30 Million Pallets in 16 Years

Award-winning logistics company Pallet-Track has passed its second major milestone in as many months by recording the delivery of more than 30 million pallets in just 16 years of operation. The Wolverhampton, UK-based business, which moved 852 pallets on its first night of business in February 2004, achieved 30,003,048 pallets through its 90-plus member network by close of play on September 4.

In July, the business proved the ‘northern powerhouse’ was very much alive and well when it announced its one millionth pallet through its 70,000 sq ft regional hub in Greater Manchester in less than three years of operation. The business, which now has two regional hubs in the north and the south as well as its 267,000 sq. ft main facility in Millfields Road, Wolverhampton, has achieved the records despite the recent economic slowdown.

Volumes are buoyant again, an achievement also driven by an increase in online sales and business to consumer kerbside deliveries, which have doubled in recent months. Pallet-Track, which has been consistently named as one of the fastest growing companies in the UK according to the Sunday Times Fast Track listing, still holds the record of never losing a single consignment.

Its multi-hub model and investment in bespoke tracking technology ensures greater efficiencies, including the reduction of long hauls and empty running, the wasted mileage created when trucks arrive back at their original destination without a return payload. This reduces fuel costs and the environmental impact of the operation, as well as cutting congestion on the UK’s roads caused by longer hauls – all at a time when there is increased pressure to improve air quality around UK cities.

Pallet-Track founder and managing director, Nigel Parkes said: “When we opened for business at our first location in Woden Road, Wednesbury in 2004, we though 852 pallets was a big number. Now, having recorded more than 30 million pallets, we realise what potential was always there providing you were prepared to work hard and invest in good people and technology to make it happen. We have also achieved this against the background of economic uncertainty – this huge volume of pallets speaks volumes about the collaborative working and teamwork in a strong network that I am proud to be part of.”