High Cube Network targets customers who cube out before weighing out

A multi-national haulage consortium specialising in high cube movements, incorporating eight operators from the UK, Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands, has been formed - led by former TDG and Norbert Dentressangle business unit head Mick Wilson.

The High Cube Network comprises of: Archbold Logistics; Collaborative Supply Chains; Elddis Transport; H Parkinson Haulage; Owens Road Services, S&R Smith & Son; Woodside Haulage and Hofpoort Holding of Utrecht.

Wilson, MD of the network, said: “High Cube Network combines many hundreds of high cube trailers and full UK coverage to provide a unique opportunity for those customers whose challenge is cube rather than weight.

"Each of the member companies has the passion and accountability of a family-run business, so High Cube Network customers are assured that their goods are in the hands of a business which will do what it promises,” he added.

According to Companies House Wilson is one of two directors at the company, which was incorporated in December 2014, alongside Elddis MD Nigel Cook.

Augmenting the lineup is Collaborative Supply Chains founder Peter Surtees, who has 20 years of experience in high cube operations at Kimberly Clark, eight of which were as European supply chain director.

Motortransport.co.uk understands that all eight operators have one customer in common, while six also share another.

According to the High Cube Network website, Surtees said: “Buying competitive transport services when you require non-standard hi-cube trailers is always a challenge. The solution is to find a way of reducing empty running. The cost of the tractor, trailer, driver and fuel are broadly the same for all carriers. Managing overheads and being able to operate efficiently is what makes the difference.

“I discovered that the answer lay in using smaller regional specialists. They typically have a strong regional customer base and operate very efficiently within their region, minimising empty running. Being small, predominantly family-owned businesses they also have a tight control on overheads. It’s that combination of efficiency and cost control that leads to attractive pricing.”

The network was launched at the Multimodal Show in Birmingham today, at the same time as the first liveried trailer hit the road.