EV Cargo Express, the award-winning Palletforce express distribution network, is predicting another record year of volumes and service after a strong start to 2021 saw trading 15% ahead of the same period last year.
This follows on from a successful end to 2020 when the network set multiple volume, service and delivery records in a post-COVID recovery powered by sector-leading technology and investment.
In the final six months of last year, network volumes were tracking around 20% higher than the same period in 2019, with December volumes peaking at a 32% increase year on year.
That trend has continued with 2021 volumes well ahead of last year’s pre-pandemic levels as the palletised freight sector continues to drive the UK’s recovery. The Palletforce model offers producers and manufacturers an efficient route to market, easily scalable and with the agility to cope with fluctuating volumes.
Palletforce has also seen a huge rise in e-commerce freight – a trend that began in May and was driven by continued investments in technology and marketing.
Its innovative, sector-leading technology also came to the fore, helping the Palletforce SuperHub efficiently handle the huge increase in volumes and allowing members to maintain the network’s exceptionally high levels of quality and delivery KPIs.
Alliance Sense, powered by Palletforce’s pioneering artificial intelligence, ensured delivery performance at an incredible 98% while Pallet Selfies and ePOD tracking gave members’ customers unrivalled visibility of their goods with live tracking, real-time updates and images of freight passing through the SuperHub.
Michael Conroy, Palletforce chief executive, said: “The ability to both generate and handle record volumes last year and now in 2021, is based on our commitment to continuous investment in Palletforce and its member network. Our agility to react quickly and ensure our members had the support necessary to help navigate the initial stages of the pandemic and power growth once restrictions eased was also a critical factor.
“Last year was great, the festive period was fantastic, and this year is proving to be even better. We’ve had the most successful start to a year in Palletforce history and we expect that to continue as restrictions ease, so it’s looking like we are on track for another record year.”
