News

The uncertainty surrounding the future of beleaguered network Alliance Freight Network (AFN) continues as operations remain suspended. Evidence has emerged of a lack of coverage and questions have been raised about the vetting of members.

MT has discovered that trunking to the North-East was handled by Van Hee Transport. But Van Hee says it was never a member of the network, despite being listed as one in AFN's depot list. Many areas are listed as "contact via the hub" on the depot list,  indicating a lack of a local member.

Managing director Peter Shortt concedes the network lacked full geographical coverage and confirms that some members were not charged membership fees at the outset as an incentive to join for hard-to-cover areas.

Additionally it has emerged that one of AFN's largest inputters, Dewsbury-based Binghams Transport, had been operating under the terms of a Corporate Voluntary Arrangement since March. Shortt says he knew about this, but still allowed the company to join.

Since the network suspended operations, another member, JMT European, has gone into administration. Shortt admits it is "not looking too great for members" who may want to continue in the network. He says the firm has been trying its utmost to collect money owed by some depots to other members and is easily contactable for updates.