Northern Partners ride to the rescue

THE Pallet Network (TPN) has seen some outstanding examples of inter-network support during the recent unprecedented peak in volumes.

An example of the comradeship and collaborative spirit unique to the TPN network is the unprompted offers of resources and aid between Partners when specific regions or depots are affected by unexpected surges in pallet volume.

Recently Glossop-based Nationwide Express Parcels (NEP) was hit by a sudden regional spike in deliveries which went above even the staggering growth level networks as a whole have seen.

When MD of York-based YDL Distribution and Logistics Paul McLaren realised NEP did not have the resource to manage all the deliveries single-handedly, and was facing a backlog, he rang neighbouring depots to see what help they could offer.

Leeds Parcel Company and Keighley-based McDowell Haulage and Distribution both agreed to join YDL in volunteering their collection and delivery fleets for a tranche of Saturday deliveries, to ensure that NEP could meet its service commitments.

“We know what it’s like to be challenged by unexpectedly high volume,” says Paul. “Other depots can either sit back and complain, or help out. At TPN, we help out.”

McLaren soon had a commitment of 11 vehicles and drivers which would be available to perform Saturday deliveries for NEP. The drivers agreed to reach NEP’s depot early on the Saturday morning and to take instruction from NEP’s transport manager.

In the event only three extra vehicles were needed and the other drivers stood down.

NEP directors and management expressed their gratitude and are now firmly back on track, saying it’s back to business as usual, thanks to their fellow network members.

“This was a completely unprompted act,” says TPN Mark Kendall. “It makes us extremely proud when our Partners show so clearly that our mantra of #OneTeamTPN is an operational reality for them. Their generosity and commitment to the good of the network was fantastic.”

TPN operates as a Partner Powered Alliance – a network based on the mutual benefit and mutual support of Hub and Partner companies.

“Everyone has marketing slogans but at TPN we live our ethos,” says Mark. “The Hub’s mission is to make Partner companies successful and the Partners respond by helping one another to succeed.

“As in this case, that goes way beyond treating other depots’ customers as your own. If our Partners see a need, they roll their sleeves up and help other depots in the network.”

There have been other examples of spontaneous help offered within the network, including Spartan Distribution taking trunks for Express Logistics, and Dartford-based Chemroal helping to make London deliveries outside its normal area.