One of South East’s growing haulage companies has made a significant investment to nearly double its fleet, from 11 to 20 vehicles, creating new jobs and opportunities for customers to move their goods around UK and Europe, despite new challenges facing the industry. Mitcham-based Kent Couriers is looking positively ahead to a new financial year of trading having overcome operational headaches created by Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic, the current fuel price rises and the price increases for goods and services generally. The firm saw an additional £4000 in its outgoings last month from the rise in fuel costs compared to the previous month.
Kent Couriers is family-run, owned and managed by Keith Phipps, and is a member of Palletways and part of Imperial Logistics (Imperial), Europe’s largest and fastest-growing express palletised freight network.
Commenting Mr Phipps, says:
“Our team has worked exceptionally hard to keep vital shipments moving and to continue providing a great service at a reasonable price. We have seen an increase in pallet delivery volumes during the pandemic, especially for home deliveries, caused by rising online shopping for items like gardening products and building materials. Increasing fuel prices are a concern and this places an even greater level of importance on efficient collections and deliveries, aided by the skill and experience of our drivers.
Despite healthy competition in the areas we cover, we continue to provide a great customer service to local businesses, winning new contracts despite the challenges the industry faces. We’re doubling our fleet to accommodate additional postcodes in south London and look forward to a positive year of trading.”
Rob Gittins, managing director of Palletways UK, adds:
“Members like Kent Couriers demonstrate the importance we place on experienced, well-managed transport firms that have an excellent track record and are well-respected in their region. Kent Couriers is a great asset to the network and we’re looking forward to drawing on its experience to grow our presence in the South East of England.”
The company employs 12 drivers and three office-based employees, including Mr. Phipps’ two brothers and son. Together the team looks after businesses and residential customers across London and Surrey. Kent Couriers joined Palletways in 2008 to help customers benefit from its logistics services across UK and into Europe, and additional services including next-day delivery, online tracking and estimated time of arrival.
The firm is one of over 120 independent transport providers that are part of the Palletways UK network. They benefit from shared expertise and resources from within the group to deliver consignments of palletised freight to market faster and more cost-effectively than ever before. The Palletways Group, renowned for its industry-leading IT developments and operational systems, comprises 450+ depots and 20 hub operations, through which it provides collection and distribution services across 24 European countries, including the UK.
