Palletline sees increase in operators wishing to defect from other networks

The number of operators wishing to defect to Palletline from rival networks has risen markedly in the past 12 months, Palletline's MD Graham Leitch has claimed.

Commenting on the addition of former Palletforce member S&J European Haulage (pictured left) and former TPN member ICT Express (right) to Palletline’s network, Leitch said: “We are finding the number of firms coming to us from rival networks has risen over the past 12 months.

“I put that down to the fact that these firms like the traditional model. It’s the fact that our members have a shareholding in the business and that we keep costs low and pass on the returns to the members.”

The addition of ICT Express and S&J European sees Palletline’s membership rise to 74 members. ICT Express, which is based in Coleshill, will cover postcodes around Birmingham and Walsall, whilst Melton Mowbray haulier S&J European will focus on the Nottingham and Leicester area.

Leitch said Palletline would continue to consider all approaches from both independent and rival network firms, adding: “Whenever the opportunity to add a good company to our network arises we will look at that, as any network would.”

Palletline network director Glenn Baker said members had agreed to give up parts of their areas to accommodate the two new members. He added: “Without the support of the surrounding members to each of these companies, Palletline would not have been able to offer territory. This is a great challenge to have in a sector that sees a scramble to cover gaps whilst Palletline members are making space for peer businesses locally.”