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The rate that pallet network members are switching from one network to another has accelerated as hauliers look for ways to maintain volumes and margins to beat the recession.

The Pallet Network (TPN) managing director Adam Leonard says the firm has picked up three members from rival networks since January, but has not lost any.

"Although switching networks is nothing  new, we had definitely had more interest from potential members from other pallet groups over the last seven months. An interest heightened by customers wishing to avoid the economic downturn," he adds.

United Pallet Network (UPN) director Dave Brown comments: "I think there's a lot of pressure on some of the larger networks with new hubs. Some of their members have been talking to us, which suggests they may be nervous about maintaining high volumes."

However since the beginning of the year four firms have switched to Palletforce and Palletline -networks that have invested in larger hubs.

Spalding, Lincolnshire-based Garn Transport and Littlehampton, West Sussex-based Bleach of Lavant left Fortec  to join Palletline and Palletforce respectively in February.

Lancashire-based Leach Distribution - three times winner of Pall-Ex's 'Depot of the Year' - left Pall-Ex after 11 years to join Palletline, and EVTS Overnight Deliveries left Pall-Ex to join Palletforce.

Vernon Walker, finance manager at Bleach of Lavant, says the decision to switch was based on Palletforce providing an average of 80 pallets per day compared to a maximum of 50 with Fortec.