members it purchased: Pall-Ex London (Bowden Network Services) and Shears Bros (Transport), it has further authorisation for up to 90 vehicles and slightly fewer trailers, according to DVSA records.