ONE of Hereford's most respected transport companies has announced a partnership with the highly successful Palletforce network. Mike Brookes Transport became a shareholder member of the award-winning network on June 1 in what is a major step forward for the family-run company.
The partnership means that Mike Brookes Transport becomes a member of the UK's leading palletised distribution network - which has the biggest and most modern facilities available, including a £30million Distribution Hub recently opened by HRH The Princess Royal.
Allison Brookes, office manager for Mike Brookes Transport, said: "This is great news for our company and customers as we can offer a much wider range of services - while still holding true to delivering a quality service. "This announcement has also allowed us to create additional jobs, which are important for the area and help us contribute to the local economy."
Only the country's best transport companies are invited to join the Palletforce network and the move underlines Mike Brookes Transport's reputation as a quality player in goods delivery.
The company, based at Thorn Business Park in Hereford, already offers a comprehensive distribution service, with a fleet of 28 trucks including specialist crane lorries suitable for transporting large, bulky items such as storage containers.
Becoming a member of Palletforce also allows the company to give a high quality service on flexible smaller loads transported by pallet.
The Palletforce pallet network is simple: a number of highly-respected transport companies work together - in a sort of delivery 'swap shop'. By working together using a central Hub, each freight company member can deliver their goods 'half way' to the Hub - and then pick up goods from other hauliers for returning back to base. Working smarter in this way cuts down on the number of trucks returning to their bases with 'empty loads'. It also reduces unnecessary journey times and fuel costs, and is a greener, more efficient way of working.
Allison Brookes added: "By joining Palletforce, we are combining forces with nearly 100 of the UK's top transport firms - and this allows us to take our service to an even higher level. "We can now attract even more customers with more complex transport needs, including delivery across the UK, Ireland and Europe."
Michael Conroy, CEO of Palletforce, said: "We are looking forward to working with Mike Brookes Transport as a valued Palletforce member. "Our ethos is to 'work with the best' and Mike Brookes Transport is a perfect fit within our network. They bring many years of experience."