Palletways fills coverage gap as Heathcliff Haulage enters administration

Palletways has worked quickly to fill a gap in its coverage left by Cambridgeshire operator Heathcliff Haulage, which went into administration in January.

The Wisbech operator, which covered the PE and CB postcodes for Palletways, left the network earlier this month.

“This was a mutual decision based on the company’s ability to meet its requirements as a Palletways member,” a spokesman for the network said.

He also confirmed that coverage will be shared by Jack Richards & Son, Lincoln-based Rase Distribution and Bury St. Edmunds operator Cross Country Carriers, who will undertake all deliveries and collections previously made by Heathcliff.

Heathcliff, which was authorised to run up to 30 vehicles and 20 trailers out of its site in Wisbech, appointed administrator Harrisons Business Recovery and Insolvency on 30 January.

A spokesman for Heathcliff Haulage confirmed that it had ceased trading. No one at the company was available for further comment.

In October 2012, the operator has its O-licence curtailed from 34 vehicles to 30 following a visit from DVSA (formerly Vosa and the DSA) vehicle examiners which uncovered a series of maintenance failings.

A driver employed by the firm was also convicted for two drivers’ hours offences in August 2012.

Heathcliff was also involved in a pre-pack administration in 2010, after falling into arrears with HMRC. The business was sold to Noel-Storr Limited, a company set up by its former MD, which then changed its name back to Heathcliff Haulage.

The Palletways spokesman said it has “ensured a seamless transition” since Heathcliff left the network.