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Pallet Network
A pallet network is a conglomeration of several independent distribution providers into a single organisation offering a combined transport infrastructure
What is a pallet network?
A pallet network is a conglomeration of several independent distribution providers into a single organisation offering a combined transport infrastructure. It allows many companies to own segments of territory while improving their overall range through partnership agreements. Within one’s own territory, fleet vehicles process pickup and delivery requests from both internal and network clients. Most pallets are in transport from a central hub to and from destinations within that hubs’ coverage region. This is referred to as a hub and spoke model.
As part of the Palletforce shared distribution network, 4S Distribution benefits from Europe’s largest SuperHub which can handle 30k pallets per day with loading bays for 450 fleet vehicles. By participating in the Palletforce hub and spoke network, 4S Distribution has quadrupled our reach and scope without passing on any costs to our clients. In fact, the cost benefits gained from membership in a pallet network is passed onto the customer in most instances.
Why are pallet networks beneficial?
Efficiency is the name of the game where pallet networks are concerned. By allocating territories to its members, a pallet network functions as a hub and spoke setup. The central hub collects all incoming consignments and processes them along the relevant ‘spokes’ to specific local haulage providers. This reduces haulage costs and conserves fuel overall which makes us a more eco-friendly operation.
These savings are passed onto the consumer, resulting in lower overall transport fees and higher margins for producers. Additionally, there is more oversight than ever with ePOD systems that track each transit stage of consignments. Should delays occur, the failure point can be identified with unprecedented accuracy.
Lastly, by only accepting palletised freight, we can offer greater economies of space. By constraining some dimensions, we can make the best use of our fleet square footage and racking space in our warehouses. This allows our customers to share warehousing costs as efficiently as possible, further reducing wastage for all our clients.
4S Distribution as a Preferred Partner
As a proud member of the Palletforce shared distribution platform, 4S Distribution is committed to continuous improvement. We’ve expanded our dedicated fleet, deepened our international network relationships and been awarded for our excellence in logistics. When you book a consignment with our pallet network, you’re hiring the best domestic and international haulage expertise for your parcels.
Not only will you benefit from end to end tracking, but you’ll also take advantage of economies of scale that drive the cost of haulage down significantly. Our service promise is backed by hundreds of network carriers and nearly 5,000 logistics professionals within the Palletforce network worldwide. Palletforce is decorated by many awarding organizations including Lloyd’s Bank and the ROSPA.
We’re able to manage just about any consignment, so please contact our team if you have a bespoke request or questions about bulky and oversized freight. We’re happy to provide customised solutions to your requirements. Our decades of transport experience means we have the expertise to approach your distribution needs with not just creativity but a foundation of deep network connections.