Pallet volumes remained steady during the first half of 2026 but substantial growth in half and quarter pallets suggests retailers are ordering smaller quantities, according to latest results.
The figures from the Association of Pallet Networks (APN) showed almost 15 million pallets were delivered across the UK, a similar volume to the first six months of 2025.
However, the APN said there was evidence that cost pressures affecting both businesses and households were changing delivery trends.
It said there was a slight shift towards economy services across the networks and a two percentage point drop in premium services.
The APN also said there was substantial growth in half and quarter pallets – 3.2% and 2.6% increases respectively – coupled with a slight decrease in full pallets.
For the first time, full pallets were significantly less than half of the total shipped.
These trends were reflected across both the B2B and B2C delivery points.
B2C deliveries increased to 16% of the total volume, which the APN said was almost two percentage points up on H2 2025.
Next-day delivery remained an important service, with half of all B2C pallets sent next day and 57% of quarter pallets.
APN Chairman Paul Sanders said: “Despite strong cost pressures in the economy, pallet volumes have remained relatively steady, which is a testament to the value and service UK pallet networks offer.
“Service levels remain at 96% delivery within the specified criteria. That’s important to freight owners and their customers.
“Pallet networks continue to offer higher trailer utilisation than the national average, and also reduce vehicle movements by thousands of miles.
“As a model of collaborative logistics, networks remain an essential and extremely productive part of the UK’s distribution infrastructure.”
Pallet-Track parent company northstarr said this week it had turned in an “exceptionally strong” set of results, with its pallet network division recording record volumes and growth.
