For countless businesses, pallet networks are essential. Some industry leaders might go as far as calling them the “backbone of enterprise.”
But what are they? What benefits do they offer? And how do they work? That’s the topic of this post.
WHAT IS A PALLET NETWORK?
Pallet networks are cooperative organisations made up of groups of professional hauliers working together to provide cost-effective, nationwide, next-day freight delivery services. They are the most efficient and environmentally-friendly form of freight transport and distribution currently available because they enable consolidation and ultra-high vehicle capacity utilisation ratios.
HOW PALLET NETWORKS WORK
A pallet network consists of a central hub or hub-and-spoke system that serves as a focal point for the distribution network. The hub typically handles the consolidation and sorting of palletised goods.
Most pallet networks comprise several large haulage companies (and perhaps other organisations if they operate pallet-heavy business models). Networks can operate regionally or internationally, depending on the nature of the freight. And firms work together to deliver pallets to where they need them most.
Here’s how it works:-
- Businesses send their goods to the nearest member depot of the pallet network. The goods are typically secured and transported on standard-sized pallets, ensuring compatibility and ease of handling.
- At the central hub, the received pallets are sorted based on their destination. The hub’s primary role is to consolidate different pallets from various member depots, grouping them by their final delivery location.
- Once the pallets are sorted, they are loaded onto the delivering members trucks. These trucks leave the hub overnight and transport the palletised goods to the respective destination member depots.
- Upon arrival at the destination member depot, the pallets are unloaded and sorted further for final delivery. Local drivers, employed by the member depot, carry out the last-mile delivery to businesses or end customers in the area. Pallets reach their destinations more cost-effectively and efficiently.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF A PALLET NETWORK?
Pallet networks may offer substantial benefits to customers and businesses looking to ship goods on pallets.
Some of the primary benefits include:-
Enhanced Security
Customers and end-users have more trust that their freight is being handled by vetted suppliers in the network. Loads are more likely to adhere to quality standards set communally.
Reduced Environmental Impact
In addition, businesses operating pallet networks can make more efficient use of the available resources by reducing emissions and taking up less space on the road. Pallet networks may also cut the number of journeys required to facilitate a given distribution level.
Improved Service
Pallet networks may improve service for customers. Operators utilising these systems can find it easier to offer next-day, weekend and bank holiday delivery options. Customers can track freight via an app instead of guessing when it might arrive.
Reduced Costs
By leveraging the collaborative nature of pallet networks, businesses can benefit from cost-effective and efficient transport solutions for their goods, particularly when they do not require full truckloads. Pallet networks offer economies of scale, optimised route planning, and shared resources, making them a popular choice for many companies in the logistics industry.
WHAT DOES BEING PART OF A PALLET NETWORK MEAN?
If you intend to ship a large quantity of goods, then we suggest you use a pallet distribution network. It will make shipments safer, faster, and more affordable.
Generally, you’ll want to use one if:
- You ship regular quantities
- You need to deliver multiple pallets of items
- You want to deliver fragile items
- You need a more economical way to ship goods
DOES BEING PART OF A PALLET NETWORK COST EXTRA?
Being part of a pallet network does not cost extra. In fact, it saves money for both customers and hauliers. Need to get your goods moved? Get in touch with us today.
