Pallet network Pall-Ex has welcomed its first new member as the result of its pledge to offer support to the hauliers and customers of the failed UK Pallets network.

Kenneth Howley Transport of Castleford is the first haulier to move across to the Pall-Ex as part of the agreement, in Pall-Ex's words, 'to deliver consistent and reliable, quality service levels to UK Pallets’ customer base'.

Pall-Ex group MD Kevin Buchanan, said: “As the proposed closure of UK Pallets progresses, we have offered our assistance to the network’s 73 member hauliers.

"It’s absolutely vital for haulage firms to operate without threat of disruption from top-down restructuring, so we are delighted to be the official recommended network of choice by UK Mail Group, owner of UK Pallets.

“Pall-Ex’s specialist support team is bringing about a smooth transition for Kenneth Howley Transport, and is working hard to ensure a seamless experience for UK Pallets’ loyal customers too,” he said.

Kenneth Howley Transport will cover part of the DN and WF postcode areas for Pall-Ex, and has an 18-strong vehicle fleet.

Director Ken Howley said: “We’re delighted to be able to strengthen the Pall-Ex network. Our existing customers will not see any immediate change to service thanks to Pall-Ex’s ongoing support.”

The Hub recently revealed that Pall-Ex had completed a sale-and-leaseback of its main Leicestershire hub.