Power Players 2014: Kevin Buchanan, MD, Pall-Ex

17) Kevin Buchanan, MD, Pall-Ex

Buchanan’s change of horses from Palletline to its keen rival Pall-Ex has set tongues wagging in the incestuous world of pallet networks. Pall-Ex’s high profile owner and chairman Hilary Devey and Buchanan have crossed swords in the past, but a healthy mutual respect means they could become the dream team in 2015.

While volumes have been shooting up for the UK’s pallet networks, cut throat competition has kept rates at barely profitable levels. Buchanan says he is happy to let others chase the high volume low margin business and focus on work that does pay – but he isn’t alone in that strategy.

The middle ground between the cheap ‘n’ cheerful pallet networks and the 3PLs could be an uncomfortable place to be unless Pall-Ex gets its costs and service levels just right and, while expansion into Europe is going well so far, too many UK operators have allowed themselves to be distracted by overseas adventures to the detriment of the core business.

Over the next 20 days we will be counting down our Top 20. As ever, we’d welcome your feedback and input into the debate. Send us your thoughts on Twitter - @Motor_Transport - using the hashtag #MTPowerPlayers