THE Pallet Network (TPN) has delivered 50 million pallets since 2000

TPN delivers 50 millionth pallet

The UK’s leading pallet network delivered its 50 millionth pallet in early May, with strong growth potential for the future

25 May 2022, Minworth UK: THE Pallet Network (TPN) has delivered 50 million pallets since its inception in 2000, and 20 million pallets since October 2017, when it celebrated its 30 millionth pallet.

TPN is the largest pallet network by Partner volume and manages in excess of 100,000 pallets a week. It gives unparalleled support to its 130 Partner depots throughout their TPN operation. However, says MD Mark Kendall, volume is only important as a guide to the vitality of Partner companies. TPN’s own focus is always on the quality of the delivery experience it provides.

Mark says: “It is always nice to celebrate milestones, particularly when they represent the hard work and professionalism of our Partners and our teams. However, the important aspect of this for TPN will always be the excellence we bring to palletised freight delivery, regardless of the numbers.”

The company says it is also proud of its environmental contribution, as overall trailer utilisation for inbound and outbound Hubs was over 80%, some 20 percentage points above the UK average for articulated vehicles.

“The pallet network sector has adopted double deck trailers, which is clearly much more efficient operationally and in terms of carbon impact, than A frames,” says Mark. “High trailer utilisation is important to the Partners’ profitability but also to reducing the carbon footprint of the pallets.”

TPN estimates that it removes in excess of 35,000 double deck trailer journeys per year, compared with the national average.

Future growth strategy

TPN has spent the past 12 months refining its business operations, reinvesting in IT and Hub kit, and planning its new Hub at an as-yet undisclosed location.

“We are constantly refining our strategy and our resources as the market develops,” says Mark. “Devising and delivering upon strategy is not a process that ever stops, because we are focused on today and what’s beyond tomorrow.”

The company has a fresh senior management team, chosen by Mark Kendall, comprising some of the brightest names in network development. They include finance director Jo Davis, commercial director Sue Nicholson, network development director Bob Delaney and operations director Bob Richards.