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Weller says:"If it's a panic job there's no time to
Page 65
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organise backloads we just pack the truck and send the driver on his way."
The relatively light but bulky nature of pallets leads to discussions about Axtra's kit. The firm has invested in a double-deck Wilson trailer.At 4.87m high with its curtains open it makes an impressive sight. "It's a big trailer," Weller remarks, but in expert hands it can be unloaded, and loaded, in 45 minutes,he says, As Weller and Miller pose for photographs at Shoreham's Aldrington Basin (incidentally from here most shipments sail for the Falkland Islands), we speak to Dean, Weller's 17-year-old son.These are early days for Weller junior. He's learning the ropes, and is likely to stay put at the firm for the foreseeable future. "Anything to do with motors appeals tome," he says.
Pallets are Weller and Miller's chief preoccupation.but they do concern themselves with other projects.The firm employs two full-time fitters who work on other operators' trucks as well as the company's own vehicles;Axtra also has its own paintshop.
Weller often visits CV auctions and has ventured as far afield as Newport,Wales, and Leeds in search of trucks. "I cover a fair few miles to source the right equipment," he says.
But there's no point finding the right vehicles unless the workload is there.Weller stresses that operators must weigh up potential pallet network members before they join up.
"Try and find out about the other members, see who is dealing with your freight in other areas," he advises. He adds that prospective members of these networks must establish payment schedules.
Fortec pays within 30 days but Weller warns that it is common practice in other networks to pay the operator 60 days after a pallet has been handled. •