The latest pallet system, Alliance Freight Network (AFN) opened its doors last week. It had its first night of inputting operations at its 33,000 sq ft site in Stoke-on-Trent on August 3, with first deliveries taking place on August 6. Managing director Peter Shortt declined to comment on opening night volumes citing commercial sensitivity, but adds that hub volumes rose significantly on August 6.
The fledgling network opened with 33 members and full UK coverage. Shortt says another five
are provisionally due to come on board this week. The optimum membership would total 60 companies, and he adds that AFN's site has the capability to push through 4,500 pallets a night.
"We have always endeavoured to ensure that we had full UK coverage from day one and new members joining week by week means volumes will rise significantly over the coming weeks and months. We are here for the long haul," he insists.
AFN's "strategic alliances" for parcels, European Groupage and deep-sea shipping services are all in place, says Shortt. But there are no definite launch dates as the network wants to ensure the pallet operation is working smoothly. He says: "They're going to be phased-in services. We don't want to blitz the members, we want to get the core business up and running."
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