Southampton-based Meachers Global Logistics and Isle of Wight operator Steve Porter Transport Group have announced the opening of a cross-Solent consolidation centre as part of their alliance.
The move cements the strategic partnership that the operators entered into last year, which sees them co-operating on the delivery of inbound and outbound freight from the Isle of Wight via Southampton.
Meachers Global Logistics will now manage an Isle of Wight receiving facility from its Southampton-headquarters two miles from the city’s docks. The facility is open around the clock and can receive a wide range of freight from single pallet and groupage, through to full load and hazardous goods.
The new facility complements Steve Porter Transport’s depot in Hilsea, Portsmouth and has allowed it to relinquish a small facility it had inherited as part of its takeover of Red Funnel Distribution in 2011.
Stuart Terris, MD of Meachers Global Logistics, said: “The opening of the Isle of Wight consolidation centre is a natural progression for the alliance and a further extension of the initial concept.”
Steve Porter, chairman of Steve Porter Transport Group, added: “This is fantastic news for new and existing customers wishing to move freight to and from the Isle of Wight.
“The 24-hour receiving facility provides great convenience and flexibility and opens up an exciting new range of opportunities for the alliance, including the development of a true same day delivery service.”
Meachers recently sealed a major contract renewal with cruise ship company Carnival.