The temperature is dropping, mince pies are filling the shelves in supermarkets and Michael Bublé is warming up his vocal cords. It can mean only one thing – Christmas is around the corner.
As preparations for the big day gather pace, consumer-facing SMEs across the UK are gearing up for a typically busy end to the year. Some 15m parcels were delivered during last year’s Christmas rush; volume that requires a logistics provision a little more complex than some reindeer and a flying sleigh (even if they are magic).
Instead, it requires a dependable, connected pallet network that can help mitigate the demands of the Christmas holiday hustle. For businesses wanting a season of seamless logistics, gaining access to a membership of a top-quality UK logistics business could be the best gift to give themselves.
Barry Byers, Managing Director UK at Pall-Ex explains: “Access to a reliable logistics provision is key for a business's success at any time of the year, but that need becomes vital during the Christmas period. For many companies in the consumer space, demand begins to pick-up throughout September, reaching fever pitch around the end of November / start of December.
“And while this year’s rush may already be in full swing, it’s never too early for businesses looking to get a head start on next year to consider utilising a pallet network.”
But what are some of the key hallmarks businesses should look for that demonstrate whether a pallet network deserves a place on Santa’s ‘nice’ list?
All I want for Christmas is reliability
Michelle Naylor, Commercial Director at Pall-Ex explains: “First and foremost, reliability is absolutely paramount. Companies should choose to work with networks that have a solid reputation for delivering on time and can provide complete freight visibility, particularly during busier periods.
“As the UK’s number one pallet network for quality, we are proud to offer year-round reliability, and exceptional service in urban areas giving our customers complete peace of mind that their goods will be delivered fuss-free, whatever the occasion.”
I’m dreaming of a wide network
“With the rise of e-commerce, businesses are no longer delivering to solely local customers. If UK-wide reach is important for your business, working with a network that has truly national coverage via its members is imperative.
“Pall-Ex shareholder member depots cover every UK postcode, ensuring seamless delivery whether you’re shipping to Dundee, Devon or anywhere in between.”
Santa’s Little Helpers
“It could almost go without saying, but exceptional customer service is key for any successful relationship with a pallet network. When looking to partner with a network, be sure to quiz them on their customer service offering. A round-the-clock provision should be provided as standard, with a responsive team on-hand to troubleshoot and problem-solve to keep operations running smoothly.
“For Pall-Ex, customer service excellence is at the heart of all we do – as demonstrated by our Commercial department winning the much-coveted Team of the Year award at the Motor Transport Awards, demonstrating our team’s commitment to a fostering forward-thinking, service-focused culture that benefits our customers.”
The Fairytale of New Tech
Dave Dunhill, Pall-Ex Group CTO explains “Since the first pallet network launched more than 30 years ago, the scope and scale of technology used by networks for the benefit of their members and customers has evolved dramatically. Ask your prospective network about its IT offering, which should include online customer portals and real-time delivery tracking.
“Over the last 12 months, we have made a significant investment into the development of our IT systems, including the launch of innovative ETA software which provides our customers with a two-hour delivery window that updates in real-time, affording greater accuracy and ensures our customers have up-to-the-minute insights into the status of their delivery – vital all year round, but particularly during hectic periods such as Christmas.”
Making Spirits Green
“With the UK working towards stringent carbon reduction targets, businesses right across the supply chain have a role to play in achieving this. This is certainly for the pallet networks, who are increasingly ensuring greener practices are at the heart of their operations” explains Paul Pegg, Operations Director at Pall-Ex.
“Pall-Ex is no different. Our hub, in Coalville, Leicestershire, sits at the heart of our ‘hub and spoke’ model, which is where freight is consolidated before being sent out for distribution. Pall-Ex members collect freight in their local areas, line-haul it to the hub and offload their outbound pallets. Inbound pallets are then loaded on to the same vehicle and taken back to member depots for distribution in their local area.
“Via this consolidation, we have achieved an average vehicle fill 22% higher than the wider road freight sector. This takes an estimated 800 vehicles off the road each day, resulting in less noise, less congestion and, crucially, less carbon output from our vehicles.”
A pallet network is not just for Christmas…
Barry Byers concludes “Ultimately, finding the right pallet network for your business isn’t just beneficial for Christmas-time. Partnering with a pallet network that complements your wider business is a fantastic way to promote growth and potentially open you up to a broader audience.
Want to learn more about how partnering with Pall-Ex could benefit your business? Visit here for more reasons to put network membership at the top of your list this Christmas.