Haulage network company Palletforce secures ISO 14001 accreditation

THE UK’s leading haulage network has proved that the transport industry can ‘go green’.

Staffordshire-based network Palletforce has underlined its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint after securing the ISO 14001 accreditation – a worldwide standard that recognises organisations for controlling and improving their environmental performance.

With 86 members working across the UK and Europe and more than 600 trucks passing through the network’s 380,000 sqft distribution Hub in Burton-on-Trent every night, minimising environmental impact and maximising efficiency is key to Palletforce’s strategy.

"Palletforce recognises that the energy use and emissions generated by the business has a key impact on the environment," said John Rothery, Palletforce’s health, safety, quality and facilities manager.

John added: "Where we have direct control we do everything we can to improve our green credentials.

"In areas that are controlled by our members, suppliers and customers, our approach is to work closely with them to help them understand, and progressively minimise, the impact of services provided and purchased."

The status comes just weeks after the network was recognised for its standards in health and safety and makes Palletforce – Britain’s leading palletised distribution network – one of few member-owned networks to hold the ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 standards.

During a three-day assessment, Palletforce had to demonstrate that it is measuring, managing and reporting key aspects of environmental performance and working continuously to improve using appropriate objectives and targets.

The network was also recognised for its forward-thinking approach to implementing environmental management systems, pollution prevention, using alternative energy resources where possible, promoting biodiversity and taking environmental considerations into account during investment decisions.

John Rothery added: "This is another key achievement for the network and further demonstrates how we are continuing to lead the way in the express freight distribution industry.

"We are fully committed to measuring and improving our environmental performance. Our long-term aim now is to enhance the sustainability of the network and that of our members, suppliers, customers and the wider community."