The Pallet Network (TPN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Garland as its UK Network Director.

The creation of this new role is aligned to TPN’s commitment to growth and the hire sees the continuation of its investment in managing and further developing its network Partners, and supports the initial target to add 10 new Partners in key areas to help deliver its growth strategy.

Matt has over 25 years’ experience across logistics, pallet networks and 4PL operations and during that time he has prioritised improving network performance through service excellence, technology adoption and the effective use of data.

His previous employment in the pallet network sector saw him implement a number of technology and operational initiatives to improve KPIs, drive profit and enable growth.

Most recently he was Chief Commercial Officer and Network Director at 3T Logistics. There, he helped build a carrier and partner network spanning over 200 transport partners and adopted a collaborative approach to deliver record performance metrics for global customers including Kraft Heinz and JCB.

Michael Conroy, TPN chief executive officer, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Matt to the newly created role of UK Network Director. He is a great addition to the TPN senior team and a key hire as we continue to deliver on our commitment of investing across our four key priorities to power volume growth across the network.

“His focus will be on supporting the expansion, performance and longterm strength of the TPN network through the addition of new, highquality partners that align with our culture, values and service standards.”

Matt Garland, TPN UK network director, said: “I am genuinely excited to be joining TPN and having the opportunity to work alongside Michael and the wider network. I am looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces I have worked with in the past and working closely with all Partners to support the network’s next phase of growth.

“I am also keen to apply experience gained in technologyled and datadriven environments, including the effective use of data and emerging AI capabilities, to help Partners and their customers unlock greater value through improved insight, collaboration and smarter decisionmaking.”

The Pallet Network (TPN) has announced the strategic transition of its collection and delivery operations in the Teesside region, transferring activity from its company-owned site, TPN Teesside in Stockton-on-Tees, to longstanding TPN Partner NFS360 Connect, based in Peterlee.

The move forms part of TPN’s continued focus on operational excellence and growth, enabling the business to concentrate on its core strength of running a high-performing, efficient pallet network while creating new opportunities for TPN Partners to drive sustainable regional growth.

By transitioning responsibility for the TS postcode area to NFS360 Connect, TPN is strengthening its commitment to Partner-led service delivery, leveraging local market expertise to enhance customer experience and support long-term, quality volume growth. The move will also see NFS360 significantly expand its operational footprint in the region, effectively doubling the size of its pallet network operation.

NFS360 Connect is a founding Partner of TPN and, as part of Groupe DESLOG, benefits from the support and strength of the wider continental group.

With a growth strategy closely aligned to that of TPN, the business shares the network’s ambition to work more closely with both Partners and customers, making it a natural choice to oversee the Teesside operation.

The new arrangement ensures continuity of service and, with the majority of the current TPN Teesside team transferring to NFS360 Connect, provides stability for customers and TPN Partners alike.

Michael Conroy, TPN Chief Executive Officer, said: “This transition marks an important step for TPN and is aligned to our core strategy around enabling growth and delivering sector-leading excellence.

“It allows us to sharpen our focus on what we do best, operating a successful and efficient pallet network operation, while creating a valuable commercial opportunity for one of our trusted members.

“NFS360 Connect has a long and successful history within TPN, and we are confident its local expertise, market knowledge and shared commitment to service quality will deliver strong outcomes for our membership and customers in the region.”

Michael Banks, NFS360 Connect Managing Director, said: “We’ve built our reputation on reliability, service excellence and delivering for our customers, so it’s extremely positive news that we can now expand our TPN area and substantially increase our operational footprint across the North East.

“This expansion effectively doubles the size of our pallet network operation, driving growth as we support more customers and provide even greater coverage across the region while maintaining the high service standards our customers expect.

“With the support of Groupe DESLOG, our continued investment in people, fleet and infrastructure ensures we’re well positioned to meet increasing demand and support businesses with trusted transport, warehousing and logistics solutions.”

The Pallet Network (TPN), a leading provider of palletised freight distribution and part of Culina Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Conroy as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Underpinned by his 30 years’ experience in express distribution, including CEO roles at Palletforce, EV Cargo and Kinaxia Logistics, Michael’s leadership will be instrumental in driving TPN’s strategic vision forward.

That includes driving operational efficiencies across the network, spearheading digital transformation and ensuring TPN delivers outstanding service alongside an exceptional customer experience.

His appointment marks a significant milestone for TPN as it continues to pursue ambitious growth plans and leverage its collective strength through greater Partner collaboration.

Michael Conroy, CEO of The Pallet Network, said: “I am delighted and honoured to take up the new role of CEO. TPN is a fantastic business with great colleagues and Partners helping to make it a special organisation. I am incredibly optimistic about our future together and look forward to playing my part in the next exciting chapter of TPN’s story. Every Partner plays a vital role in our collective success and it’s essential we drive forward together to deliver an exceptional service to our customers that we can all be proud of.”

Commenting on the appointment, Fabian Koehler, Deputy CEO of Culina Group, said:

“Michael’s significant experience will bring valuable insight into the opportunities ahead for TPN. As we mark 25 years of success, the business is entering an exciting new phase. Under Michael’s leadership, we are confident in our ability to strengthen the network and evolve our operations to meet the changing needs of our customers.”

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, TPN remains the UK’s largest network by Partner volume and a benchmark for collaborative logistics. The business is built on a foundation of Partner success and outstanding customer service, empowering both Partners and customers to grow with confidence.

Packaging for a perfect delivery doesn’t have to be hard. At The Pallet Network, we want your goods to reach your customer on time and intact. With a few smart choices, you can prevent damage, avoid delays, and make sure your deliveries arrive just as you intended.

Our Top Tips

• Goods must be suitable for a pallet, in terms of weight, size and stacking ability
• Heavy or broad items should be placed on the bottom to prevent tipping and collapse
• All sharp edges and/or metal should be fully covered to protect goods, handlers and equipment
• Everything must be wrapped properly, with no rips, tears or trailing tails
• All items must be properly secured to the pallet to reduce shifting during transit
• Always choose the correct pallet size for your load – overhanging goods are far more likely to sustain damage

Here’s what not to do – these pallets will be insecure, unsafe and easily damaged. They may even cause safety hazards.

Here’s what you should do – these pallets are great examples of how to stack and package. They’re secure, balanced and properly protected.

Whether it’s one pallet or many, preparation is key. Make sure your goods fit the pallet. Make sure the packaging fits the job.

Solid. Strong. Secure. Package the right way – the TPN way.

If you have any questions about packaging your palletised goods, ask your local TPN Partner. We can help you find the best ways to package your goods for the best protection.

The Pallet Network (TPN) is leading force in palletised freight distribution and proudly part of the Culina Group. With over 140 depots across the UK and Ireland and a 605,000 sq. ft. purpose built central hub, TPN delivers tailored, sustainable logistics solutions for businesses of all sizes. From premium and economy services to oversized freight and international deliveries, the network ensures speed, reliability, and reach.

Now the first pallet network hub to achieve BRCGS certification for the Global Standard in Storage and Distribution, TPN sets the standard in quality, safety, and innovation—empowering partners and customers to grow with confidence.

The certification covers:

• Category 02 – Ambient Food
• Category 04 – Consumer Products

It recognises TPN’s adherence to the highest standards of operational integrity, product safety, and quality assurance. BRCGS  is a globally recognised benchmark used by leading retailers, manufacturers, and logistics providers to ensure robust supply chain practices. This certification positions TPN at the forefront of the industry, offering partners and customers enhanced confidence in the network’s capabilities.

“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our entire team. It reflects the high standards we uphold across the business and our ongoing investment in quality, compliance, and customer trust. The certification is expected to unlock new opportunities for TPN’s partners, particularly in sectors requiring stringent compliance such as food and consumer goods. It also supports TPN’s strategic focus on growth, innovation, and delivering added value across the network” Emma Aherne, Commercial Director at TPN

Just a few months ago, Partners from across the network came together for a high-impact sales training session, delivered by Kennedy Ross, the UK’s top provider.

At TPN, we’re committed to investing in the growth of our people, and our network. As we approach 25 years of The Pallet Network, we want to ensure employees and Partners are in the best position to continue delivering excellence.

Delving into the psychology behind sales, better understanding both ourselves and our customers, and learning how to deliver difficult news in a constructive way made for an insightful and memorable session. It was great to see the trainers engaging everyone in such a positive and effortless way, and the feedback we received proved that the Partners and TPN employees in attendance felt the same way.

As we celebrate 25 years of TPN, we’re shining a light on some of the original Partners who have helped to build the network into what it is today, alongside hundreds of others who have shaped our journey.

THE Pallet Network was born in discussions between Richard Eldred, owner of TGS Freight, Jim Scanlan, then at the Fortec network, and Phil Kenyon, Eldred’s Depot Manager. They had a vision for a new, better network, but getting it off the ground wasn’t easy.

Two years on from the scribblings on Phil’s desk pad, the doors to the first TPN hub opened. And now, with 25 years of hard work, growth and innovation under the belt, we’d like to shout out some of the people who have been involved right from the beginning.

AM Logistics – based in Larne, NI and part of the network for 25 years

AM Logistics are the largest mover of palletised freight in Ireland and are developing a new 100,000 sq ft facility at Dublin Airport, having completed a substantial extension of their current facility in Larne.

We asked them: how has being part of TPN influenced the way you run your business today?

They said: TPN have influenced our business year on year by being a steady part of our whole business at AM Logistics. We have also found that the connect system has helped grow the business with our implant customers as they have found it a very user friendly tool.

NFS 360 Connect – based in County Durham and part of the network for 25 years

NFS 360 Connect has been in the hands of the same family since it started business as Northern Freight Services back in 1978. On top of their distribution services, they also offer 250,000sq ft of state of the art internal warehousing and 9 acres of external storage space.

We asked them: what is one piece of advice you’d give to a haulier considering joining a pallet network today?

They said: Carefully consider your coverage and reach as well as your fleet size, capability and running costs. Using a pallet network is a great way of expanding your business offering to your customs which in turn can lead to new sales in other areas for example general haulage, warehousing, customs etc.

Andy Lee Transport – based in Gloucestershire and part of the network for 25 years

Andy Lee Transport started in 1986 with one 307 flat bed drop side Mercedes truck (which director Andy has restored and still owns today), and now have 30 vehicles in the fleet. They also offer dedicated transport facilities for full or part deliveries and warehousing facilities.

We asked them: what do you think sets TPN apart in the industry, and why has this mattered to your business?

They said: Andy Lee Transport believes that TPN’s approach to customer services such as the online portals and both the IT and hub support, which focus highly on customer satisfaction is important to delivering high service levels to our client. TPN’s commitment to ensuring increasingly quick loading and unloading of trunks at the hub has had a positive impact on our operation here.

Our founding Partners are a testament to the strength and loyalty at the heart of TPN, and we’re proud to celebrate them – and every Partner who continues to make our network what it is today.

Keep an eye out for more stories as we continue to celebrate 25 years of THE Pallet Network.