FreightForce

Norwich-based FreightForce Distribution, the first founding member of the Palletforce network, has become the latest logistics heavyweight to join Pall-Ex Group.

The long-established storage and distribution specialist has become a shareholder member of both the Pall-Ex and Fortec palletised freight distribution networks as it undergoes major expansion and diversification.

It willl cover the Norwich and Great Yarmouth postcode areas on behalf of both networks.

The move is part of a growth drive for FreightForce following a £2.5m investment in a new warehouse in Great Yarmouth.

The purpose-built facility will enable the firm to handle and store an additional 5,000 pallets, taking its overall capacity to over 9,000 pallets per day.

FreightForce said the move would support its growth and strenghten its focus on the highest standards of service quality and customer experience.

The commercial benefits of additional pallet size options through Pall-Ex and Fortec were another key factor, it added, combined with market-leading freight scanning and tracking and the scheduled deployment of ETA capabilities.

FreightForce owns 58 vehicles and employs a workforce of 96, which it expects to increase by at least 10 once the new warehouse is fully operational.

Martin Halliday (pictured left), commercial director at FreightForce, said: “We have ambitious plans to grow the business and further develop our services, particularly our palletised freight offering.

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“In order to achieve this, we recognise that FreightForce needs the right partnerships in place with the right service comes first ethos.”

“It is important to us that our service levels are not negatively impacted by this growth; the customer is king to us, and we are committed to ensuring all deliveries are made on time and to our high standards.

“We strongly feel that Pall-Ex and Fortec share our ethos and vision, and we have watched as they have driven quality forward to set the standard for customer service in the palletised freight sector.

“Teaming up with a network that is like-minded will help us to maintain and improve service levels, while also offering customers a greater range of distribution options at a time when businesses require more flexibility than ever.

“The story of our success is that we can handle anything and everything, so it is vital that we adapt to the changing needs of our customers.”

Added Barry Byers, Pall-Ex MD – UK Group: “We are pleased to welcome FreightForce to our UK pallet networks and to be working with such a well-respected name in logistics.

“Partnering with quality hauliers is a priority for our networks and this is great news for Pall-Ex and Fortec customers as it will improve coverage in the region to ensure maximum efficiency, with an equal focus on delivering service excellence.”

FreightForce was established in 1998 by Martin Halliday and fellow MD Nick Jolley, along with former business partner Peter Adams.

The trio launched with two employees, hired two 7.5-tonne vehicles and grew their operation by developing a broad portfolio of clients across agriculture, manufacturing, retail and drop shipping.

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