Growth of home delivery sector key driver in £10k fleet investment
A transport company in Lichfield has geared up for the growth of the home delivery sector, investing more than £10,000 in a new fleet of electric pump trucks.
Palletways Birmingham, part of Palletways, Europe’s largest and fastest growing express palletised freight network, has invested in ten electric pump trucks to help with the increasing number of tail-lift deliveries handled by the company’s Fradley-based depot.
Garry Curtis, general manager at Palletways Birmingham, said: “Tail-lift deliveries can be physically demanding for drivers and this new equipment will assist them with their day to day activities. The vehicles are semi-electric which help reduce driver fatigue and feature an automatic cut-off safety feature which means they’re less likely to experience a run-away incident, therefore reducing the risk of accidents.
“This is a significant but necessary investment – Palletways is forecasting a substantial growth in the home delivery sector over the coming years and this equipment will support this future growth.”
James Ferguson, business development manager at SHS Handling, added: “SHS are delighted to be the approved supplier of the semi-electric pallet truck to Europe’s largest pallet network. It shows how forward thinking Palletways are – the trucks add hugely to driver safety and demonstrates that Palletways value their drivers.
"With driver retention being a huge issue within the transport industry, I’m sure this will help ensure Palletways attracts and keeps the best drivers. This truck has been proved to help deliver heavy pallets for all kerbside deliveries giving the client the best possible service and the depot a greater efficiency level.”
The fleet investment follows the business relocating to larger premises. Garry continues: “Our new 45,000 sq ft facility is double the size of our previous depot and provides the capacity to cope with our growth plans and add value services and activities to our growing customer base.”
Palletways Birmingham, based at Fradley, has a 35-strong fleet, handles a total of 300,000 pallets a year and employs 60 staff in the Midlands.
Palletways consists of 400 depots across Europe, of which more than 100 are in the UK. The company’s distribution networks are made up of independent transport companies, including Palletways Birmingham.
