TWE Haulage managing director Trevor Edden thinks pallet networks are
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useful, not only because they offer a lower cost service to customers, but because it is easier for the haulier to control his costs. "Many transport companies still think regional multi-drops pay because going an extra few miles won't cost much more, and the bulk of the load subsidises the rest. And if you are offering a one-stop shop, you can't avoid small deliveries."
In his experience, however, those one-off extra drops cost far more than is affordable. "It's actually very difficult to justify sending an HGV out of its way for a small drop. So most people originally join a network to get rid of freight they don't want to deliver. But those times are gone. Today, if you are going to join a network you have to be prepared to build the business. And it's not just about investing money — you have to dedicate time to it. It doesn't work itself — it's a new venture and if you treat it as such it will grow and make you money"