VI looking into Pall-Ex member
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• Leading palletised freight network FallEx (UK) could be in for fresh problems in the Cardiff area after it emerged that the newest member of the network is under scrutiny from the Vehicle Inspectorate. A VI spokeswoman confirmed that it is looking into MT Ltd, which appears to operate vehicles under the TWT banner, but says there are no conclusions as yet.
The Welsh Traffic Office has no record of an 0-licence for TWT in Cardiff or MidGlamorgan and the company was unavailable for comment, despite
repeated attempts. TWT joined Pall-Ex earlier this year after the previous member, SWF Distribution, collapsed in a blaze of criticism from creditors (CM1521 February).
While Pall-Ex points out it has no control over the way its member firms conduct their commercial operations, it does claim to vet companies thoroughly before allowing them to join the network to ensure its other members are protected.
However, CM raised questions over this when it emerged that former SWF director Anthony Lewis had a string of failed companies behind him and the membership in Cardiff had passed through three firms, which went on to fail. Further doubts were raised after CM found out that TWT was run and owned by Trevor Taylor who is disqualified from acting as a company director until August 2002 (CM 22-28 February).
Pall-Ex MD Hilary Sharpies admits that South Wales is "a difficult area" with firms suffering decreasing margins. But she insists Pall-Ex has always acted in the best interest of its members. She speaks out on these issues on page 8.