Woodside Logistics Group has joined Palletforce as its newest member and will handle the network’s operations in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The company, which has its headquarters in Ballynure in Northern Ireland and operational depots in Preston and Dublin, was established in 1967 by Robert and Ian Woodside.

The group employs 670 staff and operates nearly 300 vehicles and 850 trailers across general haulage, car transportation, bulk powder and liquid logistics. It also provides customs services and global freight forwarding solutions. 

Robert’s son Simon is managing director of the Woodside Distribution division, which specialises in moving palletised freight between the UK and Irish markets.

The division will operate dedicated Palletforce branded, double-deck trailers and a fleet of rigid collection and delivery vehicles on its operation.

Palletforce said having Woodside Logistics as a member will simplify processes and enhance customs clearance, providing Palletforce members with a competitive advantage when shipping freight across the Irish Sea. 

Woodside Logistics Group, which is a member of the Transport Association, said its decision to join Palletforce was based on the close alignment of business values around trust, service and a culture of delivery excellence.

The new partnership will also help create operational advantages for Woodside and its customers, bringing them the benefit of the Palletforce’s network, infrastructure and expertise across mainland UK.

Simon Woodside, Woodside Distribution managing director, said: “We are delighted to be joining the Palletforce network. As a family business, we share similar synergies around customer care, service excellence and providing a hassle-free approach with professional depot communication and interaction. 

“Our expertise in handling freight crossing the Irish Sea and focus on simplifying the processes around customs clearance will provide Palletforce members with the confidence to offer their customers a market-leading solution across Ireland, opening up new trade opportunities. 

“We’ve invested in additional vehicles, extended our cross-dock facilities and recruited staff to bolster our customs clearance and customer service resource, and are excited by the opportunities it creates for us.” 

Mark Tapper, Palletforce chief executive, said: “Securing a market-leading freight transport business with the reputation, customer-centric approach and market expertise that Woodside Logistics Group possesses is an extremely important move to deliver the best possible solution for our members. 

“This new partnership with Woodside allows us further enhance the personal approach by improving depot communication, removing hassle and streamlining processes to enable greater trade.

“I’m extremely confident that Simon and his team will deliver a trusted service to enable our members and their customers to develop market opportunities across Ireland, safe in their knowledge their freight is being handled by the market experts.”

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