South Wales haulier Hicks Logistics is leaving Fortec to join The Pallet Network (TPN), and has begun running for the latter while it works its notice.

Under the deal the firm has taken over the north Bristol, Avonmouth and South Gloucestershire areas from former TPN member David Hathaway Transport.

David Hathaway Transport, which was operating in the area for both TPN and Palletforce, will continue its membership of Palletforce.

Hicks Logistics transport director Simon Hicks told Motortransport.co.uk: “We were largely happy with Fortec but we had to listen to our customers, who were asking for increased customer focus.

"TPN is a slightly bigger beast and we were very impressed with the way it operates and its standing within the industry.”

The family firm will continue to work concurrently with TPN and Fortec for the next five months, as part of its contract terms with Fortec.

Hicks Logistics operates a fleet of 85-strong fleet of vehicles, ranging from 7.5-tonne rigids to 44-tonne artic vehicles, from its headquarters in Caldicot, Monmouthshire.

It also runs a fleet of low loader trailers for HSS Hire from a nationwide network of 12 depots. Other Hicks Logistics customers include access platform hire and rental firm UK Platforms, Premier Forest Products and Sports Direct.

The company, which offers general haulage, plant hire and warehousing, has seen net growth of around 10% year-on-year for the past two years, boosted by its warehousing operation, which expanded its storage facilities from 50,000ft² to over 80,000ft² this summer.

Simon Hicks said: “We are looking for sustained growth as we go forward. We are happy at the level of growth we’ve achieved over the past two years and we want to continue to grow at that rate and look for new opportunities.”

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