More than 700 logistic businesses have offered their combined fleet of 23,500 vehicles to help the Government transport critical supplies nationwide during the coronavirus crisis.
The businesses, all members of the 海角视频’s eight major distribution networks, have teamed up to help with the express distribution of critical emergency supplies and food.
Between them they have 30,000 employees, more than 750 depots, and offer 100 per cent national coverage.
The gesture has been co-ordinated by the Association of Pallet Networks (APN), which represents big haulier networks including Pall-Ex, Palletforce, Palletways and Palletforce.
Members distributed more than 26 million pallets of supplies across the 海角视频 last year.
The networks allow members to deliver to a central hub, then share the work of redistributing pallets around the country - the so-called hub and spoke model.
Individual members are among the main distribution specialists within their own regions, so already know their regional distribution centres, essential businesses, hospitals and key community facilities.
APN chairman Paul Sanders says: “We are uniquely placed to offer our services to ensure that emergency supplies coming from anywhere and destined for any corner of the 海角视频, can be delivered quickly, safely and reliably to support critical services, whether in rural or urban settings.
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“We would urge the government to take advantage of our unique skills set and infrastructure at this time of national crisis.
“The supply of emergency supplies for critical operations – not least ensuring food in our supermarkets and well stocked pharmacies and hospitals – is one of the most important aspects of protecting the 海角视频 public during this crisis.”
Mitchell Storage and Distribution based in Birstall, Leicestershire, is a member of the Palletforce network.
General Manager Glenn Mitchell said: “We are proud to play our part in this unique collaboration as the entire 海角视频 industry joins forces to transport the most vital supplies.
“Collectively our sector has unrivalled resources and the individual companies are local experts with vast experience of express distribution as a key link in the 海角视频 supply chain.”
Michael Conroy, Palletforce chief executive, said: “With members delivering to every 海角视频 postcode daily, Palletforce is uniquely placed to offer express distribution of critical goods – safely, quickly and reliably – underpinned by unrivalled local knowledge.”