Palletways Birmingham, part of Europe’s largest and fastest growing express palletised freight network, has taken delivery of eighteen new branded Renault trucks following a £7 million investment by the Palletways Group. The investment helps the company meet upcoming peaks in demand and its future growth plans by increasing capacity.

The arrival of the new fleet, comprising articulated trucks, 18 tonne units and 12 tonne units, adds more modern vehicles to the business’ existing fleet replacing older stock. They offer the latest in driver comfort, tracking and pedestrian safety aids and are fully liveried with Palletways corporate branding. The investment is a marker in the sand to show the industry, competitors and new recruits how seriously Palletways takes its commitment to provide the best, safest experience for its drivers.

Part of a network of 115 UK depots, the Birmingham business handles single pallet loads to large scale consignments throughout the Midlands. It employs 40 drivers across its evening trunking operations and daily collections and delivery operation, moving consignments ranging from a single pallet through to a full trailer load.

Garry Curtis, general manager at Palletways Birmingham, said the investment will help the company to meet the growing demand for express palletised freight services across the region:

“We’re growing our operations as regional demand increases. This investment helps us to continue to deliver a first-class reliable service and grow the 25,000 pallets we handle each month. Providing our drivers with additional safety features, such as vision panels in their near-side doors, demonstrates our ongoing commitment to operating a safe and effective fleet.”

Terry Morris, commercial director of Owned Operations, Palletways UK, adds:

“This significant group investment provides the best possible experience for our drivers, and importantly equips them with the right tools to provide the right service to their customers as the market changes. Like most transport companies of our size, drivers are so important to recruit and retain and it’s a big issue across the country.

“The UK is currently 60,000 HGV drivers short and it’s predicted that by 2020 there’ll be shortfall of 150,000 drivers. Drivers take pride in the vehicles they’re responsible for if the conditions they’re working in are right. They want the most modern, up-to-date vehicles and trailers, so our fleet needs to impress.”

The Renault vehicles are equipped with the latest innovations and technology including GPS, four-way cameras to assist manoeuvring, an improved vehicle turning circle and full cantilever tail lifts to make loading and unloading pallets easier and safer. Cabs offer a high level of driver comfort and convenience and the latest communications technology.