Cambridgeshire-based haulage company Knowles Transport has become the latest shareholder member of the award-winning Palletforce distribution network – the first time the firm has joined a pallet network.
The family-run business, which has its headquarters in Wimblington, near Peterborough, will cover selected PE postcodes in Cambridgeshire and East Anglia. The move will allow Palletforce, which was recently voted logistics supplier of the year at the Grocer Gold awards, to further enhance its service across the region.
Founded in 1932, Knowles Transport operated initially with a single Model T Ford bought for just £10. Today it runs a fleet of 80 vehicles and oversees more than 2 million sq ft of warehousing across five sites.
Business development manager Alex Knowles is the third generation of his family to be involved with the company, and believes the decision to join the Palletforce network marks the next logical step in their development.
“We have been looking to diversify the business, and Palletforce opens us up to a new customer base that we never had before,” he said.
“From a single pallet delivery, through to larger loads and part-loads, Palletforce’s distribution system allows for huge quantities of goods to be shipped nationwide and even into Europe, at far more cost-effective rates than conventional courier and distribution methods.
“We currently work with a number of blue chip clients, such as Nestle and Princes Foods, but this will give us access to more local customers and enable us to offer the complete Knowles Transport service.”
Michael Conroy, chief executive officer of Palletforce, added: “This is a great addition to our membership – Knowles Transport is a hugely successful business, which has its roots firmly planted in family values.
“We are delighted that they see their future as part of our network, which has been built, and continues to grow, on the quality of our members. This addition further consolidates our position as the number one quality express pallet network.”