PD Ports, a leading proponent of portcentric logistics in the UK, is targeting small and medium sized companies as it continues to expand its range of potential portcentric customers.
Paul Barker, Development Director bulk, ports and logistics, explained the philosophy at his presentation at the Shippers' Voice seminar at this year's Multimodal Exhibition. Mr Barker used the case study of Taylors of Harrogate as an example of how adopting a portcentric strategy - storing goods close to the port of import and distributing locally - works well for both niche players and large retail clients.
He said that both ASDA and Tesco have quickly discovered the benefits of basing their north-east import centres/warehouses at Teesport, but that smaller companies, such as Taylors of Harrogate, have also benefited significantly.
"PD Ports is not just a landlord for companies such as Taylors," explained Mr Barker. "We have adapted warehouses for their specific needs and also run dedicated logisticsservices carrying the tea and coffee from the port to their production facilities at Harrogate."
PD Ports is able to offer the flexibility which growing companies such as Taylors require. "They awarded us a one year trial for 50% of their business, predicting 350 containers in the first year, but we actually handled 465," he said. "The trial was successful and now all Taylors UK inbound volume comes into Teesport as we can provide the cost-effective and environmentally-friendly services they need."
PD Ports operates two 'mirror' warehouses for Taylors so that if there was a problem in one, there would always be a supply of any individual tea or coffee that had been imported and needed for a particular blend.
"We have the experience and expertise to provide whatever the client wants," said Mr Barker. "It's like a Chinese menu - you choose only what you need, and that's the most cost-effective solution."
PD Ports Group, which includes the ports of Teesport and Hartlepool as well as activities at various other UK ports including Hull, Felixstowe and Immingham, offers fast and efficient port handling for containers, breakbulk and bulk, as well as award-winning supply chain services.