Birmingham 4th March 2009 – The Institute of Transport Management (ITM), the leading transport accreditation body, has been disseminating Awards to the industry since 1977. The logistics sector represents one of the major Awards categories of the accreditation programme, reflecting the importance of this sector to the UK economy. Over the last few months, the Institute has been conducting detailed research into the palletized distribution network, in order to identify and reward those companies in the sector which are providing exceptional services to their clients. Consequently, the ITM is pleased to announce the presentation of the ‘Logistics Pallet Supplier 2009’ title to Palletforce, a company which impressed the Awards Committee with the quality of its services and business ethos.

Palletforce is a relatively young freight distribution company, launched only in 2001, but it has made rapid strides in the market and has become a highly successful supplier of such services across the UK and Europe. The company’s network of 100 strategically placed depots controlled by a new, state-of-the-art £30million central hub in Staffordshire, handles the full size spectrum of consignments, from single pallets through to larger part loads. Clients can avail of a range of services including UK and European distribution, next day and economy, timed services for both standard and palletized traffic, as well as oversized consignments. One of the key advantages of the Palletforce set-up – and a significant difference from most others in the business - is the close-knit nature of its network; the company is owned by its members, who share equally in its responsibilities and successes. The comprehensive agreements between members have resulted in enduring loyalty to the highest levels of commitment and customer service. Linked in with this is Palletforce’s capability to offer tailored solutions – part load, full load, storage, container handling, picking services and dedicated fleets.

Feedback from Institute of Transport Management members confirms that the high-end service provided by Palletforce is delivered with a consistency and surety unavailable elsewhere in the market. With such a robust business ethos and satisfied client base, it is no surprise that the network continues to attract new members - such as Simarco International, Daily Nationwide Distribution and EVTS Overnight Deliveries - while maintaining an extremely low rate of migration among existing members.

Awards Liaison Officer at the ITM, Mr. Philip Leung, commented on the Award to Palletforce as follows: “At a time when many businesses involved in logistics are struggling to counter the pressures associated with the downturn in the economy, Palletforce, by virtue of the esprit de corps which characterises its fellowship, plus its adherence to the highest standards of customer care - including the willingness to fine tune services to the needs of the client - is going from strength to strength. New partnership agreements are announced weekly as more businesses express their desire to be part of this success story. With the new hub development at Burton-on-Trent, Palletforce has demonstrated that it has the resources to carry through investments in expansion while others are fighting for survival in the recession. In light of the capabilities engendered by the new centre, Palletforce is in an excellent position to pursue further success in the palletized distribution market.”

“In conclusion, I would like to express my congratulations to all at Palletforce on winning the ‘Logistics Pallet Supplier 2009’ Award. This title is bestowed on the company on the basis of thorough research into current market offerings and positive reports from within our membership. I am sure that Palletforce can look forward to many more years of fruitful trading and further success with the Institute’s accreditation programme.”