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P EFFICIENCY
Page 14
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Pallet networks helping cost control
HAULIERS INCREASINGLY see their membership of a pallet network as a way of improving their fuel costs, according to a survey by Pall-Ex.
The poll of the hub and spoke freight network's 98 members lists putting more freight through a network as a useful fuel efficiency measure, as well as using speed limiters (some companies set speed limiters to 53mph to maintain fuel savings), driver training and aerodynamic trailer design.
The results also reveal that 27% of members claim fuel costs represent between 36% and 40% of their running costs, with a further 36% of members believing fuel costs to be between 26% and 35%.
Pall-Ex commercial director Tony Mellor says the survey also highlights that almost 70% of its members are increas ing their working hours significantly in order to remain profitable in the current economic climate.
Triple A Transport, a Pall-Ex member, says it joined the network as a founding member in order to compete with larger companies and now sends between 300 and 350 pallets through the network each week. It relies on its business as a broker to deal with anything above four pallets.
But MD Richard Newbold adds: "I would agree that now people are thinking of saving fuel they should join a pallet network. But you need to join a quality one that has the right coverage".