An increasing shortage of quality hauliers is forcing pallet networks to look at ever more creative solutions to the problem of recruiting new members.

Kevin Buchanan, MD at Palletline, said the acceleration in growth seen across the networks in recent months meant that the need to strengthen them with additional members remained critical to support further growth.

It has lead to Palletline allowing a newly formed business, something Buchanan told MT Palletline "wouldn't normally do" to take on collections and deliveries in the Fife region.

Purvis Storage and Distribution is based out of a 26,000ft² warehouse at Fife Airport in Glenrothes. It is backed by the Purvis Group, a multimillion pound turnover company that operates 60 delivery vehicles with interests in the construction and recycling sectors.

Buchanan, said: "This is a sound strategic choice for the Palletline network.We strive to have the best members in every area in which we operate. PSD will help us to deliver the fastest, most responsive palletised distribution service in Fife."

Speaking to MT in January Nigel Parkes, MD of Pallet-Track, agreed. "There is no doubt and all evidence supports the fact there is an ever diminishing amount of transport companies full stop. So if you take that logic there will be fewer professional firms out there to recruit, although I'd also hope worst firms may go first."

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