TPN – THE Pallet Network – the UK’s leading provider of palletised freight distribution, has signed six first-rate new Members in the past six months, and has an exceptionally strong pipeline of prospective Members wanting to join.
New haulage companies are particularly attracted to the evolving Membership model at TPN, which gives opportunities for commercial collaboration with the entire Eddie Stobart group.
Since October 2018 TPN has been joined by Witney-based Oxford Carriers; Smethwick-based ICS Distribution; Epping-based Jonen Shipping; Bristol-based Safe Transport, Acton-based Spartan Distribution and Tipton-based SCL Distribution.
Each of these companies has strong specialisms in other areas of logistics, and three of them — ICS, Safe and SCL — are new to networks. Others chose to leave their current network for TPN, with the most commonly cited reason being its close relationship to 3PL Eddie Stobart Logistics.
TPN MD Mark Duggan says: “We joined the Eddie Stobart Logistics family because we saw great opportunities there to reinforce and develop our benefits to Members. So far that is proving very successful for existing Members and very attractive to prospective Members.”
TPN is highly selective about its Membership process and spends a long time in consultation with prospective Members to ensure that the commercial needs of the network and the Member can be met, and that the new company’s culture is compatible.
“We see Membership as a bit like a marriage – it’s a long-term commitment and you need to be sure that you are right for each other, want the same things and have similar values,” says Duggan. “Our network is built on the #OneTeamTPN principle, where we support and trust one another.”
Jonen director John Hodges felt the ESL connection offered a unique extra on top of an already powerful proposition. “We were intrigued by the possibilities of network ownership by a major 3PL,” he says. “Eddie Stobart has a long-term interest in our sector and a commitment to the network.”
ICS transport manager Sid Hill says: “TPN has a very strong offering, with sustainable, solid performance and excellent numbers. We thought it was the right time in our development and theirs for us to join the network.”
Duggan says TPN will continue to consider new Members in all of its busy freight areas. “Wherever possible, we condense the delivery areas Members are responsible for because this makes the Member more profitable, and it ensures better service levels.
“Although we already have the best postcode coverage in the sector we will continue recruiting new Members wherever we believe it will make the network, or individual Members stronger.”
