Novel Pallet for European Export Traffic
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A NEW type of pallet, which may NEW
rates for the transport of goods from the north of England to the Continent to be cut by a half, was used last week-end when 30 pieces of machinery were loaded at the Forgrove Machinery Co., Ltd., Leeds, for transport to the Interpack Exhibition in Thisseldorf, Western Germany.
The pallet was designed by Capt. T. S. Riley, head of the Artillery Transport Co., Ltd., Dringhouses, York, who is the chairman of a new company formed by members of the York Sub-area of the Road Haulage Association—Trans-European Pallet Services (Great Britain), Ltd. This concern have an office at 124 Witham, Hull, and another in York.
The pallet is made of steel and has collapsible sides of welded mesh material. It is 21 ft. long, 7 ft. wide and 6 ft. high, extremely robustly built, and secured to the vehicle during transit. Sub-contractors are producing eight such pallets a week.
Last week-end's consignment represented an initial trial for the pallet and the organization of the new company. Thirty pieces of delicate machinery, used for packing sweets and chocolates, were placed on the pallets, and Artillery Transport provided lorries to take the machinery to Hull docks.
Here it was loaded on to the Holland Steamship company's vessel, Texelstroom, which sailed for Amsterdam. The load travelled from the Dutch port to Germany by road, and it is understood that it was the first palletted shipment from the north of England. The exhibition consignment was merely wrapped in polythene instead of being crated, and was capable of being connected to an electricity supply and be operating on the stand soon after arrival.
Mr. A. G. Bradshaw, of Baker Perkins, Ltd., Peterborough, of whom the Forgrove concern are a subsidiary, was present at the loading. Baker Perkins are proposing to use some of the pallets for the export of their machinery. Another observer was Mr. A. Robins, represent
ing the Holland Steamship company, who are co-operating with the -hauliers and are keenly interested in novel handling methods.
The new company's aim is to take advantage of the European Free Trade Area, and a deputation from York has been to the Continent to meet executives of haulage organizations. It is possible to quote through rates from Britain to the southern tip of Italy, Spain and up to the Iron Curtain.
Continental hauliers provide transport for the pallets from the ports and obtain return loads to England. Outward traffic may, in future, comprise machinery, whisky, wire rope, washing machines and 3,000-gallon bags of petrol and oil. A total of 108 washing machines could be placed on a pallet.
Return loads may include bulk supplies of wine in collapsible containers. York hauliers are looking forward to a big increase in business. Capt. Riley expects a substantial rise during the next year, but thinks that it will be six years before the full possibilities of the use of pallets between the north of England and the Continent can be exploited.
Artillery Trantport operate 30 vehicles, and the pool of vehicles of members of the new company totals 100: If demands go up, Trans-Enroikan Will call on other R.H.A. members to provide transport.'
Other Trans-European directors are Mr. J. H. Tait, Mr. C. Wilson, Mr. J. Bartrain, Mr. C. E. Rooke, Mr. F. J. -Wright, Mr.. J. E. Robinson, Mr. •R. Robinson and Mr. P. Atkinson. The manager of the service is Mr. S. Carmichael, who is at the Hull office of the concern.