Olympics will give haulage a boost, says Pallet-Track
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By Chris Druce
PALLET-TRACK believes the looming Olympic Games will provide a fillip for its members and general hauliers alike.
Pallet-Track MD Nigel Parkes says the pallet network’s proactive approach to this summer’s Games stands his 74 haulier members in good stead to maximise the commercial opportunities.
He also believes London 2012 will provide a much-needed economic boost. “I think we’ll see a surge in volumes ahead of the Games from proactive customers, followed by a second wave from customers being reactive once they have begun,” says Parkes.
“There will also be a positive knock-on effect for all businesses, whether you are in London or Carlisle [as consumption is stimulated].” Pallet-Track has produced a 37-page Games document sent out to all its member shareholders, who have in turn distributed copies to their customers, to make the whole period run as smoothly as possible.
Parkes says the network engaged early with members, encouraging them to talk to customers and explain the challenges ahead, as well as what to order and what not to order.
Pallet-Track has also had an Olympics co-ordinator in place at its Wolverhampton central hub for the past few months acting as a direct point of contact for any member queries regarding the Games.
Parkes says Pallet-Track has seen pallet volumes increase 13% in the past 12 months and it has recruited four new haulier members this year.
“I believe a true recovery is on the horizon,” says Parkes, “but I’ve always been of the opinion that the UK was never going to rocket out of recession.”