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Global Pallet System is set to open its doors for business on February 12, despite widespread doubts that there is room for another pallet network operator. GPS boss and founder Mike Chamberlain, a former member of The Pallet Network, is confident of the network's success and potential. He says 61 companies have signed up as members, including Streamline Shipping in Glasgow, Lancaster-based Hempsey Transport, City Couriers in Cardiff and Aberdeen's JGB Transport.

GPS should handle more  than 2,000 pallets on its first night of operation at its Midlands-based site, says Chamberlain. He is particularly excited about its ability to service Scotland. "We are going to have terrific coverage in Scotland. In fact, I would say that we will probably have the best coverage," he tells Motor Transport.

Other pallet networks, including Palletforce, believe there is no room for another network and that the market has reached saturation point. Currently nine pallet networks operate in the UK. But Leeds-based Macfarlane Transport, which explored the possibility of joining GPS, believes the market can sustain another network and that GPS will do well. "There is still a demand there. I think there is room for another operator," says Macfarlane director, Robert Cooke.